WITNESS: Eyes Still On the Prize Digital Concert Program
Welcome
This afternoon, you will hear stories of courage, vision, and perseverance as we share glimpses into lives of six amazing women who each, in her own way, has taken action towards making the vision of “liberty and justice for all” a reality. To this day, Ruby Bridges, Claudette Colvin, Mari Copeny, Reatha Clark King, Dr. Josie Johnson, and Rose McGee continue to make a positive impact on our society as they speak out and stand up for change. As you learn more about them and their life’s work, I hope each of you are inspired to “keep your eyes on the prize” and consider the issues and causes you are willing to work for. Together we can bring about the revival of love, the rebirth of peace, and the emergence of a community where violence ceases. Welcome to VocalEssence WITNESS: Eyes Still On the Prize.
In 1991, when Artistic Director and Founder Philip Brunelle decided to honor Black History month with a concert dedicated to bringing greater visibility and awareness to the music of composers from the African diaspora, not even he could have predicted the profound and lasting impact that decision would have.
VocalEssence WITNESS celebrates many outstanding contributions the Black community makes to our shared cultural heritage through concerts, conversations, recitals, workshops, and programming in churches, community centers, and schools throughout the metropolitan region. Each year, with the help of our phenomenal roster of Teaching Artists, thousands of students participate in interactive workshops based on a curated theme which highlights Black brilliance, past and present, and illuminates our role in making today’s society more equitable for all.
I’m so honored to share the stage with this talented intergenerational group of VocalEssence singers who have invested their time and energies in bringing this music to life. We are thrilled to welcome Suzette Jornae Gilreath and the members of One Accord Dance Collective to the WITNESS family. It has been a great joy to collaborate with Suzette as we’ve worked together to weave the messages of hope, resilience, and strength together through music and movement.
Now settle in, sit back, and get ready to lift your voice in song for freedom and justice. It is my sincere hope that as you leave Northrop, you will accept the call to live your life in a way that brings more truth, more compassion, more cooperation, and more joy into our world!
—G. Phillip Shoultz, III, Associate Artistic Director, VocalEssence
PROGRAM
FREEDOM IS COMING: CAN’T TURN ME ‘ROUND
G. Phillip Shoultz, III (2025)
I WILL SING
Rosephanye Powell (2014)
AUDIENCE SING: EYES ON THE PRIZE (HOLD ON!)
FREEDOM’S PLOW
Negro Spiritual, arr. Joseph Joubert (2023)
AUDIENCE SING: FREEDOM SONG—WE SHALL NOT BE MOVED
STAND UP!
B.E. Boykin (2024)
I DREAM A WORLD
Rosephanye Powell (2002)
AMERICA WILL BE!
Joel Thompson (2019)
INTERMISSION
IF I CAN HELP SOMEBODY
Alma Bazel Androzzo, arr. David Brunner (2010)
PRESENTATION OF THE REATHA CLARK KING AWARD
AUDIENCE SING: FREEDOM SONG—BE THE LIGHT
Franklin Willis (2023)
(audience invited to sing as directed)
THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE
arr. Robert T. Gibson (2024)
HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW
Charles Gabriel, arr. Zanaida Stewart Robles (2023)
AUDIENCE SING: FREEDOM SONG—AIN’T GONNA LET NOBODY TURN ME ‘ROUND
DON’T YOU LET NOBODY TURN YOU AROUN’
Negro Spiritual, arr. Eric O. Poole (2022)
AUDIENCE SING: FREEDOM SONG—WOKE UP THIS MORNIN’
FREEDOM TRAIN
Rollo Dilworth (2008)
WE SHALL OVERCOME
arr. G. Phillip Shoultz, III (2021)
Texts
FREEDOM IS COMING: CAN’T TURN ME ‘ROUND, G. Phillip Shoultz, III (2025)
Freedom is coming, yes I know!
You can’t turn me ‘round
I won’t let nobody turn me ‘round
I am marching up to freedom land.
—based on freedom songs from South Africa and the United States Civil Rights Movement
I WILL SING, Rosephanye Powell (2014)
I will sing!
I’ll sing of the joy that fills my heart when freedom rings.
