Welcome Christmas 2024 Digital Concert Program

VocalEssence singers holding black folders performing at Northrop with brass and percussion players conducted by G. Phillip Shoultz, III. Photo Credit: Tony Nelson PhotographyFEATURING:
VocalEssence Chorus
VocalEssence Ensemble Singers
VocalEssence Singers Of This Age
VocalEssence Vintage Voices
Brass and Percussion Ensemble
Casey Rafn, piano
Mary Jo Gothmann, organ
Philip Brunelle, conductor
G . Phillip Shoultz, III, conductor

Welcome

Friends,

It is a delight to send this welcome from Northrop and VocalEssence to you! For many years Welcome Christmas has set the standard for celebrating choral music that combines the familiar with the new—and this year’s program continues that tradition—doing it uniquely by greeting all of you from the University of Minnesota’s beloved Northrop.

This is the second year that VocalEssence has partnered with Northrop to present Welcome Christmas with all four of our performing choirs: the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, Chorus, Singers Of This Age, and Vintage Voices—200 voices serenading you! We are delighted that Northrop, with its grand stage and backstage facilities, can be the home for Welcome Christmas. Of course, the presence of Northrop’s glorious Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ adds an additional luster to these concerts!

VocalEssence and Northrop are about community, continuing to expand our messages through music and dance to a greater Twin Cities populace. VocalEssence has presented at Northrop before (with the music of Rodion Shchedrin, heard in a ballet evening with the Bolshoi Ballet ballerina assoluta, Maya Plisetskaya) so we are delighted to return to Northrop. Thank you all for joining us and our best wishes to each of you for a wonderful Holiday Season!

—Kari A. Schloner, Executive Director, Northrop
—Philip Brunelle, Artistic Director and Founder, VocalEssence

Program

FESTIVAL FANFARE
Gerald Bales (1919-2002)
CARILLON (FROM SINFONIETTA FOR ORGAN 4 HANDS AND 4 FEET)
Denis Bédard (b. 1950)
FANFARE AND PROCESSIONAL
Robert Wetzler (b. 1932)
HE IS KING OF KINGS
arr. Undine Smith Moore (1904-1989)
VocalEssence Chorus, Ensemble Singers, Singers Of This Age, & Vintage Voices
CHRISTMAS IS HERE
Johnathan Dove (b. 1959)
VocalEssence Singers Of This Age
BLOW, BLOW, THOU WINTER WIND
George Shearing (1919-2011)
VocalEssence Singers Of This Age & Vintage Voices
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ROSE
Egil Hovland (1924-2013)
Sopranos & Altos of the VocalEssence Chorus
Anna Meek, narrator
SHEPHERDS, REJOICE
Arthur Frackenpohl (1924-2019)
Tenors & Basses of the VocalEssence Chorus
LO, HOW A ROSE E’ER BLOOMING
Hugo Distler (1908-1942)
VocalEssence Chorus
GLORIA
Ily Matthew Maniano (b. 1988)
VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers
AUDIENCE SING: HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING
arr. Walter Pelz (b. 1924)
VocalEssence Chorus, Ensemble Singers, Singers Of This Age, & Vintage Voices
ARROZ CON LECHE (RICE WITH MILK)
arr. Carlos Guastavino (1912-2000)
VocalEssence Ensemble Singers
THE CANTICLE OF ZACHARIAH
Sir James MacMillan (b. 1959)
VocalEssence Ensemble Singers
O TANNENBAUM (O CHRISTMAS TREE)
arr. Naji Hakim (b. 1955)
VocalEssence Ensemble Singers
PRELUDE (FOR ORGAN, 4 HANDS AND 4 FEET)
Liselotte Kunkel (b. 1975)
AUDIENCE SING: CHRISTMAS IS COMING
Mack Wilberg (b. 1955)
VocalEssence Chorus, Ensemble Singers, Singers Of This Age, & Vintage Voices
AVE MARIA
Pärt Uusberg (b. 1986)
VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers
Katie Boardman & JoAnna Johnson, soloists
TOMORROW SHALL BE MY DANCING DAY
John Gardner (1917-2011)
VocalEssence Singers Of This Age
Noèl Ayisyen (A Haitian Noël)
Emile Desamours (b.1941)
VocalEssence Singers Of This Age
Oy, v Yerusalimi (Bells Rang Early in Jerusalem)
arr. Yakiv M. Yatsynevich (1869-1945)
VocalEssence Chorus
Three Latvian Yuletide Folksongs (world premiere)
Ēriks Ešenvalds (b. 1977)
VocalEssence Ensemble Singers
We Three Kings
arr. Stuart Nicholson (1975)
VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers
AUDIENCE SING: Joy to the World
arr. John Rutter (b. 1945)
VocalEssence Chorus, Ensemble Singers, Singers Of This Age, & Vintage Voices
AUDIENCE SING: We Wish You a Merry Christmas
arr. Nils Lindberg (1933-2022)
VocalEssence Chorus, Ensemble Singers, Singers Of This Age, & Vintage Voices

