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March 2016
CONCERT CONVERSATION: Four Saints in Three Acts
Join us for a concert conversation with Artistic Director Philip Brunelle hosted by Randall Davidson, Executive Producer of the Northern Voice Festival.
Find out more »CONCERT: Four Saints in Three Acts
Called “ebullient, grand and unusual” and “a high camp masterpiece” by critics, Four Saints in Three Acts changed American opera when it premiered in 1934. Set in 16th-century Spain, the playfully humorous Four Saints traces the lives of saints on Earth through a witty libretto by Gertrude Stein and a stunning score by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Virgil Thomson. Collaborating with director/choreographer Carl Flink and his award-winning Black Label Movement, VocalEssence takes up the challenge of this path-breaking and distinctly American…
Find out more »April 2016
TOUR: River Songs and Tales with Mark Twain, Detroit Lakes
Supported by an Arts Tour grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, members of the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and Don Shelby as Mark Twain go on the road to Northern Minnesota to celebrate life on the Mississippi River. Through choral music and the spoken word, VocalEssence takes listeners on a musical journey of the past and present—choral masterpieces, favorite folksongs, traditional spirituals, and Americana—all paired with the words of Mark Twain. VocalEssence Ensemble Singers Don Shelby, actor Sara Pajunen, fiddle…
Find out more »TOUR: River Songs and Tales with Mark Twain, Mora
Supported by an Arts Tour grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, members of the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and Don Shelby as Mark Twain go on the road to Northern Minnesota to celebrate life on the Mississippi River. Through choral music and the spoken word, VocalEssence takes listeners on a musical journey of the past and present—choral masterpieces, favorite folksongs, traditional spirituals, and Americana—all paired with the words of Mark Twain. VocalEssence Ensemble Singers Don Shelby, actor Sara Pajunen, fiddle…
Find out more »TOUR: River Songs and Tales with Mark Twain, Bigfork
Supported by an Arts Tour grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, members of the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and Don Shelby as Mark Twain go on the road to Northern Minnesota to celebrate life on the Mississippi River. Through choral music and the spoken word, VocalEssence takes listeners on a musical journey of the past and present—choral masterpieces, favorite folksongs, traditional spirituals, and Americana—all paired with the words of Mark Twain. VocalEssence Ensemble Singers Don Shelby, actor Sara Pajunen, fiddle…
Find out more »AUDITION: 2016-2017 Season
VocalEssence is synonymous with excellence in choral performance, and our choruses are recognized internationally for flawless sound, innovative programming, and commitment to today’s composers. Auditions for all voice parts for the VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers will begin April 17 and run through May. Additional dates may be added as audition times are filled. There is a $12 non-refundable fee for auditioning for the Ensemble Singers (eight paid positions per section; professional experience required) or Chorus (approximately 100 volunteer positions). Visit the audition page…
Find out more »CONCERT CONVERSATION: Listeners’ Choice LIVE
Join us for a concert conversation with VocalEssence Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz III hosted by Randall Davidson, Executive Producer of the Northern Voice Festival.
Find out more »CONCERT: Listeners’ Choice LIVE
Hear your favorite choral pieces performed live by VocalEssence! In partnership with Classical Minnesota Public Radio’s Choral Stream (heard nationally on YourClassical.org), VocalEssence will perform a countdown of the top 15 a cappella and piano-accompanied choral pieces, voted on by you and listeners from all 50 states. Will number one be Aaron Copland’s “Simple Gifts,” Randall Thompson’s “Alleluia” or John Rutter’s “What Sweeter Music?” Join us and be the first to hear the winners. VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers Philip Brunelle,…
Find out more »CONCERT CONVERSATION: Listeners’ Choice LIVE
Join us for a concert conversation with Tesfa Wondemagegnehu from Minnesota Public Radio's Choral Stream hosted by Randall Davidson.
Find out more »CONCERT: Listeners’ Choice LIVE
Hear your favorite choral pieces performed live by VocalEssence! In partnership with Classical Minnesota Public Radio’s Choral Stream (heard nationally on YourClassical.org), VocalEssence will perform a countdown of the top 15 a cappella and piano-accompanied choral pieces, voted on by you and listeners from all 50 states. Will number one be Aaron Copland’s “Simple Gifts,” Randall Thompson’s “Alleluia” or John Rutter’s “What Sweeter Music?” Join us and be the first to hear the winners. VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers Philip Brunelle,…
Find out more »May 2016
FUNDRAISER: VocalEssence Choralia 2016
VocalEssence invites you to spring into song on May Day 2016 by attending Choralia—a singing celebration to benefit the VocalEssence Community Engagement Programs, which inspire people of all ages and cultures to explore their love of singing—together we sing! Spring Into Song Menu: Chef Dinesh Jayawardena of the FireLake Grill has put together a bouquet of delectable items including a delicious chicken and mushroom wellington or a mouth-watering vegetarian cannoli. Uplifting and immersive entertainment: VocalEssence, a guest choir, and special guest Melanie…
Find out more »VINTAGE VOICES: Sabathani Senior Center Concert
Come and experience the sounds of the Sabathani Vintage Voices in an exciting program featuring selections from Motown, gospel, and a new commission by Catherine Dalton performed with Champlin Park High School's Viva Voce choir directed by Margaret Sabin. Free and open to the public. Reception to follow. Sabathani Senior Center is part of a new VocalEssence community engagement program called Vintage Voices, an exciting new choral program that integrates the arts into the everyday lives of older adults by fostering the…
Find out more »AUDITION: 2016-2017 Season
VocalEssence is synonymous with excellence in choral performance, and our choruses are recognized internationally for flawless sound, innovative programming, and commitment to today’s composers. Auditions for all voice parts for the VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers will begin April 17 and run through May. Additional dates may be added as audition times are filled. There is a $12 non-refundable fee for auditioning for the Ensemble Singers (eight paid positions per section; professional experience required) or Chorus (approximately 100 volunteer positions). Visit the audition page…
Find out more »AUDITION: 2016-2017 Season
VocalEssence is synonymous with excellence in choral performance, and our choruses are recognized internationally for flawless sound, innovative programming, and commitment to today’s composers. Auditions for all voice parts for the VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers will begin April 17 and run through May. Additional dates may be added as audition times are filled. There is a $12 non-refundable fee for auditioning for the Ensemble Singers (eight paid positions per section; professional experience required) or Chorus (approximately 100 volunteer positions). Visit the audition page…
Find out more »VINTAGE VOICES: Ebenezer Minneapolis
Come and experience the sounds of Ebenezer Minneapolis's new chorus in an exciting program featuring a variety of folk songs, spirituals, jazz, Motown and more! The concert is free and open to the public. Ebenezer Minneapolis is part of a new VocalEssence community engagement program called Vintage Voices, an exciting choral program that integrates the arts into the everyday lives of older adults by fostering the creation of choirs in assisted living homes and senior centers. Click here for more…
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