Let freedom ring, let it ring.
Let it ring through love.
Let freedom ring, let it ring.
Let it ring through peace.
Let freedom ring, let it ring.
Yes! Let it ring through hope.
I’ll sing of the joy that fills my heart when freedom rings.
I’ll sing of the joy. The joy that fills my heart.
I’ll sing of the love. The love that fills my heart.
I’ll sing of the peace. The peace that fills my heart.
I’ll sing of the hope. The hope that fills my heart.
I’ll sing of the joy that fills my heart when freedom rings.
—Rosephanye Powell
AUDIENCE SING: FREEDOM SONG—EYES ON THE PRIZE (HOLD ON!)
Keep your eyes on the prize. Hold on! (Hold on!)
Refrain: Hold on! Hold on!
Keep your eyes on the prize. Hold on! (Hold on!)
Got my hands on the freedom plow,
wouldn’t take nothin’ for my journey now.
Keep your eyes on the prize. Hold on! (Hold on!)
Only chains that we can stand,
are the chains of hand in hand.
Keep your eyes on the prize. Hold on! (Hold on!) Refrain
Oh, the one thing we did wrong,
we stayed in the wilderness too long.
Keep your eyes on the prize. Hold on! (Hold on!)
Oh, the one thing we did right
was the day we started to fight.
Keep your eyes on the prize. Hold on! (Hold on!) Refrain
Many good souls have fought and died,
so we could sing here side by side.
Keep your eyes on the prize. Hold on! (Hold on!)
Building walls and spreading hate,
will not make this country great.
Keep your eyes on the prize. Hold on! (Hold on!) Refrain
FREEDOM’S PLOW, Negro Spiritual, arr. Joseph Joubert (2023)
Hold on just a little while longer.
Ev’rything will be all right.
Nora, Nora, let me come in,
Doors all fastened and the windows pinned,
Keep your hand on-a the plow, Hold on! Hold on!
Nora said, “You done lost your track.
Can’t plow straight and keep-a lookin’ back.”
Hold on! Sister, Hold on! Hold on! Brother, Hold on!
If you wanna get to Heaven let me tell you how:
Just keep your hand on the gospel plow.
Keep your hand on the gospel plow.
If that plow stays in your hand,
it will land you straight to the promised land,
Keep your hand on-a the plow, Hold on! Hold on!
Got me hand on the gospel plow,
wouldn’t take nothing for my journey now.
When I get to Heaven, gonna sing and shout
and nobody there can put me out.
Mary had a golden chain,
ev’ry link spelled my Jesus name.
Keep on climbing and don’t you tire,
ev’ry round goes higher and higher
Keep your hand on the gospel plow.
Holding, holding, holding on.
Keep your hand on the gospel plow and Hold on!
—Traditional Spiritual
AUDIENCE SING: FREEDOM SONG—WE SHALL NOT BE MOVED
We shall not; we shall not be moved.
We shall not; we shall not be moved.
Just like a tree that’s planted by the water,
we shall not be moved.
We walk this road together, we shall not be moved.
We walk this road together, we shall not be moved.
Just like a tree that’s planted by the water,
we shall not be moved.
We’re on the road to freedom, we shall not be moved.
We’re on the road to freedom, we shall not be moved.
Just like a tree that’s planted by the water,
we shall not be moved.
We stand and fight together, we shall not be moved.
We stand and fight together, we shall not be moved.
Just like a tree that’s planted by the water,
we shall not be moved.
STAND UP!, B.E. Boykin (2024)
Stand up for what’s right
Human heart and love of freedom
Sacred rights for all people
Onward, upward, forward we go!
So love right and do right to live right
Just be right
Equality, unity lifting as we climb–and that’s right
Forward we go with promise and hope
Lifting as we climb–and that’s right
—Text compiled, inspired, and quoted from Mary Church Terrell
I DREAM A WORLD, Rosephanye Powell (2002)
I dream a world where man
No other man will scorn,
Where love will bless the earth
And peace its paths adorn
I dream a world where all
Will know sweet freedom’s way,
Where greed no longer saps the soul
Nor avarice blights our day.