Texts

HE IS KING OF KINGS, arr. Undine Smith Moore (USA)
He is King of kings,
He is Lord of lords;
Jesus Christ the first and last,
No man can hinder him.
This is the year of jubilee,
The Lord has set his people free,
He pitched his tent on Canaan’s ground,
And broke the Roman kingdom down.
We’ll pray and pray and never stop,
Until we reach the mountain top.
—Negro Spiritual

 

CHRISTMAS IS HERE, Jonathan Dove (Great Britain)
Christmas is come, be of good cheer.
A magical time at the end of the year.
Children can’t sleep, waiting all night,
For presents to open and share with delight.
With nose pressed to windows they’re eager to spy
A sleigh pulled by reindeer, crossing the sky.
Fingers and toes, whiskers and paws,
It’s freezing outside but we’re toasty indoors.
Candles are lit, trees decked with lights,
A welcoming sight on the darkest of nights.
We’ve left him some treats on a tray in the hall,
So old Father Christmas will pay us a call.
Christmas is come, joy fills the air,
Hearts race with every creak of the stair.
Have you behaved? No going back,
Only good children have toys in his sack.
He’s here! He’s here! Christmas is here!
Christmas is come, Santa’s been here!
Our stockings are filled, there was nothing to fear.
Want to see proof? Look to the floor,
A dusting of footprints leads to the door.
With finger to nose up the chimney he sped,
Then off through the night, packed with toys on his sled.
Be of good cheer, Christmas has come
Share what you have because giving is fun.
Mustn’t be glum, give me your hand!
Goodness and kindness are spread through the land.
It’s here! It’s here! Christmas is here!
—Zeb Soanes from Gaspard’s Christmas

 

BLOW, BLOW, THOU WINTER WIND, George Shearing (Great Britain)
Blow, blow, thou winter wind,
Thou art not so unkind
As man’s ingratitude;
Thy tooth is not so keen,
Because thou art not seen,
Although thy breath be rude.
Heigh-ho! sing, heigh-ho! unto the green holly:
Most friendship is feigning, most loving mere folly:
Then, heigh-ho, the holly!
This life is most jolly.
Freeze, freeze, thou bitter sky,
That dost not bite so nigh
As benefits forgot:
Though thou the waters warp,
Thy sting is not so sharp
As friend remembered not.
Heigh-ho! sing, heigh-ho! unto the green holly:
Most friendship is feigning, most loving mere folly:
Then, heigh-ho, the holly!
This life is most jolly.
—William Shakespeare

 

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ROSE, Egil Hovland (Norway)
When Mary walked thru woods of thorn,
Kyrie eleison.
That many years no rose had borne,
Jesus and Maria.
What did she carry in her breast?
Kyrie eleison.
A little child so dearly blest.
Jesus and Maria.
Then in the woods did roses bloom.
Kyrie eleison.
When the Child did spring from his mother’s womb.
Jesus and Maria.
—Hans Christian Andersen, adapted by Anna Meek

 

SHEPHERDS, REJOICE, Arthur Frackenpohl (USA)

Shepherds, rejoice, lift up your eyes,
And send your fears away.
News from the regions of the skies
A Savior’s born today!
Jesus, the God whom angels fear,
Comes down to dwell with you!
Today He makes His entrance here,
But not as monarchs do.
Alleluia.
No gold nor purple swaddling bands,
Nor royal shining things:
A manger for His cradle stands,
And holds the King of Kings.
Shepherds, go where the Infant lies,
And see His humble throne.
With tears of joy in all your eyes,
Go, shepherds, kiss the Son.
Thus Gabriel sang, and straight around,
The heavenly armies throng;
They tune their harps to lofty sound,
And thus conclude the song.
Glory to God that reigns above,
Let peace surround the earth;
Mortals shall know their Maker’s love,
At their Redeemer’s birth.
Alleluia.
Lord! and shall angels have their songs,
And men no tunes to raise?
Oh, may we lose our useless tongues
When they forget to praise.
Glory to God that reigns above,
That pitied us forlorn.
We join to sing our Maker’s love
For there’s a Savior born.
Alleluia.
—words from a shape-note book, “The Social Harp,” Philadelphia, 1868

