Stories & Results

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle

In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. This episode features a performance by singer Jenny French.  Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 1756-1791 The iconic classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart lived only thirty-five years, but composed an astounding collection of works that…  Read More

Judith Weir

Judith Weir | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle

In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Judith Weir. Judith Weir b. 1954 The talented British composer Judith Weir was born in Cambridge to a Scottish family and raised near London. Before attending Cambridge University, Weir played oboe in the National Youth…  Read More

Hall Johnson | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle

In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Hall Johnson. Hall Johnson 1888-1970 Hall Johnson was one of a number of African American composers and arrangers who elevated the spiritual to an art form. Johnson received an extensive education, including time at the…  Read More

Gerald Near | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle

In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Gerald Near. Gerald Near b.1942 Gerald Near, one of the foremost composers of church music writing today, first studied theory and composition with Leslie Bassett, organ with Robert Glasgow, and conducting with Elizabeth Green at…  Read More

William Grant Still | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle

In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer William Grant Still. William Grant Still 1895-1978 The African American composer William Grant Still was known for his prolific and influential career as a commercial arranger and composer. In 1911 he entered Wilberforce University (Ohio),…  Read More

Boulanger

Lili Boulanger | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle

In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Lili Boulanger. He is joined by mezzo-soprano Clara Osowski. Lili Boulanger 1893-1918 Although her life was short and fraught with illness, the gifted French composer Lili Boulanger contributed numerous stunning pieces for choir. She was…  Read More

Berkeley

Lennox Berkeley | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle

In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Lennox Berkeley. He is joined by mezzo-soprano Clara Osowski.  Lennox Berkeley 1903-1989 The skilled composer Sir Lennox Berkeley composed in many different genres, but especially found acclaim with his gorgeous choral pieces. He was born…  Read More

Healy Willan

Healey Willan | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle

In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Healey Willan. Healey Willan 1880-1968 The eminent Canadian composer and organist Healey Willan wrote an extensive output of sacred music for choir. He was born in London and studied at St. Saviours Choir School, Eastboune…  Read More

Lifting Every Voice to Inspire Change Uplifted Thousands!

  On Father’s Day 2020, VocalEssence gathered family and friends around the country to sing for justice in a livestream with song leaders from coast to coast. Envisioned and created by VocalEssence Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III, this event was a joy-filled, family friendly celebration with songs that honor fathers and the father figures…  Read More

Curenton

Evelyn Simpson Curenton | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle

In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Evelyn Simpson Curenton. This episode features a performance by singer Jearlyn Steele.   Evelyn Simpson Curenton b. 1953 The versatile musician and composer Evelyn Simpson Curenton is one of today’s leading arrangers of gospel music…  Read More

Vaughan Williams

Ralph Vaughan Williams | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle

In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. He is joined by bass soloist James Bohn. Ralph Vaughan Williams 1872-1958 As one of the most celebrated English composers, Ralph Vaughan Williams composed grand pieces for all levels of musicians. He…  Read More

Guastavino

Carlos Guastavino | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle

In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Carlos Guastavino. Carlos Guastavino 1912-2000 Argentinian composer Carlos Guastavino was best known for his prolific output of songs, including art songs, children’s songs, and arrangements of his original songs for choir. He was born in…  Read More

#LiftMyVoice Challenge

Originally developed as a way to inspire Take 5 with GPS viewers to articulate ways they can become agents for change and good in the world, G. Phillip Shoultz, III (GPS) started the #liftmyvoice challenge. Now, Phillip is inviting the entire VocalEssence community to take part in the challenge. The process is simple. Make a…  Read More

Grieg

Edvard Grieg | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle

In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Edvard Grieg. He is joined by soprano Liv Redpath. Edvard Grieg 1843-1907 Edvard Grieg was a beloved Norwegian composer, pianist, and conductor. He began taking piano lessons at age six from his talented mother and…  Read More

Beach

Amy Cheney Beach | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle

In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Amy Cheney Beach. Amy Cheney Beach 1867-1944 The pioneering composer Amy Cheney Beach was the first American woman to compose large-scale concert music and find widespread success. Born in Henniker, New Hampshire, Beach demonstrated outstanding…  Read More