A world I dream where black or white,
Whatever race you be,
Will share the bounties of the earth
And every man is free,
Where wretchedness will hang its head
And joy, like a pearl,
Attends the needs of all mankind
—Of such I dream, my world!
—Langston Hughes
AMERICA WILL BE!, Joel Thompson (2019)
Who are you that rubles in the dark
and who are you that draws your veils across the stars?
I’m the one who dreamt a dream while still a serf of kings
A dream so strong, so brave, so true that even yet it sings.
To build a homeland of the free.
For all the songs we’ve sung,
and all the dreams we’ve dreamed,
America was never America to me,
and yet I swear: America will be!
—Adapted from Let America Be America Again by Langston Hughes’
Give me your tired, your poor,
your huddled masses yearning to breath free,
give me the wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these to me!
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!
—Adapted from The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus
INTERMISSION
IF I CAN HELP SOMEBODY, Alma Bazel Androzzo, arr. David Brunner (2010)
If I can help somebody as I pass along;
If I can cheer somebody with a word or song,
If I can show somebody he is trav’ling wrong,
Then my living shall not be in vain.
If I can help somebody as I pass along,
Then my living shall not be in vain.
If I can do my duty, as a good person ought,
If I can bring back beauty, to a world up wrought,
If I can spread love’s message, as the Master taught,
Then my living shall not be in vain.
If I can help somebody as I journey through this world,
Then my living shall not be in vain.
—Alma Bazel Androzza
PRESENTATION OF THE REATHA CLARK KING AWARD
AUDIENCE SING: FREEDOM SONG—BE THE LIGHT, Franklin Willis (2023)
(audience invited to sing as directed)
THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE, arr. Robert T. Gibson (2024)
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Everywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
All day and al night, I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
My God gave it to me, I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
—Traditional Spiritual
HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW, Charles Gabriel, arr. Zanaida Stewart Robles (2023)
“Let not your heart be troubled,”
His tender word I hear,
And resting on his goodness,
I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path he leads me,
But one step I may see:
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know he watches me.
Why should I feel discouraged,
Why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely,
And long for heav’n and home,
When Jesus is my portion?
My constant friend is he:
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know he watches me.
I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For his eye is on the sparrow,
And I know he watches me.
—Civilla D. Martin
AUDIENCE SING: FREEDOM SONG—AIN’T GONNA LET NOBODY TURN ME ‘ROUND
Ain’t gonna let nobody turn me ‘round,
turn me ‘round, turn me ‘round.
Ain’t gonna let nobody turn me ‘round, I’m gonna
keep on a-walkin’, keep on a-talkin’,
marchin’ up to freedom land.
Ain’t gonna let no hatred turn me ‘round…
Ain’t gonna let injustice turn me ‘round…
Ain’t gonna let racism turn me ‘round…
DON’T YOU LET NOBODY TURN YOU AROUN’, Negro Spiritual, arr. Eric O. Poole (2022)
Don’t you let nobody, (Nobody),
Don’t you let nobody, (Nobody),
Don’t you let nobody turn you aroun’.
Refrain:
Don’t you let nobody turn you aroun’,
Don’t let ‘em turn you aroun’,
Don’t let ‘em turn you aroun’.
Don’t you let nobody turn you aroun’.
You better keep on, keep walkin’, walkin,
Keep on, keep talkin’, talkin’.
Marchin’, marchin’ up to freedom lan’,
Right up to freedom lan’.
Don’t you let no bully, (No bully),
Don’t you let no hatred, (No hatred),
Don’t you let racism (No racism) turn you aroun’. Refrain
I been ‘buked and I been scorned.
I been talked about as sure as you’re born.
I’m gonna keep my hands on the Gospel plow.
Nobody! Nobody! NOBODY gonna turn me out!
I’m gonna find good trouble, (Good trouble),
I’m gonna find good trouble, (Good trouble),
I’m gonna find some necessary trouble (Good trouble) and turn it aroun’.
Nobody turnin’ me roun’. No. No.
Nobody gonna turn me aroun’. No. No.
Ain’t gonna let nobody turn me. No. No. No.
