VocalEssence is thrilled to announce the addition of three new members to its Board of Directors. The VocalEssence Board of Directors serve as ambassadors for the organization in the larger community. They also guide VocalEssence in all major policy decisions while ensuring the financial stability of the 56-year-old nonprofit. “I’m delighted to welcome our new…
At this year’s WITNESS: Leading with Love concert, VocalEssence was thrilled to feature a showcase of Black makers and entrepreneurs who align themselves with the message of “leading with love.” Target Atrium at Orchestra Hall was bustling with activity on the day of the event. There were book readings, songs sung, improv comedy skits performed,…
“Telling our stories takes time and space.”—Healing Beats Session Participant “We are all connected. We are all ancestors.”—Healing Beats Session Participant Over the past few months VocalEssence held Healing Beats Sessions led by Melanie DeMore at five sites around the Twin Cities. Melanie DeMore has expertise in the traditions of the Gullah persons from the…
Choral music called … and Philip Brunelle answered “Connect the Dots” from Minnesota Now | February 20, 2024 Cathy Wurzer, Chris Farrell and Ellen Finn Philip Brunelle has done it all. Currently, he’s the founder and artistic director of VocalEssence. VocalEssence is based at the Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis. Brunelle has led the choir for 55 years. A…
On Sunday, January 28, 2024, the VocalEssence Singers Of This Age joined a consortium of choirs from around the Twin Cities in a song share celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Beth El Synagogue in St. Louis Park. The mood was festive as songs were sung in myriad languages and ensembles positioned all around the space…
Philip Brunelle made an appearance on Minnesota Live on Thursday, February 1, 2024. Click the button below to watch Philip share 5 facts about himself and his musical career. Watch Now
VocalEssence has several opportunities to listen and watch over the holidays. Here are the ways you can enjoy VocalEssence programming: VocalEssence On Demand Enjoy inspiration on your schedule! This digital content is available whenever and wherever! View our digital releases-including the newly released highlights from Welcome Christmas 2023 at Northrop, the 2021-2022 Digital Season, single…
Philip Brunelle: The 55th VocalEssence season is in full swing and Philip Brunelle, VocalEssence Founder and Artistic Director, is delighted to be rehearsing music for the October 29 opening concert with the Ensemble Singers and the Chorus. In late August he spent 10 days in Brittany and then visited daughter Elise and family in Vermont…
VocalEssence is thrilled to announce the addition of six new members to its Board of Directors. The VocalEssence Board of Directors serve as ambassadors for the organization in the larger community. They also guide VocalEssence in all major policy decisions while ensuring the financial stability of the 55-year-old nonprofit. “I’m delighted to welcome our new…
Philip Brunelle: This month has been full of celebrations for Philip Brunelle, VocalEssence Founder and Artistic Director. On August 14, the rain stopped and the clouds parted as 120 of Philip’s closest friends joined him in celebrating his 80th birthday at the home of Marilyn Carlson Nelson. It was a wonderful celebration of food, singing,…
Philip Brunelle: This month has been memorable in many ways for Philip Brunelle, VocalEssence Founder and Artistic Director. With the VERY successful completion of the Bridge to the Future campaign where we reached our $4.5 million goal, we celebrated with a reception at the home of Cay Shea on a beautiful June evening. Several days later…
Philip Brunelle: The past month has been another busy one for Philip Brunelle, VocalEssence Founder and Artistic Director. This is the time for auditions for the Ensemble Singers as well as new singers for the Chorus–so many hours have been filled with this important task. Putting the final touches on the 2023-2024 season (subscriptions are…
American Public Media and Classical Minnesota Public Radio will present a new VocalEssence radio special, Song of Joy: The Mendelssohns, hosted by John Birge. The one-hour program will air on Easter Sunday, April 9, at noon on YourClassical Minnesota Public Radio 99.5 FM in the Twin Cities and online at yourclassical.org. It will be available…
Members of the VocalEssence Singers Of This Age were honored to be invited—for the second year in a row—to sing for the annual WCCO Home for the Holidays Community Tree lighting ceremony on Wednesday, November 30. They performed holiday favorites to set the mood! Click the button below to watch their performance. WATCH NOW Each…
VocalEssence has several opportunities to listen and watch over the holidays. Here are the ways you can enjoy VocalEssence programming: VocalEssence On Demand Enjoy inspiration on your schedule! This digital content is available whenever and wherever! Enjoy 2022-2023 Season digital releases-including highlights from Welcome Christmas 2022 at Northrop, the 2021-2022 Digital Season, single releases, and…
