For the first time in the ensemble’s history, the VocalEssence Singers Of This Age (SOTA) boarded a plane to embark on a tour outside the Midwest! From February 12-16, 2026, 37 SOTA singers and 4 staff members traveled to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on a trip that included both extraordinary choral experiences and important cultural engagements. On day #1, having arrived just in time…
Minnesota Opera and VocalEssence partnered together on a series of events surrounding their work with composer B.E. Boykin. The two organizations collaborated on a joint Osher Lifelong Learning Institute course that was held in January. Thirty Vintage Voices singers and guests along with their conductor, Robert Graham, had a fantastic time attending an open dress…
For the second year in a row, at the request of the Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) choir teachers, VocalEssence partnered with MPS to hold an All District Choir Festival. On Wednesday, January 28, more than 300 singers from Minneapolis Public Middle and High Schools gathered together at Ted Mann Concert Hall on the University of…
On Sunday, January 18th, 2026, a cathartic Martin Luther King tribute concert was held at Westwood Lutheran Church. VocalEssence Associate Artistic Director G. Phillip Shoultz, who is also the cantor at Westwood, curated the program, which was inspired by a well-known MLK quote, “faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole…
VocalEssence is thrilled to announce the addition of five 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 57-year-old nonprofit. “I’m delighted to welcome our new…
Anita Ruth has been a VocalEssence Teaching Artist for more than 20 years. She shared the story of how it all began as well as a favorite memory of hers from her time working in schools for the VocalEssence WITNESS School Program. While doing a show at Ruby’s Cabaret in downtown Minneapolis some thirty years…
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…
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 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…
At this year’s WITNESS: Leading with Love concert, VocalEssence was thrilled to feature a showcase of Black makers and entrepreneurs who align themselves with the message of “leading with love.” Target Atrium at Orchestra Hall was bustling with activity on the day of the event. There were book readings, songs sung, improv comedy skits performed,…
“Telling our stories takes time and space.”—Healing Beats Session Participant “We are all connected. We are all ancestors.”—Healing Beats Session Participant Over the past few months VocalEssence held Healing Beats Sessions led by Melanie DeMore at five sites around the Twin Cities. Melanie DeMore has expertise in the traditions of the Gullah persons from the…
Choral music called … and Philip Brunelle answered “Connect the Dots” from Minnesota Now | February 20, 2024 Cathy Wurzer, Chris Farrell and Ellen Finn Philip Brunelle has done it all. Currently, he’s the founder and artistic director of VocalEssence. VocalEssence is based at the Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis. Brunelle has led the choir for 55 years. A…
On Sunday, January 28, 2024, the VocalEssence Singers Of This Age joined a consortium of choirs from around the Twin Cities in a song share celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Beth El Synagogue in St. Louis Park. The mood was festive as songs were sung in myriad languages and ensembles positioned all around the space…
Philip Brunelle made an appearance on Minnesota Live on Thursday, February 1, 2024. Click the button below to watch Philip share 5 facts about himself and his musical career. Watch Now
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 2023 at Northrop, the 2021-2022 Digital Season, single…