No…, no…, no…, nobody turnin’ me ‘roun’.
Nobody, NO!
Won’t let ‘em turn me.
Keep on, keep walkin’, walkin,
Keep on, keep talkin’, talkin’.
Findin’ good trouble, trouble,
Marchin’, marchin’ IN to freedom lan’,
right IN to freedom lan’!
—Traditional spiritual, alt. Eric O. Poole
AUDIENCE SING: FREEDOM SONG—WOKE UP THIS MORNIN’
Woke up this mornin’ with my mind,
stayed on freedom.
Woke up this mornin’ with my mind,
stayed on freedom.
Woke up this mornin’ with my mind,
stayed on freedom.
Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah!
Walkin’ and talkin’ with my mind,
stayed on freedom.
Walkin’ and talkin’ with my mind,
stayed on freedom.
Walkin’ and talkin’ with my mind,
stayed on freedom.
Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah!
It ain’ t no harm to keep your mind,
stayed on freedom.
It ain’ t no harm to keep your mind,
stayed on freedom.
It ain’ t no harm to keep your mind,
stayed on freedom.
Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah!
FREEDOM TRAIN, Rollo Dilworth (2008)
All aboard! Just get on board!
Shout “Hallelujah!” All aboard the Freedom Train!
Bound for Glory where peace and justice reign.
One day we shall overcome.
Can’t go back to where we started from.
Freedom Train’s a-comin’, get on board!
Get on board, won’t you get on board!
All aboard! Just get on board!
Shout “Hallelujah!” Gonna ride to Glory Land!
On to victory, I’ll join that heav’nly band.
In a land where I will sing
Songs of the faith that help to set me free.
Freedom Train’s a-comin’, get on board!
Get on board, won’t you get on board!
You may hinder me here, but you can’t hinder me there.
The Lord in Heaven’s gonna answer my pray’r.
I am goin’ home to see the elders there,
To sing the songs of hope for freedom ev’ry where.
Get on board! Ain’t gonna let nobody turn me ’round!
We shall overcome!
Oh, Freedom! Oh, Freedom!
Freedom Train’s a-comin’, get on board!
—Rollo Dilworth
WE SHALL OVERCOME, arr. G. Phillip Shoultz, III (2021)
We shall overcome someday.
Deep in my heart, I do believe that we shall overcome someday.
We’ll walk hand in hand someday.
Deep in my heart, I do believe that we shall overcome someday.
—Traditional
Lead with Love Pledge
We were created for community and need one another to truly survive. To Lead with Love is to acknowledge that everyone deserves the right to live in a world that allows them to be fully alive and thrive. Leading with love is not just a choice that we make or a mindset that we adopt, it is cultivating the practice of belovedness and hospitality each and every day.
The Lead with Love pledge, developed in 2024 for the WITNESS: Lead with Love concert, is comprised of twelve statements that invite us to nurture habits of caring and connection.
I will LISTEN.
I will ENCOURAGE others to be the best versions of themselves.
I will ASK questions so I can better understand the perspectives of those around me.
I will DEEPEN my awareness of the needs that exist in our communities.
I will WORK with others to strengthen our communities.
I will INVEST my time, talents, and resources to help improve the lives of those around me.
I will TAKE TIME for reflection and TAKE ACTION when the situation calls for it.
I will HOLD OTHERS UP when they experience difficulties and disappointments.
I will LET MY VOICE BE HEARD and speak up in the face of injustice.
I will OPEN DOORS through conversation and compromise.
I will VALIDATE the differences that make us unique.
I will EMBRACE changes that allow us to better live in community with one another.
Guest Artists
Jornae LLC is a multifaceted transformational based company that serves a wide range of clients. They currently offer emotional wellness support through their Integrative Health Practitioner role by providing health and wellness offerings at different resources at homeless shelters. They offer healing dance classes, performances, private 1:1, and group dance classes.
One Accord Dance Collective is driven by faith, rhythm, and truth telling. Under the umbrella of Jornae, LLC, this collective creates pieces inspired by the struggle, strength, and grace of our ancestors. They fiercely use the body to share the gospel of Christ consciousness and to protest the violent and harmful acts committed against the Black and African American Community.
