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Where in the World Are the Conductors? August 2023

Philip Brunelle: This month has been full of celebrations for Philip Brunelle, VocalEssence Founder and Artistic Director.  On August 14, the rain stopped and the clouds parted as 120 of Philip’s closest friends joined him in celebrating his 80th birthday at the home of Marilyn Carlson Nelson. It was a wonderful celebration of food, singing,…

Where in the World Are the Conductors? July 2023

Philip Brunelle: This month has been memorable in many ways for Philip Brunelle, VocalEssence Founder and Artistic Director. With the VERY successful completion of the Bridge to the Future campaign where we reached our $4.5 million goal, we celebrated with a reception at the home of Cay Shea on a beautiful June evening. Several days later…

Where in the World Are the Conductors? June 2023

Philip Brunelle: The past month has been another busy one for Philip Brunelle, VocalEssence Founder and Artistic Director.  This is the time for auditions for the Ensemble Singers as well as new singers for the Chorus–so many hours have been filled with this important task.  Putting the final touches on the 2023-2024 season (subscriptions are…

Yellow and purple crocuses blooming in the grass. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock Image

Concert: Hope Renewed

May 3 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

In a program that explores our relationships with one another and with creation, VocalEssence seeks to give fresh life to justice and hope sharing a message celebrating the wide circle of life that provides room for all to grow and thrive. Featuring a commission by Daniel Godfrey and the latest piece by ACDA Genesis prize…

2023-2024 Season Press Photos

To Download: Click on the image in the gallery below and a high resolution version will appear for download. For press/promotional use related to VocalEssence events only.

Bridge to the Future Meets Goal

VocalEssence is thrilled to share the wonderful news that the Bridge to the Future campaign has reached its goal of $4.5 million! Our deepest gratitude goes out to the 101 individuals and institutions who have invested in the future of VocalEssence and helped us surpass our initial goal by $1 million. These gifts are already…

VocalEssence Radio Special—Song of Joy: The Mendelssohns on YourClassical MPR

American Public Media and Classical Minnesota Public Radio will present a new VocalEssence radio special,  Song of Joy: The Mendelssohns, hosted by John Birge. The one-hour program will air on Easter Sunday, April 9, at noon on YourClassical Minnesota Public Radio 99.5 FM in the Twin Cities and online at yourclassical.org. It will be available…

Adult Choir Auditions

About Our Audition Process Registration for the 2023-24 season is now open for the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and Chorus. Read below for information about each ensemble and the audition requirements. Ensemble Singers Auditions Eight paid positions per section; professional experience required. Ensemble Singers re-audition annually. Auditioning for the Ensemble Singers consists of two rounds: Round 1…  Read More

2021-2022 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…

Leave a Legacy

The Philip Brunelle Founder’s Society recognizes those who make a provision for VocalEssence in their will or estate plans. The society is named in honor of our visionary founder, Philip Brunelle, who every day inspires the community to open their ears to new music from diverse cultures. How to Join the Philip Brunelle Founder’s Society You…

Planned Giving Options

Make Beautiful Music Last Forever Thank you for considering a gift to support VocalEssence to draw upon the power of singing together to nurture community, inspire creativity, affirm the value of all persons, and expand the influence of choral music. We know you support our work because you believe in what we do and because…

VocalEssence Singers Of This Age and WCCO anchors pose for a photo in front of Christmas trees at WCCO, photo credit Jennifer Weismann

VocalEssence Singers Of This Age Perform at WCCO Holiday Tree Lighting

Members of the VocalEssence Singers Of This Age were honored to be invited—for the second year in a row—to sing for the annual WCCO Home for the Holidays Community Tree lighting ceremony on Wednesday, November 30. They performed holiday favorites to set the mood! Click the button below to watch their performance. WATCH NOW Each…