In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Gerardo Cárdenas. Gerardo Cárdenas b. 1957 Gerardo Cárdenas is a composer based in Morelia, México. He studied in France under Jacques Castérède at L’École Normal de Musique de Paris and the Paris Conservatoire and completed… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Jaakko Mäntyjärvi. Jaakko Mäntyjärvi b. 1963 Self-described as an eclectic traditionalist, Finnish composer Jaakko Mäntyjärvi writes choral works performed around the world. Mäntyjärvi studied English and Linguistics at the University of Helsinki and music theory… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Judith Bingham. Judith Bingham b. 1952 British composer and singer Judith Bingham is best known for her choral works. She was born in Nottingham, raised in Mansfield and Sheffield, and began composing at a… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Herbert Howells. Herbert Howells 1892-1983 The gifted English composer Herbert Howells was praised for his lyrical and expressive compositions that are full of intimate, emotional depth. As a child, Howells showed great musical promise. He… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer William Bolcom. William Bolcom b. 1938 William Bolcom is an esteemed American composer of chamber, operatic, vocal, choral, cabaret, ragtime, and symphonic music. At age eight, Bolcom began his study of composition with George Frederick… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Benjamin Britten. Benjamin Britten 1913-1976 The beloved English composer Benjamin Britten was born into a highly musical family and raised in a house on the seaside that would later inspire much of his work. In… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Ian Kellam. Ian Kellam 1933-2014 British composer Ian Kellam is especially admired for his sacred vocal compositions. He was born in Sheffield, England, and as a chorister studied with Dr. Tustin Baker, organist at Sheffield… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Olivier Messiaen. Olivier Messiaen 1908-1992 With his extraordinarily unique approach to composition, French composer Olivier Messiaen constantly set himself apart from other musicians. Born in Avignon and self-taught in piano, Messiaen began composing at age… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer John Gardner. John Gardner 1917-2011 Prolific English composer John Gardner is known for his eclectic compositions that charm choirs around the world. He was born in Manchester and raised in Ilfracombe, North Devon. He… Read More →
“Sometimes you don’t know you needed something until it arrives.” —VocalEssence Singer about our Take 5 with GPS Live Stream Let’s be honest. It’s been hard. Every time we watch a choir video, listen to our favorite song, or cross off a concert on a schedule, we long for the time when we can come… Read More →
We asked Artistic Director Philip Brunelle what past concert brings him joy during this topsy turvy time and below is his response. “Obviously, out of hundreds of concerts it is difficult for me to select one concert—but I would choose the concert on March 9, 1974 when we performed the premiere of Dominick Argento’s’ cantata,… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Gabriel Fauré. Gabriel Fauré 1845-1924 As one of the leading French composers of the late nineteenth- and early twentieth-centuries, Gabriel Fauré played an integral role in the development of French music. Outside of his work… Read More →
For more than 50 years, VocalEssence has connected with you with world-class artists, and now you can be inspired by their creativity and beauty from the comfort of your own home. Starting April 30, join us at 7 PM every Thursday for a 30 minute live stream let by Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III.… Read More →
We hope you are safe and find ways to make the best of this pause that we are experiencing. Below is a status update for our organization. SING WITH US VIRTUALLY While VocalEssence is physically distancing, we continue to look for ways to use the healing power of music to socially connect and keep people… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Sydney Guillaume. Sydney Guillaume b. 1982 With his spirited, rhythmic, and passionate compositions, Sydney Guillaume captivates singers and audiences around the world. Guillaume is originally from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, graduated from the University of Miami in… Read More →