Romero Cannady, choreographer
Nichole Flowers, narrator
Sofia Arisan
Vanessa Ruckers
The following selections were used in today’s performance:
Misunderstood, Nina Simone
We Are One, Frankie Beverly and Maze
Things Will Get Better, Cleo Sol
Stand Up, Cynthia Erivo
SUZETTE GILREATH
Dancer, Founder of Jornae, LLC
Suzette Jornae Gilreath is a Twin Cities native. Born and raised in Minnesota, she is the founder of Jornae, LLC and is a dance artist based in MN. She received her B.A. in Dance and American Sign Language from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Jornae is a virtuosic, versatile, and curious mover. She began her dance training at Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists and TU Dance at the age of 16. She is classically trained in Classical Ballet, Contemporary Ballet, Modern and African, with experience in street style Hip-hop, and Heels. As an alumna of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities’ Dance Program, she has been taught under the instruction of Carl Flink, Toni Pierce-Sands, Ananya Chatterjea, and Erin Thompson. Through her dance training, she has obtained a greater understanding of the relationship dance has with the world, globally and internationally. She fell deeply in love with American Sign Language (ASL) and D/deaf culture. ASL has shifted her artist praxis, and how she interacts with the world, ethnically, culturally, and spiritually. Jornae’s work is approached through an intersectional lens. Through aligning her multitude of identities and practices, she cultivates composition and projects that focus on enlightening the world to see who they are, and how we are all connected to the source. Her mission is to transform, inform, and inspire through art and human exchange.
AUDREY LANE-GETAZ
Soloist
Audrey is a graduate of St. Olaf College where she has a degree in vocal performance. She is currently a member of the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers.
ANAJE COLQUITT
Edison High School
Anaje Colquitt is a 10th grader at Edison High School in Minneapolis where she participates in Choir, Drumline, Avid, Track & Field, Volleyball, Outdoor Club, and is a member of Theater Leadership Council. Anaje is a soprano in the VocalEssence Singers Of This Age where she has been featured as a soloist. Her theater credits include the lead role of Ti Moune in Once on this Island and roles in Anything Goes, She Kills Monsters, and Pretty Princess.
AURORA SILPALA
Washburn High School
Aurora Silpala is a 10th grader at Washburn High School in Minneapolis where she participates in Choir and Theater. Aurora is a soprano in the VocalEssence Singers Of This Age where she has been featured as a soloist. Aurora has performed for Washburn Poetry Out Loud and the MLK Breakfast sponsored by General Mills. Her work in theater began at Clara Barton Elementary and includes two performances on the Guthrie Theater Wurtele Thrust Stage.
WITNESS Trio
The WITNESS Trio is comprised of versatile musicians who perform in the Twin Cities’ most prestigious venues, this instrumental combo will bring an energetic and joy-filled sound to our singing.
KEYBOARD
Sam Reeves
DRUMS
Brian Kendrick
BASS
Nii Adjetey Mensah
About VocalEssence WITNESS School Program
Now in its 35th year, VocalEssence WITNESS celebrates the contributions of African Americans to our shared American heritage through in-school and virtual workshops with teaching artists for students grades 4-12, professional development and classroom resources for teachers, and VocalEssence WITNESS Young People’s Concerts featuring VocalEssence singers.
2024-2025 FAST FACTS
• 42 Partner Schools, including 18 from Minneapolis Public Schools
• 31 schools returning for repeat partnership
• 11 brand new partner schools joining WITNESS this year
• 3,716 students will attend Young People’s Concerts
• 4,148 students will participate in workshops with WITNESS Teaching Artists
• 42 buses, subsidized by VocalEssence through generous supporters will transport Minneapolis Public Schools students to the Young People’s Concerts free of charge
• Teachers have access to 5 different lesson plans—created by VocalEssence staff to meet Minnesota Academic Standards— engaging students in this year’s theme of “Eyes Still On The Prize.”