 

LO, HOW A ROSE E’ER BLOOMING, Hugo Distler (Germany)

Lo, how a rose e’er blooming,
From tender stem hath sprung.
Of Jesse’s lineage coming,
As men of old have sung.
It came a flower-et bright,
Amid the cold of winter,
When half spent was the night.
Isaiah ‘twas foretold it,
The Rose I have in mind,
With Mary we behold it,
The virgin mother kind;
To show God’s love a-right.
She bore to us a Savior,
When half spent was the night.
O, Flower, whose fragrance tender,
With sweetness fill the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor
The darkness everywhere;
True man, yet very God,
From sin and death now save us,
And share our every load.
—from Mainz 1587-88, verse 3 by Friedrich Layritz, 1844

 

GLORIA, Ily Matthew Maniano (Philippines)
Gloria in excelsis Deo. (Glory to God in the highest.)

 

HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING, Felix Mendelssohn, setting by Walter Pelz (USA)

Audience:
Hark! The herald angels sing
“Glory to the new-born king
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled.”
Joyful all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies,
With angelic host proclaim
“Christ is born in Bethlehem.”
Chorus:
Christ by highest heaven adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold him come,
Offspring of the virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see,
Hail the incarnate Deity,
Pleased as man with us to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Audience:
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Risen with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that we no more may die,
Born to raise us from the earth,
Born to give us second birth.
—Charles Wesley, 1753, alt.

 

ARROZ CON LECHE (RICE WITH MILK), arr. Carlos Guastavino (Argentina)
(sung in Spanish)
Rice and milk: I want to marry a girl from San Nicolas
Who knows how to sew, how to embroider,
and how to open the door to go out and play with me.
—Spanish Children’s Song

 

THE CANTICLE OF ZACHARIAH, Sir James MacMillan (Great Britain)
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel!
He has visited his people and redeemed them.
He has raised up for us a mighty Savior in the house of David,
his servant, as he promised by the lips of holy men,
those who were his prophets from of old.
A savior who would free us from our foes,
from the hands of all who hate us.
So his love for our fathers is fulfilled,
And his holy covenant remembered.
He swore to Abraham our father to grant us,
that free from fear and saved from the hands of our foes
we might serve him in holiness and justice
all the days of our life in his presence.
As for you, little child,
You shall be called a prophet of God the Most High.
You shall go ahead of the lord to prepare the ways before him.
To make known to his people their salvation
Through forgiveness of all their sins,
The loving kindness of the heart of our God
Who visits us like the down from on high.
He will give light to those in darkness,
Those who dwell in the shadow of death,
And guide us into the way of peace.
—Canticle at Lauds, Luke I: 68-79

 

O TANNENBAUM (O CHRISTMAS TREE), arr. Naji Hakim (Lebanon, France)
(sung in German)
O Christmas tree!
How faithful are your needles.
Not only are you green in the summer time
But also in the winter when it snows,
O Christmas tree!
How faithful are your needles.
O Christmas tree!
You can give me great joy.
How often has at Christmas time
A tree of yours delighted me,
O Christmas tree!
You can give me great joy.
O Christmas tree!
Your garment wants to teach me something.
It is hope and constancy that
Provide comfort and strength at any time,
O Christmas tree!
Your garment wants to teach me something.
—Traditional carol from Alsace

 

