Since March both Artistic Director Philip Brunelle and Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III have been creating daily ways for you to find joy through singing, and now they are reaching a new milestone—more than 100 episodes! Binge watch the episodes anytime on YouTube. Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle: Every week day, Philip shares a… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Javier Busto. Javier Busto b. 1949 The Basque composer, conductor, and doctor Javier Busto is known for his gorgeous choral music. Born in Hondarribia, San Sebastián, Spain, Busto spent his childhood and adolescence as a… Read More →
By the end of July, Artistic Director and Founder Philip Brunelle will have recorded and presented 100 “Musical Moments” featuring 100 composers who have featured with VocalEssence over the past 51 years! Also, on July 18 Philip will be featured virtually in a program honoring him as Musician of the Year by the Society of American… Read More →
After serving at Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church Food Shelf in Minneapolis, members of VocalEssence Singers Of This Age made a trip to the George Floyd Memorial site to pay tribute. While there, they gave voice to this beautiful South African prayer for strength, courage, and compassion in the midst of trying times. May we… Read More →
Learn how to navigate the VocalEssence Online Gala in this virtual tour by acclaimed soprano Maria Jette. Register Now Ready to register and see what is included in the gala? Click here to register. Watch the Gala Join us on Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at 7 PM to watch, bid, and give at the VocalEssence… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Henk Badings, featuring mezzo-soprano Clara Osowski. Henk Badings 1907-1987 The prolific Dutch composer Henk Badings was born on the island of Java and moved to the Netherlands at age seven as an orphan. Facing pressure from… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Elizabeth Poston. Elizabeth Poston 1905-1987 English composer and skilled pianist Elizabeth Poston was known for her choral and vocal compositions and her compilations of songs, hymns, and carols. She was born at Highfield, Walkern, near… Read More →
Even though we won’t be sitting down together, that doesn’t mean you can’t recreate the meal that we planned! Check out these How-To videos and recipes below by Carline Bengtsson, Dine4Dinners personal chef and VocalEssence Gala 2020 Sponsor. Basil, Fennel, and Strawberry Salad Basil, Fennel, and Strawberry Salad Recipe Ingredients Mixed Salad Greens Basil Fennel Strawberries… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Charles Ives, featuring mezzo-soprano Clara Osowski. Charles Ives 1874-1954 American composer Charles Ives is best known for his experimental music that influenced generations of composers. Born in Danbury, Connecticut, Ives began his musical education under… Read More →
Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” ― Plato Given the extraordinary times in which we are living and working, the Board of Directors of VocalEssence pauses to acknowledge, celebrate, and express deep gratitude for the commitment of artistic and operational staff… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Peter Warlock. This episodes features soprano Jenny French. Peter Warlock 1894-1930 English composer Philip Arnold Heseltine, known by his pseudonym Peter Warlock, wrote music in a distinctive style and served as a critic, author, and… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Harry T. Burleigh. Harry T. Burleigh 1866-1949 The skilled composer and talented singer Harry Burleigh was a pioneering arranger of concert spirituals for solo voice and piano. Born in Erie, Pennsylvania, Burleigh studied piano, voice,… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer William Billings. He is joined by mezzo-soprano Clara Osowski and soprano Jenny French. William Billings 1746-1800 Choral composer, teacher, and organist William Billings is recognized by many as the first professional American composer. Since he… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Daniel Pinkham. Daniel Pinkham 1923-2006 Daniel Pinkham was an acclaimed composer, organist, choral conductor, and teacher. Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, he began learning piano and composing at age 5. He studied at Harvard with Piston… Read More →
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 →