VocalEssence Teaching Artists
TIMOTHY BERRY
Vocalist/Composer/Percussionist
PATRICIA BROWN
Dance Instructor/Choreographer
TRAIVEON DUNLAP
Vocalist/Percussionist
GINGER COMMODORE
Singer/Songwriter/Actress
KARLA NWEJE
Dancer/Choreographer/Literary Artist
T. MYCHAEL RAMBO
Musician/Singer/Actor
ANITA RUTH
Musician/Pianist
ROXANE WALLACE
Dancer/Choreographer
WITNESS Advisory Council
Torrie Allen
Marvin Anderson
Martha Arradondo
Stanley Brown
Tazha Buckner
James Burroughs
Eric Clark
Victoria Davis
Ashley Dubose
Jacob Gayle
Valton Henderson, Chair
Tricia Kaufman
Reatha King
Kevin Lindsey
Laverne McCartney Knighton
Rhoda Miriphiri-Reed
Maria Mitchell
Dr. Kristin Morris
Philomena Morrissey Satre
Amanda Norman
Jonathan Palmer
Chadwick Phillips
Joanne Reeck
Sharon Smith-Akinsanya
Lezlie Taylor
George Thompson
About the Six Trailblazers
To “keep your eyes on the prize” means to determine what is important and to muster up the courage to take action towards making the vision a reality. This year’s concert, VocalEssence WITNESS: Eyes on Still the Prize, introduces us to six women who continue to make a positive impact on our society as they speak out about and stand up for change. As you learn more about them and their life’s work, we hope each of you are inspired to consider, what is the prize that your eyes are on? What issues or causes are you willing to work and stand up for to make our society a better place?
Click the button below to Meet the Trailblazers.
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.
About VocalEssence
For 56 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.
VocalEssence Artistic Staff
PHILIP BRUNELLE
Artistic Director and Founder
Philip Brunelle, Philip Brunelle, artistic director and founder of VocalEssence 56 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/musicalmoments-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, inspires action and fosters community among people of all ages and abilities through song and spoken word. He is Artistic Director of Sing Democracy 250, a national initiative of the Together In Hope Project, and the University of Minnesota Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert. Phillip is Cantor for Worship, Music, and the Arts at Westwood Lutheran Church and serves on the faculty of the University of St. Thomas, where he leads the Graduate Choral Conducting program. Phillip gives voice to the Songs of Freedom series on Minnesota Public Radio and hosts concerts for the Minnesota Orchestra. He creates content for SonoVoice (the Fitbit for voice) and is founder of “Table for More”, a platform addressing issues of innovation, equity, racial justice, and belonging in the arts. Phillip is engaged across the U.S. and beyond as a conductor, clinician, and worship curator/leader. He is published with Galaxy Music and is the winner of numerous honors, including the ACDA Graduate Conducting Competition and multiple Teacher of the Year awards. 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 (released in 2023).
VocalEssence Performing Ensembles
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
Ashley Brandt
Kate Brinkert
Corey Cellurale
Lorinda Chagnon
Marie Colangelo
Amanda Connolly
Emily Dyrdahl
Eva Gibney-Jones
Lillian Gray
Kristina M. Guiffre
Becca Hovsepian
Claire Huber
Sally Jaffray
Elinor Jones
Magdalena Koebele
Laura Langan
Clara Lind
Christina Pederson
Venessa Rockwell
Emma Schlabach
Emily D. Seifers
Ashley Slattery
Leah Sovick
Abbie Sulik
Dana Terres
Hannah Tilstra
Katherine Tonn Eisinger
Amanda Troolin
Jennifer Vickerman
Akaolisa
Dannika Wright
ALTO
Akosua Obuo Addo
Azure Anderson
Johanna Beaupre