CHRISTMAS IS COMING, Mack Wilberg (USA)
AUDIENCE:
Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat,
Please do put a penny in the old man’s hat.
If you haven’t got a penny, a ha’penny will do,
If you haven’t got a ha’penny, then God bless you!
If you haven’t got a penny, don’t wonder what to do,
You are always rich enough to say, ‘Yes, God bless you!’
Christmas is coming, and with a jolly band,
Please do slip a penny in a lonely hand.
If you haven’t got a penny, a ha’penny will do,
If you haven’t got a ha’penny, then God bless you!
If you haven’t got a penny, don’t wonder what to do,
You are always rich enough to say, ‘Yes, God bless you!’
Christmas is coming, the shop is brim with toys,
Please do give a penny to the orphan boys.
If you haven’t got a penny, a ha’penny will do,
If you haven’t got a ha’penny, then God bless you!
If you haven’t got a penny, don’t wonder what to do,
You are always rich enough to say, ‘Yes, God bless you!’
If you haven’t got a guinea, or even half a crown,
If you only have a pence or two, then don’t you fret and frown.
Just reflect upon your blessings, and all your kith and kin,
And remember that in giving all, you let the season in!
Christmas is coming, the figgy pudding’s here,
Please do give a penny with your Christmas cheer!
—Traditional English Carol, additional lyrics by David Warner
AVE MARIA, Pärt Uusberg (Estonia)
(sung in Latin)
Hail Mary, full of grace,
The Lord is with you,
Blessed are you among women.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us, now and at the hour of our death.
Amen
TOMORROW SHALL BE MY DANCING DAY, John Gardner (Great Britain)
Tomorrow shall be my dancing day
I would my true love did so chance
To see the legend of my play,
To call my true love to my dance;
Refrain: Sing O my love, O my love,
This have I done for my true love.
Then was I born of a virgin pure,
Of her I took fleshly substance;
Thus was I knit to man’s nature,
To call my true love to my dance;
Refrain
In a manger laid and wrapped I was,
So very poor this was my chance,
Betwixt an ox and a silly poor ass,
To call my true love to my dance;
Refrain
In a manger laid and wrapped I was,
So very poor this was my chance,
Betwixt an ox and a silly poor ass,
To call my true love to my dance;
Refrain
Then afterwards baptized I was;
The Holy Ghost on me did glance,
My God’s voice heard from above,
To call my true love to my dance;
Refrain
—17th century English carol
A HAITIAN NOËL, Emile Desamours (Haiti)
(sung in Haitian Creole)
lt was in Bethlehem,
A little corner of Judea,
That Mary had a baby boy
At midnight in a stable.
He was the Son of God
And he was the King of Kings.
Since I was a little child
l’ve known this story.
There were three wise kings
Who followed a great star
With glfts in their hands
To come worship the child.
And they were quite amazed
When they saw little Jesus
Lying between a cow
And a donkey.
Hear that, my friends!
Noel is a strange story indeed!
Jesus, Son of God, King of Kings,
Doesn’t even have a cradle.
He sleeps on the straw among animals. Oh my!
They called him Wonderful,
Counselor, Mighty God;
The Everlasting Father, too;
And he was the Prince of Peace.
Both shepherds and wisemen
Bowed down to worship him.
They gave him gifts
According to what they had.
Back then, if we’d been there (ta-ma-na),
We’d have done something fitting (ta-ma-na),
We’d have offered him music (ba-dap-peem)
Of the best Haitian kind (chee-kee-chee).
We’d have brought drums,
Manniboulas, vaccins, maracas;
With fine banjo strums
We’d have charmed little Jesus.
Jesus, Jesus, our little Jesus,
We love you greatly.
You bring peace to all people
And you offer us grace,
Noel, Noel, Noel, long live Noel!
OY, V YERUSALIMI (BELLS RANG EARLY IN JERUSALEM), arr. Yakiv Yatsynevich (Ukraine)
(sung in Ukrainian)
Oh, the bells rang early in Jerusalem.
A bountiful evening, a good evening,
to the health of all good people!
Oh the Maiden Mary walked in the garden.
A bountiful evening.
She walked in the garden and gave birth to a Son.
A bountiful evening.
She gave birth to a Son and carried Him in her arms.
A bountiful evening.
—Ukrainian carol
THREE LATVIAN YULETIDE FOLKSONGS, Ēriks Ešenvalds (Latvia)
Carol One
Pure silver’s raining down
On the Yuletide eve,
Every tiny stick and twig
Shoot off silver sparks.
All night long the candles burn
In their silver lamps.
Gently, gently God was coming
Driving down the hill:
God has only gentle horses,
And a gently fitted sled.
Make the fire flame burn bright,
Welcome God inside:
God has driven down the hill
In a coat of silver.
I am thanking God tonight
I saw theYuletide come;
Let Him keep me in good health
So I’m around at Easter.
—Traditional Latvian carol
Carol Two
Sing, young boys, it’s time to sing
Together with your sisters;
Even bees will sing a song
On the Yuletide eve.
Let us listen to the bees
On the Yuletide eve:
If we hear a lovely song
Our summer will be warm.
People ate and people drank,
God was listening outside,
God was listening outside
To hear if He was praised.
Make some kindling, blow on flame,
Let God come inside.
God is standing by the gate
Let God come inside.
—Traditional Latvian carol
Carol Three
(sung in Latvian)
Yuletide has arrived
In a decked out sleigh.
Hurry out good people
Greet and receive Yuletide.
Make kindling, blow on flame,
Invite God to come inside.
God is standing by the gate
With his tired horse.
Silence, young ones, silence oldsters—
God then entered our house.
God then entered our house
Asking for the householder.
The householder is over there,
Sitting at the table end,
Sitting at the table end,
In a linen shirt of white.
Yuletide has arrived in a decked out sleigh.
—Traditional Latvian carol
WE THREE KINGS, John Henry Hopkins, arr. Stuart Nicholson (Ireland)
We three kings of orient are;
Bearing gifts, we traverse afar,
Field and fountain,
Moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.
Refrain
O star of wonder, star of light,
Star with royal beauty bright.
Westward leading still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain.
Gold I bring to crown him a gain.
King forever, ceasing never,
Over us all to reign.
Refrain
Frankincense to offer have I;
Incense owns a deity nigh;
Prayer and praising, voices raising,
Worshiping God on high.
Refrain
Myrrh is mine its bitter perfume.
Breathes a life of gathering gloom.
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in a stone cold tomb.
Refrain
Glorious now behold him arise;
King and God and sacrifice.
Heaven sing Alleluia,
Alleluia the earth replies.
Refrain
JOY TO THE WORLD, Traditional, arr. John Rutter (Great Britain)

