Do you remember Professor Peter Schickele (alias PDQ Bach)? This marvelous musician who created hilarious parodies of Baroque music will appear on April 10th with VocalEssence at the Ted Mann Concert Hall, celebrating his 80th Birthday. In advance of the concert, VocalEssence artistic director Philip Brunelle will offer a special OLLI Class with Peter Schickele/PDQ…  Read More →

This year marks 100 years of independence for Finland. Philip Brunelle (VocalEssence) and Mark Sedio (Central Lutheran) will fill you with LOTS of interesting stories and play music that will give you a rich understanding of Finland's choral music history.   In order to sign up for this session, you must be a member of…  Read More →

The 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation and the importance of the music of J.S. Bach celebrating this event is linked with Carol Barnett and her new "Bluegrass TeDeum". Join Philip Brunelle and composer Carol Barnett as they share their enthusiasm joining Bach to Bluegrass! In order to sign up for this session, you must…  Read More →

Dream of a better wold as we pay tribute to the Harlem Renaissance, on the 100th anniversary of its birth, through the study of song, poetry, hip-hop, dance, and more. Join Philip Brunelle and G. Phillip Shoultz, III (VocalEssence) and composer William (Bill) Banfield as they discuss the world premiere by VocalEssence of Bill's chamber…  Read More →

Join Philip Brunelle (VocalEssence) and British composer John Rutter as they discuss some of John's favorite music for a cathedral, including his song cycle Feel the Spirit, which will be performed by VocalEssence at the Cathedral of Saint Paul on April 22. In order to sign up for this session, you must be a member of…  Read More →

VocalEssence is celebrating its 50th anniversary! For the presentation, Philip Brunelle will present music from the opening concerts listed below. Two special guests will join him-singers who were part of VocalEssence from the beginning-Janis Hardy (who sang with Aaron Copland conducting) and Vern Sutton (who sang and directed the early musicals and operas presented). Lots…  Read More →

VocalEssence is beginning its 51st season! There is an amazing amount of unique choral music to be explored - this session with Philip Brunelle will include music of Jake Runestad (with the composer present), as well as music from Denmark, Indonesia, France, Hungary and Ireland. Divine Light Performances Sunday, October 13, 2019 from 4-5:30 PM…  Read More →

VocalEssence is beginning its 55th season, Founder and Artistic Director Philip Brunelle will present a look at the October 29 opening concert, VocalEssence and the St. Olaf Choir, with guest composer Jocelyn Hagen and how music in many forms evokes memories. In order to sign up for this session, you must be a member of…  Read More →

Founder and Artistic Director Philip Brunelle will present a class on hope and a look at the music that will be featured at Hope Renewed, the closing concert of the 55th Season. Composer Kyle Pederson will join to discuss his new composition that will be featured on the concert. In order to sign up for…  Read More →

Benny Andersson, of ABBA fame, composed a musical blending Sweden and Minnesota in a very moving way. This class will present the musical, its history and music performed by Kathryn Rupp and Clara Osowski, two of the leading soloists, with Philip Brunelle, VocalEssence Artistic Director and founder, as emcee and pianist. In order to sign…  Read More →