Frozen Movie Sing-Along Questions Answered
Thank you to the 69 people who took the Frozen Movie Sing-Along Survey. This is our first family movie event, and we appreciate you taking the time to give us feedback. The… Read More →
Stories & Results
Where in the World are the Conductors – February 2019
Both Artistic Director and Founder Philip Brunelle and Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III will be attending the national convention of ACDA (American Choral Directors Association) in Kansas City the… Read More →
Dominick Argento Remembered
Dominick Argento was an amazing man—he was my teacher, colleague and personal friend of our family. When I arrived at the University of Minnesota, I signed up for History of… Read More →
VocalEssence WITNESS: Yet They Persist Celebrates Changemakers in our World
Join us at VocalEssence WITNESS: Yet They Persist on Sunday, February 24, 2019 at 4 PM at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis! Tickets start at $10. Visit this website to learn… Read More →
Task Force to Identify New Voices for Board Leadership
As we work toward inclusion, access, and equity at VocalEssence, we are finding ways to include new voices for board leadership. The Board Affairs Committee, which nominates people to join… Read More →
VocalEssence Board and Staff Embark on Intercultural Organizational Development
This spring, the VocalEssence Board and Staff are excited to embark on a multi-year journey into Intercultural Organizational Development to assist in furthering our Inclusion, Access, and Equity commitment. After… Read More →
Connecting with New Audiences – African American Elders
The vision of VocalEssence is to transform lives by singing together, assuring a place for everyone’s voice. One way we have been living out this vision is through our work… Read More →
Welcome Christmas 2018 Questions Answered
Thank you to the 275 people who took the Welcome Christmas 2018 Survey. The VocalEssence staff analyzes the results and uses the information to plan for better performances in the… Read More →
Where in the World are the Conductors – January 2019
For Artistic Director Philip Brunelle, January began with meetings in Washington DC with Senator Tina Smith and Congressman Dean Phillips—both of them very supportive of VocalEssence! He also met with the… Read More →
Connecting with New Audiences – Spanish Speaking Families
As a direct response to the Listening Zone Initiative recommendation to partner in new ways with specific cultural communities, we are working with local partners to encourage Spanish speaking families… Read More →
VocalEssence WITNESS School Workshops in Full Swing
Our VocalEssence WITNESS School Program workshops are in full swing, with all eight VocalEssence Teaching Artists busy conducting workshops with more than 4,300 students from 32 elementary, middle and high… Read More →
Sponsor a Seat in Honor of Someone Today
Let’s fill the hall! Orchestra Hall, that is. 4,245 students are slated to attend the VocalEssence WITNESS Young People’s Concerts this February, and celebrate the amazing African and African American… Read More →
Music for a Grand Cathedral Questions Answered
Thank you to the 147 people who took the Music for a Grand Cathedral Survey. The VocalEssence staff analyzes the results and uses the information to plan for better performances… Read More →
Philip Brunelle Reveals the Magic that Makes Commissions Come Together
Since 1973, when the first commission by VocalEssence led Dominick Argento to compose Jonah and the Whale, the organization has ardently supported new music. More than 300 commissions later, VocalEssence Artistic Director and… Read More →
Philip Brunelle talks about Welcome Christmas 2018
The Faire Starre is the latest “Welcome Christmas” commission of VocalEssence, following wonderful pieces by Libby Larsen, Conrad Susa and many others. Nico Muhly is one of the ‘bright lights’… Read More →