AUDIENCE:
Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room,
And heav’n and nature sing,
And heav’n and nature sing,
And heav’n and heav’n and nature sing!

Chorus:
Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let all their songs employ;
While fields and floods,
Rocks, hills and plains,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy!
Chorus:
No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make his blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as the curse is found.
AUDIENCE:
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders of His love.
—Isaac Watts (1719)
WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS, Nils Lindberg (Sweden)
AUDIENCE:
We wish you a merry Christmas,
We wish you a merry Christmas,
We wish you a merry Christmas and a
happy new year.
Good tidings we bring to you and your kin;
We wish you a merry Christmas and a
happy new year.
Now bring us some figgy pudding,
Now bring us some figgy pudding,
Now bring us some figgy pudding,
And bring some out here.
Good tidings we bring to you and your kin;
We wish you a merry Christmas and a
happy new year.
—Arthur Warrell, 1939

Brass and Percussion

TRUMPET
John Koopmann
Pam Humphrey
Sylvain Pineault

FRENCH HORN
Neal Bolter
Jenna Mcbride-Harris

TROMBONE
Kirsten Lies-Warfield
Jeff Rinear
Scott Moore

TUBA
Jacob Grewe

PERCUSSION
Will Kemperman
Jarod Bendele

About Northrop

Situated at the heart of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus and a state historic landmark, Northrop has served as the University’s primary gathering place for the performing arts, world-renowned dance performances, concerts, academic ceremonies, and major civic events for nearly 100 years. From touring international and favorite local dance companies, musicians, and film screenings to the hottest comedy acts,
renowned speakers, celebrated authors, and prestigious UMN lectures, Northrop offers opportunities for all ages to explore, learn, and engage.

Northrop Advisory Boards

THE NORTHROP ADVISORY BOARD
The Northrop Advisory Board is committed to the growth and awareness of Northrop’s mission, vision, and the continued future of presenting world-class dance and music in our community. If you would like more information about the advisory board and its work, please contact Cynthia Betz, Director of Development, at 612-626-7554 or betzx011@umn.edu.
THE NORTHROP ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
Cynthia Betz
Jeff Bieganek, Chair
Kristen Brogdon
Dr. Robert Bruininks
John Conlin
Deb Cran
Susan DeNuccio
Karen Hanson
Cari Hatcher
Jill Hauwiller
Holly Kellar
Kelly McQueen
Bob McMaster
Katheryn Menaged
Gary Reetz
Robyne Robinson
Toni Pierce-Sands
Kari Schloner
Kao Lee Vang
Donald Williams
THE NORTHROP ORGAN ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
Michael Barone
Cynthia Betz
Dean Billmeyer
Kristen Brogdon
Dr. Robert Bruininks
Dee Ann Crossley
Laura Edman
Nils Halker
Cari Hatcher
David Jenkins
Pamela Neuenfeldt
Phillip Radtke
Emily Roth
Kari Schloner
Lindsey Siders

