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 →
Stories & Results
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 →
VocalEssence to perform with Josh Groban on Nov. 2
VocalEssence is thrilled to announce that members of the VocalEssence Chorus, our youth ensemble, Singers Of This Age, and Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III will join Josh Groban on… Read More →
Our biggest fan – Alice Parker
VocalEssence Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III surprised Artistic Director Philip Brunelle at the 50th Anniversary Concert on October 7, 2018 with a new song arranged by a self-proclaimed “biggest… Read More →
50th Anniversary Concert a BIG Success
The 50th Anniversary Concert and Dinner on October 7, 2018 was an evening filled with special moments. Governor Dayton proclaimed it VocalEssence Together We Sing Day. Senator Tina Smith began… Read More →
Where in the World are the Conductors – October 2018
October is off to a rousing start for Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III. He’s launched the second season of the VocalEssence Singers Of This Age, as they prepare for… Read More →
VocalEssence Listening Zone Initiative
In the fall of 2017, the Board of Directors voted to diversify the audience, singers, board, staff and vendors by age and by race. Prior to determining what exactly would… Read More →
What do Vaughan Williams and the Cathedral of Saint Paul have in common?
Music for a Grand Cathedral Sunday, October 28, 2018 from 2-4 PM Cathedral of Saint Paul Tickets start at $10
Congratulations from Tim Sharp, Executive Director of ACDA
On behalf of the American Choral Directors Association, the national professional organization for choral directors, teachers, researchers, and industry members, I would like to congratulate VocalEssence on their 50th Anniversary,… Read More →
In Honor of the VocalEssence 50th Anniversary by Catherine Dehoney, President of Chorus America
I’m Catherine Dehoney, President of Chorus America, the research, professional development, and advocacy organization for choruses in North America. Philip asked me to keep my remarks “short and profound, like… Read More →
A Toast to 50 Years from Marilyn Carlson Nelson
And on the eighth day, God created VocalEssence, and it was good. So now, dear Philip, Carolyn, VocalEssence, it falls to me to end this magnificent celebration with a toast.… Read More →
VocalEssence Mexico Tour is “Transformational”
VocalEssence has just returned from conducting some “choral diplomacy” in Mexico. The trip to Mexico City—from Aug. 26 to Sept. 3— was a historic one. For ten years, Philip Brunelle has… Read More →
Where in the World are the Conductors – September 2018
Artistic Director Philip Brunelle started the month of September by conducting the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers in Mexico City for an amazing week of concerts and workshops. They performed solo concerts… Read More →
Sing, Connect, and Give Back at the Together We Sing Festival
In preparation for the 3rd Annual Together We Sing Festival, VocalEssence Associate Conductor Phillip Shoultz has devoted time this summer to developing a relationship with Ujamaa Place. After meeting with… Read More →