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VocalEssence singers wearing black with multicolored stoles perform while clapping their hands with joyful expressions. Photo Credit: Kyndell Harkness

Concert: Global Rhythms, Joyful Voices

May 3, 2026 @ 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Join the VocalEssence Chorus in an exploration of genre-defying selections that showcase the incredible versatility of the human voice. Span the globe with us as we highlight the diverse cultural influences that continue to shape American musical traditions. A spotlight will be placed on the music of VocalEssence ¡Cantaré!—an initiative that builds musical bridges between…

A collage image. On the left VocalEssence Ensemble Singers wearing black perform while clapping their hands with joyful expressions. On the right, Greg Zelek, wearing a black shirt and vest with hands folded poses in front of an organ console and pipes. Photo Credit (L-R): Bruce Silcox and Peter Rodgers

Concert: Ensemble Singers Featuring Greg Zelek

Apr 10, 2026 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

The majestic vaulted ceiling and warm acoustics of Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral create the perfect setting for this virtuosic all-French program. Greg Zelek, “one of the country’s most exciting young organists” (Organiste), joins the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers—acclaimed for their “superbly blended sound” (Birmingham Post, UK) and “exemplary technique” (Minneapolis Star Tribune)—performing works by Roger-Ducasse, Duruflé,…

VocalEssence singers wearing black with multicolored stoles perform while holding their arms forward on stage for the annual WITNESS concert. Photo Credit: Kyndell Harkness

Concert: WITNESS: Symphony of Spirituals

Feb 22, 2026 @ 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Lift your voice and sing for justice as VocalEssence presents songs of resilience and resistance that inspire us to continue the march towards freedom and racial reconciliation. Hear the rhythmic cry for freedom found in The Justice Symphony by Damien Geter, featuring anthems from the Civil Rights era. Experience the poignant and beautiful sounds of the Negro…

John Rutter, wearing a red sweater vest over a checkered shirt, is smiling as he sits and plays the piano which has notebooks, pens, and sheet music. Photo credit: Unknown

Concert: An Evening with John Rutter

Jan 16, 2026 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Join VocalEssence as we celebrate John Rutter’s 80th birthday with an unforgettable evening of choral beauty. Sit back and revel in the magnificent sights and sounds of the Cathedral of Saint Paul as Rutter conducts the VocalEssence Chorus and Ensemble Singers and chamber orchestra in his best-loved choral gems. The program features the Midwest premiere…

VocalEssence singers wearing black with colorful scarves holding black folders perform with brass and percussion on a poinsettia and twinkle light garland adorned stage at Northrop.

Concert: Welcome Christmas 2025

Dec 13 @ 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Embrace the wonder of the season as VocalEssence continues its cherished tradition of welcoming Christmas in song. Hear sounds of the season from around the globe performed by four VocalEssence choirs, brass, guitar, percussion, and Northrop’s spectacular pipe organ. Feel the holiday spirit move through you as you lend your voice to joy-filled sing-alongs that…

Roderick Williams, wearing a black button down shirt and a dark blazer with a full smile stands in front of a brick wall. Photo Credit: Theo Williams

Concert: Ensemble Singers Featuring Roderick Williams

Nov 14 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Hear the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers in their triumphant return from the Three Choirs Festival and tour of England. Lauded by The Times of London as “polished, bright and brilliantly balanced,” the Ensemble Singers present a reprise of their festival performance. They join forces with the award-winning baritone, Roderick Williams, OBE, to present Edvard Grieg’s magnificent Four Psalms,…

A collage image. On the left Thanjavur K. Murugaboopathi sits playing the mridangam, a South Indian hand drum. In the center, Shruthi Rajasekar wearking a black floral top sits holding a pencil and a notebook. On the right, Nirmala Rajasekar sits playing the veena, a plucked string instrument. Photo Credit (L-R): ReyMash Photography, Roscoe Rutter, and ReyMash Photography

Concert: Sarojini

Oct 25 @ 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Experience a groundbreaking fusion where classical music traditions of South India and the West meet. Hear a North American premiere unlike any other by Minnesota’s own Shruthi Rajasekar. Hailed as “the most exciting piece of new music for choir and orchestra” by Canadian critic Natasha Gauthier, Sarojini (pronounced sa-RO-ji-ni) brings world-renowned Indian musicians Nirmala Rajasekar…

Image with a blue shape in left corner with VocalEssence logo in white and 2025-2026 Season. In center VocalEssence Singers wearing dark clothes with multicolored stoles sing and in lower right corner shape with orange, blue, gray, yellow, and turquoise stripes on a white background. Photo credit: Kyndell Harkness

VocalEssence 2025-2026 Season

Jun 10, 2025 - May 3, 2026

Join us for a season of big names, bold premieres, and breath-taking performances. TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW! Click on the concerts below for more information and to order tickets. Please note: We are working with multiple ticket offices this season, so be sure to click on each concert for ticket information. 2025-2026 Season Concert Listing Sarojini…

NEA Statement

VocalEssence has a deep and rich history of nurturing community and bridging cultural differences through the power of singing together. And for many years, the NEA has funded the VocalEssence WITNESS program, which celebrates the contributions the Black community makes to the fine arts and to our common cultural heritage. When it comes to federal…

Bridging Societal Difference

VocalEssence affirms the value of all persons and seeks to nurture singing communities that reflect and respond to the rich tapestry of people and cultures that make up Minnesota. TOGETHER WE SING Together We Sing sums up our belief that singing is an essential form of human expression. We believe everyone can sing, and when…

People wearing red and white Santa hats holding black folders and singing.

VocalEssence Holiday Programming 2024

VocalEssence has several opportunities to listen and watch over the holidays. Here are the ways you can enjoy VocalEssence programming: VocalEssence On Demand Enjoy inspiration on your schedule! This digital content is available whenever and wherever! View our digital releases-including the newly released highlights from Welcome Christmas 2024 at Northrop, Bach’s Christmas Oratorio from 2023…

VocalEssence Welcomes New Board Members

VocalEssence is thrilled to announce the addition of three new members to its Board of Directors. The VocalEssence Board of Directors serve as ambassadors for the organization in the larger community. They also guide VocalEssence in all major policy decisions while ensuring the financial stability of the 56-year-old nonprofit. “I’m delighted to welcome our new…

2023-2024 Supporters

VocalEssence is blessed to have so many committed supporters. Thank you for all that you do to keep our community singing! Although we make every effort to ensure that our Honor Roll list is accurate and complete, we are capable of error. Please let us know if your name does not appear the way you…