About VocalEssence

For 55 years, VocalEssence has provided opportunities for singers from the Twin Cities area to create incredible music together and build connections as part of the vibrant arts community in Minnesota.
VocalEssence is known for introducing audiences to music and artists who are not yet known, often welcoming guest artists, composers, and conductors who are emerging, have unknown works, or represent a variety of cultures. Welcoming all members of the greater community, VocalEssence embodies the motto: Together We Sing.
VOCALESSENCE MISSION
VocalEssence draws upon the power of singing together to nurture community, inspire creativity, affirm the value of all persons, and expand the influence of choral music.
PHILIP BRUNELLE
Artistic Director and Founder
Philip Brunelle, artistic director and founder of VocalEssence 55 years ago, is an internationally-renowned conductor, choral scholar, and visionary. Philip has conducted symphonies, choral festivals, and operas on six continents. He holds five honorary degrees, served 9 years as Vice President of IFCM (International Federation for Choral Music), and has been recognized for his commitment to choral music by the governments of Norway, Hungary, Sweden, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. In 2019, he was awarded the American Prize in Choral Conducting and, in 2020, was given the Honorary Member Award by the Society for American Music. Last fall Philip was appointed a National Arts Associate of the Sigma Alpha Iota Music Fraternity. Philip is also Organist-Choirmaster at Plymouth Congregational Church, Minneapolis. During the pandemic Philip recorded 300 “Musical Moments” which can be accessed at https:// www.vocalessence.org/what-we-do/virtual-projects/musical-moments-with-philip-brunelle/ and his thoughts on music are at RenaissanceManpodcast.com. Philip and his wife Carolyn, a studio artist, have 3 children (Tim, Christopher and Elise) and 7 grandchildren.
G. PHILLIP SHOULTZ, III
Associate Artistic Director
G. Phillip Shoultz, III, associate artistic director, uses the power of the spoken word and song to foster community and inspire action among people of all ages and abilities. Phillip conducts festival choirs and leads workshops across the United States and beyond. He serves on the faculty of the University of St. Thomas and guides the ministries of worship, music, and the arts at Westwood Lutheran Church. An accomplished curator of multi-disciplinary community collaborations, Phillip is the Artistic Director of the University of Minnesota Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert. The Minnesota Orchestra regularly engages Phillip to host their Young People’s Concerts and his online presence continues to grow as his pandemic livestream, Take 5 with GPS, recently reached the 500-episode milestone. The winner of numerous honors, including the ACDA Graduate Conducting Competition and multiple Teacher of the Year awards, Phillip founded “Table for More” in the summer of 2020 to help organizations address issues related to innovation, equity, racial justice, and belonging in the arts. Phillip lives in St. Louis Park with his wife, Michelle, and their two children (Malachi and Lydia Grace).
ROBERT GRAHAM
Learning and Engagement Manager
Conductor, Vintage Voices
Robert Graham is the Learning and Engagement Manager at VocalEssence where he serves as the conductor for the VocalEssence Vintage Voices choirs, and oversees the renowned VocalEssence WITNESS School Program. Robert has a Master of Music degree in both vocal performance and choral conducting from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, and a B.A. in vocal performance from Xavier University of Louisiana. Robert currently serves as a section leader of the adult choir at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis, sings second tenor in the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, and also performs around the Twin Cities as a solo and chamber musician.
CASEY RAFN
Accompanist
Pianist Casey Rafn enjoys a varied career as a collaborative pianist both in the United States and abroad, in Europe and Latin America. He is a member of ‘Trés’, whose saxophone-piano trio was just nominated for a Latin Grammy for Best Instrumental Album for their new album “Romance al Campesino Porteño.” Casey often collaborates in concert or recordings with members of the Minnesota Orchestra, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and University of Minnesota School of Music faculty. As a piano soloist he took top prizes at the International Liszt-Garrison Competition in Baltimore, has appeared with the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra, and has taught at both the University of Minnesota School of Music and the St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Arts.
JOHN JENSEN
Accompanist, VocalEssence Vintage Voices
John Jensen received his music degrees in Southern California, where he attended Occidental College and University of Southern California. While there he free-lanced as a studio musician, playing on the Andy Williams show and touring the country with prominent singers through Columbia Artists Management. He moved to Iowa and taught for 15 years at Grinnell College as an artist-in-residence. In 1990, John moved to St. Paul and has played with VocalEssence, the Minnesota Orchestra, and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. In November 2022, John appeared with the Yale Symphony Orchestra at Yale University to play and record a piano concerto by the late Paul Reale, for Naxos records (to be released in 2023).

