VocalEssence – Philip Brunelle, artistic director

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (June 19, 2008) – For nearly 40 years, Philip Brunelle and renowned humorist Garrison Keillor have been friends and musical collaborators, so it’s only natural that Mr. Keillor should be called upon to host the 40th anniversary party of VocalEssence.

The VocalEssence 40th Birthday Party with Garrison Keillor takes place at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis on Sunday, September 14, 2008 (4 pm). For tickets and information, call 612-371-5656 (800-292-4141) or visit www.vocalessence.org.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (June 9, 2008) — VocalEssence, the Minneapolis-based non-profit choral ensemble, is very pleased to announce the election of three new members to its board of directors. They were elected at the quarterly board meeting on May 19, 2008 to serve three-year terms beginning in July.

Minneapolis, MN (May 5, 2008) – From a field of 78 new works by composers living in 25 states plus Argentina, Brazil, and Canada, VocalEssence and American Composers Forum have chosen five composers to participate in the May 2008 Essentially Choral reading session. The public is invited to attend a working rehearsal of their new music for voices and instruments on Saturday, May 31.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (April 16, 2008) – Drawing from the rich and varied American choral music tradition, VocalEssence will present a community concert titled A Slice of Americana in May, featuring beloved American traditional folksong arrangements alongside choral masterpieces by a wide range of American composers. The performance concert takes place at Trinity Lutheran Church (115 North Fourth Street, Stillwater, MN) on Saturday, May 10 at 8 pm. For advance tickets, call 612-624-2345 or visit www.vocalessence.org. Music lovers of all ages are welcome!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 8, 2008

Contact: Jennifer Bauer—612-547-1459
jbauer@vocalessence.org

“VocalEssence is one of the irreplaceable music ensembles of our time” -Dana Gioia, Chairman, National Endowment for the Arts

VOCALESSENCE ANNOUNCES ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY 2008-2009 SEASON

with
Garrison Keillor
Jazz Icon Billy Taylor
Choral Superstar Eric Whitacre
Dominick Argento World Premiere for 500 voices

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (March 25, 2008) — The magnificent landscape of the Serengeti region and the invigorating music of Africa inspire the 2008 VocalEssence Gala, a safari of musical discovery, unique auction treasures and savory cuisine. On Saturday, May 3, 2008 (6 pm), Serengeti Serenade takes place at The Historic Milwaukee Depot in Minneapolis.

The Gala is led by co-chairs Gayle Fuguitt and Julie Zelle and a committee of volunteers. Warren & Donna Beck and Dr. Josie R. Johnson are recognized as honorary chairs of the VocalEssence Gala.

The Joy of Spring with Maureen McGovern
Sunday, April 6, 2008, 4 pm
Concert Conversation at 3 pm
The Fitzgerald Theater, St. Paul, MN
Tickets $20-$35 (Service charges may apply. Student tickets are half price. Group discounts available.)
To order, call 612-673-0404 or go to vocalessence.org.

New compact disc released by VocalEssence Ensemble Singers on Clarion Records

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (February 14, 2008) – This fall, VocalEssence and Clarion Records launched Heritage: The American Choral Experience, a new series of CDs celebrating choral music by American composers, with the release of is The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass (Clarion CLR931CD).

Capsule:

WITNESS Community Concert: Duke Ellington on the Air
Sunday, February 24, 2008, pm
Hopkins High School Auditorium, 2400 Lindbergh Drive, Minnetonka, MN
Tickets: $12 adults, $8 children 17 and younger
Seating is general admission, all ages are welcome.
To order: 612-624-2345 or ww.vocalessence.org

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (February 11, 2008) — VocalEssence, the Minneapolis-based choral non-profit music organization, is very pleased to announce the election of Robert C. Muschewske, Ph.D., to its Board of Directors. He was elected at the quarterly board meeting in January 2008.