Stories & Results

Stephon from VESOTA Shares Hope

Our radically representative youth choir VocalEssence Singers of This Age is creating Sounds of Hope, a singing challenge for all ages, where they will be choosing songs that give them hope. They will be posting videos of those songs that will begin with short inspirational messages. Learn more about VocalEssence Singers Of This Age by…  Read More

Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven | 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 Ludwig van Beethoven. Ludwig van Beethoven 1770-1827 Likely the most influential and widely recognized composer of the nineteenth century, Beethoven is most known for his instrumental music. Beethoven was born in the town of Bonn,…  Read More

Introducing Take 5 With GPS

Announcing a new series–Take 5 With GPS–a new daily live stream hosted by VocalEssence Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III. Every morning, start your day off with Phillip (who we call GPS) and a 5-minute exercise to help warm you up. Join Phillip to sing each and every day. Take 5 will include wellness components,…  Read More

Acacia from VESOTA Shares Hope

Our radically representative youth choir VocalEssence Singers of This Age is creating Sounds of Hope, a singing challenge for all ages, where they will be choosing songs that give them hope. They will be posting videos of those songs that will begin with short inspirational messages. Learn more about VocalEssence Singers Of This Age by…  Read More

David Evan Thomas

David Evan Thomas | 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 David Evan Thomas. David Evan Thomas b. 1958 The music of Minneapolis composer David Evan Thomas, born in Rochester, New York, has been described as playful, warm, expressive, and radiant. Thomas has degrees from Northwestern…  Read More

Kayla from VESOTA Shares Hope

Our radically representative youth choir VocalEssence Singers of This Age is creating Sounds of Hope, a singing challenge for all ages, where they will be choosing songs that give them hope. They will be posting videos of those songs that will begin with short inspirational messages. Learn more about VocalEssence Singers Of This Age by…  Read More

COVID-19 Update – March 25, 2020

Our thoughts are with you and your families as we write this. While VocalEssence is physically distancing, we continue to look for ways to use the healing power of music to socially connect and keep people thinking positively. We encourage regular visits to vocalessence.org, and will offer updates by email on how we can continue to sing together…  Read More

VocalEssence Singers Of This Age singing songs of hope

Our radically representative youth choir VocalEssence Singers of This Age is creating Sounds of Hope, a singing challenge for all ages, where they will be choosing songs that give them hope. They will be posting videos of those songs that will begin with short inspirational messages. View the videos on our Facebook and Instagram pages…  Read More

Alice Parker

Alice Parker | 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 Alice Parker. Alice Parker b. 1925 Parker’s impressive body of over five hundred compositions and arrangements includes operas, cantatas, choral pieces, and song cycles. After attending Smith College, Parker completed her master’s program in choral…  Read More

Egil Hovland

Egil Hovland | 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 Egil Hovland. Egil Hovland 1924-2013 As one of the most prominent Norwegian composers, works from Hovland’s vast compositional output are performed widely throughout Scandinavia, but have found less of a foothold in the United States.…  Read More

Argento

Dominick Argento | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle

In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence founder and artistic director Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Dominick Argento. Dominick Argento 1927-2019 American composer Dominick Argento, born in York, Pennsylvania and based for much of his life in Minneapolis, is perhaps best known for his solo vocal and operatic works. He has…  Read More

COVID-19 Updates

We want to update you on our plans as they evolve during this global pandemic. First of all, we hope you are safe and find ways to make the best of this pause that we are experiencing. VocalEssence plans to release ways for you to continue to sing with us during this sobering time. Stay…  Read More

COVID-19 Updates

With concerns around COVID-19 on the rise, we wanted to personally share a few updates with you as a valued member of our organization. As per the recommendation from Governor Walz as well as a desire to ensure the health and safety of all our performers and patrons, we have made the difficult decision to suspend…  Read More

Where in the World are the Conductors – February 2020

For Artistic Director and Founder Philip Brunelle, February is always ‘planning month’ putting together all the music for the 2020-21 season—choosing the repertoire for each concert, working with composers on commissions and also looking at plans for 2021-22!  And with Philip’s creative mind it is also an important time for him to help find those…  Read More