VocalEssence Chorus 2023-24, photo credit-Bruce Silcox

VOCALESSENCE CHORUS
The VocalEssence Chorus is a group of talented and enthusiastic singers from many different walks of life, united by their love of singing and community. Performing a wide variety of musical styles, premiering new works, and sharing the stage with a diverse array of guest artists, the Chorus is a welcome home for singers who wish to continue making music throughout their adult lives.
SOPRANO
Ann Ambach
AnnaLisa Anderson
Madison Asher
Jessica Belt
Christine Boone
Kara Carrier
Corey Cellurale
Lorinda Chagnon
Amanda Connolly
McKenna Cromwell
Emily Dyrdahl
Eva Gibney-Jones
Lillian Gray
Kristina M. Guiffre
Becca Hovsepian
Claire Huber
Sally Jaffray
Elinor Jones
Magdalena Koebele
Laura Langan
Clara Lind
Lisa D Moncur
Christina Pederson
Emma Schlabach
Emily D. Seifers
Ashley Slattery
Leah Sovick
Abbie Sulik
Dana Terres
Katherine Tonn Eisinger
Amanda Troolin
Jennifer Vickerman
Laura Walket Jacobsen
Dannika Wright
ALTO
Akosua Obuo Addo
Nancy Jo Aldrich
Azure Anderson
Jo Beld
Katelyn Belden
Mary Depew
Grace Dokken
Maggie Driemeyer
Emma Goos
Autumn Gurgel Valentini
Meg Hanna
Dee Hein
Grace Alice Herbertz
Brianna Hill
Emma Jirele
Jenny Kisner
Katie Kovacovich
Wenie Lado
Jessica Laven Johnson
Jeenee Lee
Ana M. Levya
Carly Lunden
Danica McDonald
Rachel Moniz
Kristi Mueller
Elizabeth Neuenfeldt
Liz Raimann
Marty Raymond
Miriam Sahouani
Erin Sandsmark
Katie Sandsmark
Lisa Kathleen Schalla
Sydney Schoeberle
Forrest Schrader
Laura Tanner
Claire Campion Walsh
TENOR
Steve Aggergaard
David Ampaabeng
Brett Bacon
Larry J Brandts
Cheryl A Calloway
Justin Clark
Ryan Coopergard
Ben Demaree
Grant Gilbert Dunne
Tim Emery
Reagan Lee
Owen Metzger
Kurtis Parlin
Thomas Sasdi
Ona Sussman
Barry John Tikalsky
Ethan Williams
BASS
Robert Atendido
David Castro
Adam Hecker
Russ Kaplan
Evan Clay Kelly
Jordan Kiffmeyer
Phil Lowry
Noah K Lucas
Nicholas Marcouiller
Thomas Mondry
Nicholas Mroczek
Declan O’Higgins
Milo Oien-Rochat
David Olson
Ron Pearson
Brian D. Ruhl
Josh Snapp
Trent Stenoien
Dave Toht
Jacob Hurley Weindling

VocalEssence Ensemble Singers 2023-24, photo credit-Bruce Silcox

VOCALESSENCE ENSEMBLE SINGERS
The VocalEssence Ensemble Singers have established an international reputation because of their extensive catalog of recordings and broad range of unique repertoire. This chamber choir, whose members hail from a wide variety of professions, is bound together by their skilled artistry to create what The Times of London has described as a “flawless” sound.
SOPRANO
Jennifer Bevington
Katie Boardman
Elsa Buck
Chloe Johnson
JoAnna Johnson
Kathryn Rupp
Mari Scott
Carey Shunskis
ALTO
Robin Joy Helgen
Patty Kramer
Audrey Lane-Getaz
Judith McClain Melander
Anna G Meek
Carolyn Nuelle
Kristina Rodel Sorum
Catherine Terres
TENOR
Peter Aldrich
Eli Baumgartner
Will Berendsen
Ben Brunnette
Jared Campbell
Robert J. Graham
Jonah Herzog
Phil Reilly
BASS
Joseph Ellickson
David Gindra
Joe Kastner
Erik Krohg
Nathan Petersen-Kindem
Dr. Michael P. Schmidt
Benjamin Shermock

Members of VocalEssence Singers Of This Age on performing stage wearing multi colored shirts.
VocalEssence Singers Of This Age, photo credit-Anna Min

VOCALESSENCE SINGERS OF THIS AGE
The VocalEssence Singers Of This Age (VESOTA) is a community of Twin Cities teenagers engaged in expanding what it means to be a choir and, encouraging a wider circle of participation in the artform. Presenting music ranging from classical to hip-hop, they use creativity and collaboration to build an accepting community, equipped with the skills to lead social change in our society.
Alice Weiland
Alyssa Witty
Ani Yorkhall
Anaje Colquitt
Anna Delaney
Audrey Tuite
Avery Somdahl
Dede Jones
Esme Wright
Essie Botz
Jadesola “Ghost” Olatunde
Harry Lintner
Henrik Mills
Ian Ronning
Jamvon Rush-Reeves
James Tucker
Jer Vang
Josh Ramirez
Kaija Halvorson
Kiara Steiner
Korto Bessman
Leah Odegaard-Dunning
Lela Sabin
Lily Hiebert
Mahogany Robinson
Elizabeth “Moxie” Tucker
Natalie Goodman
Nyx Crews
Raegan Brogdon
Jerusha Burdette
Ruby Atkins
Ursula Beitz
Wendy Mulewa
Yawn Ye Thao
Zola Ranum