Jo Beld
Katelyn Belden
Maria Coughlan
Mary Depew
Maggie Driemeyer
Monica Gagne
Nancy Jo Goettl
Marjorie Rose Hakala
Meg Hanna
McKenzie Hartke
Dee Hein
Grace Alice Herbertz
Brianna Hill
Grace Hjort
Tori Hornby
Emma Jirele Sandhurst
Katie Kovacovich
Ruby Lindholm Kramer
Annie Krishnan
Jessica Laven Johnson
Jeenee Lee
Lark Lewis
Ana Madai Leyva
Carly Lunden
Danica McDonald
Rachel Moniz
Kristi Mueller
Elizabeth Neuenfeldt
Jillian Paulson
Liz Raimann
Marty Raymond
Miriam Sahouani
Erin Sandsmark
Katie Sandsmark
Lisa Kathleen Schalla
Sydney Schoeberle
Forrest Schrader
Sarah Taft
Laura Tanner
Allie Wigley
TENOR
Erik Adolphson
Steve Aggergaard
Brett Bacon
Larry J Brandts
Cheryl A. Calloway
Bjorn Christ
Dante Colmenares
Ryan Coopergard
Mary Kay Delvo
Ben Demaree
Grant Gilbert Dunne
Tim Emery
James Feltes
Reagan Lee
Kurtis Parlin
Thomas Sasdi
Peter Carlson
Schattauer
Ona Sussman
Barry Tikalsky
BASS
Robert Atendido
Seth Bresky
Garret Fettig
Adam Hecker
Russ Kaplan
Evan Clay Kelly
Jordan Kiffmeyer
Jacob T. Koshiol
John Kuntz
John Mai
Nicholas Marcouiller
Thomas Mondry
Nicholas Mroczek
Declan O’Higgins
Milo Oien-Rochat
David Olson
Brian D. Ruhl
Asher Melech Schreiber
Josh Snapp
Trent Stenoien
Dave Toht
Jacob Hurley Weindling
Ian Witry
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.
VOCALESSENCE SINGERS OF THIS AGE
The VocalEssence Singers Of This Age (SOTA) 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.
Adra Vang
Alice Weiland
Amos Lucken Hills
Anaje Colquitt
Aurora Silpala
Avery Somdahl
Cloud Sim
Cole Keller
Dagu Burbach
Esme Wright
Everett Thao
Harry Lintner
Henrik Mills
Hser Htoo
Ian Oberheide
Iris Ferris
Jake Rowell
Jimmy Tucker
Julip Levy
Kiara Steiner
Lacha Yang
Leah Odegaard-
Dunning
Lela Sabin
Lily Hiebert
Moua Kong Thao
Olive Kirk
Ruby Atkins
Sage Herringshaw
Skyler Vang
Susanna Cowan
Yawn Ye Thao
Zola Ranum
Zsuzsa Gallo
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 FROM SABATHANI VINTAGE VOICES
Becky Coleman
Valton Henderson
Wilmetia Henderson
Sarah Johnson
Nancey Riley
MEMBERS FROM TRILLIUM WOODS
CHORALE
Jan Cutler
Joy Pierce
Jean Spong
Chuck Swanson
MEMBERS FROM KEYSTONE CHOIR
Joy Christiansen
Ruthena Fink
Barbara McKernan
Janie Morissette
Karlene Niva-Colgan
Martha Postlethwaite
Laura Raymond
Rhonda Simonson
VocalEssence Board of Directors and Staff
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Carolina Maranon-Cobos
President
Daniel Fernelius
President-Elect
Valton Henderson
Vice President
Dan Dressen
Secretary
Kristen Hoeschler O’Brien
Treasurer
Torrie Allen
Anna Boyle
Tanya M. Bransford
Philip Brunelle
Ben Brunnette
Martha Driessen
Cassandra Garnett
Brianna Hill
Daniel Kantor
Lisa Merklin Lewis
Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed
Richard Neuner
Kristine Oberg
Jim Odland
Anna Ostroushko
Doug Parish
Joanne Reeck
G. Phillip Shoultz, III
Jeff Smith
Amanda Storm Schuster
Timothy C. Takach
Bob Thacker
Mary Tjosvold
Elizabeth Truesdell Smith
Amy Jaine Wielunski
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
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 | Graphic Designer
Ethan Johnson
Director of Artistic Operations
Amanda Timmer
Director of Marketing and Communications
Elissa Weller
Director of Development
Amy Jaine Wielunski
Executive Director
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Thank you, Northrop and VocalEssence Supporters
Northrop is grateful to their supporters and donors who continue to support programming, education, and community engagement.
Please click the button below to see a full list of supporters and special tributes.
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.