Three adult Vintage Voices members holding black folders and singing. Photo Credit: Adja Gildersleve
Vintage Voices members, photo credit-Adja Gildersleve

VOCALESSENCE VINTAGE VOICES
VocalEssence Vintage Voices is an exciting choral program that integrates the arts into the everyday lives of older adults. Guided by a desire to create a welcoming atmosphere and remove barriers for participation, these choirs sing to build community, combat loneliness and isolation, and improve physical and emotional wellbeing.
MEMBERS OF THE SABATHANI VINTAGE VOICES
Jean Heberle
Valton Henderson
Wilmetia Henderson
Susan Hentges
Jean Herron
Grace Jaggers
Ann Jensen
Arlene Pelayo
Teresa Reynolds
Nancey Riley
Lisa Sinclair
MEMBERS OF THE TRILLIUM WOODS CHORALE
Laura Crosby
Jan Cutler
Jim Ervin
Joy Pierce
Joyce Sluss
Mike Sluss
Jean Spong
Chuck Swanson

VocalEssence Board of Directors and Staff

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Carolina Maranon-Cobos
President
Torrie Allen
Vice President
Daniel Fernelius
Secretary
Kristen Hoeschler O’Brien
Treasurer
Mary Ann Aufderheide
Anna Boyle
Tanya M. Bransford
Philip Brunelle
Ben Brunnette
Amber Cales
Mirella Ceja-Orozco
Margaret Chutich
Dan Dressen
Martha Driessen
Cassandra Garnett
Autumn Gurgel
Valton Henderson
Daniel Kantor
Lisa Merklin Lewis
Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed
Richard Neuner
Kristine Oberg
Jim Odland
Doug Parish
Joanne Reeck
G. Phillip Shoultz, III
Jeff Smith
Amanda Storm Schuster
Timothy C. Takach
Bob Thacker
Elizabeth Truesdell Smith
LIFETIME DIRECTORS
Ann Barkelew
Ann Buran
Art Kaemmer
Nikki Lewis
Mike McCarthy*
Dave Mona
Fred Moore
Don Shelby
Dorene Wernke
HONORARY DIRECTORS
Dominick Argento*
William Bolcom
Dave Brubeck*
Stewart Copeland
Aaron Copland*
Håkan Hagegård
Louise Heffelfinger*
Eskil Hemberg*
Betty Hulings*
Sigrid Johnson*
James Earl Jones
Garrison Keillor
Donald Mitchell*
Helmuth Rilling
John Rutter
Peter Schickele
Dr. André J. Thomas
Eric Whitacre
*In remembrance
VOCALESSENCE STAFF
ARTISTIC STAFF
Philip Brunelle
Artistic Director and Founder
G. Phillip Shoultz, III
Associate Artistic Director
Robert Graham
Learning and Engagement Manager | Conductor, Vintage Voices
Casey Rafn
Accompanist
John Jensen
Accompanist, Vintage Voices
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Azure Anderson
Executive Assistant
Mary Ann Aufderheide
Executive Director
Jeff Bina
Director of Finance and Operations
Rhiannon Fiskradatz
Learning and Engagement Manager
Laura Holst
Development and Marketing Associate
Emma Jirele Sandhurst
Learning and Engagement Manager
Ethan Johnson
Director of Artistic Operations
Amanda Timmer
Director of Marketing and Communications
Elissa Weller
Director of Development

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Thank you, Northrop and VocalEssence Supporters

We are grateful to these supporters and donors who continue to support programming, education, and community engagement.

Northrop Supporters

VocalEssence has a large group of committed supporters and is honored by the many gifts received in memory, appreciation, and celebration of friends and family that are too many to list in this concert program. Please click the button below to see a full list of supporters and special tributes.

VocalEssence Supporters

Special Thanks

Lilli Branitzki
Dan Dressen
Ēriks Ešenvalds
Dave Lee
Anna Meek
Robin Tyson

Special Thanks for the Support of this Concert

NORTHROP & VOCALESSENCE 2023-2024 SEASON SPONSOR

VOCALESSENCE 2023-2024 SEASON SPONSORS