By Rob Hubbard Special to the Star Tribune | May 14, 2021 https://www.startribune.com/twin-cities-choral-group-vocalessence-continues-to-bear-witness-to-black-composers/600056773/?refresh=true The Minneapolis choral organization has led the way for three decades. Photo credit: ANNA MIN VocalEssence members rehearsed for the Witness program with associate conductor G. Phillip Shoultz III at Bethel College’s Benson Concert Hall in St. Paul. Photo by Anna Min…  Read More →

By Pamela Espeland MinnPost | May 12, 2021 Guthrie to start presenting plays in October; the weekend’s hybrid Art-A-Whirl Guthrie to start presenting plays in October; the weekend’s hybrid Art-A-Whirl ALSO: VocalEssence’s “Witness 2021” concert to livestream; Collide Theatrical Dance Company presents “Wonderland”; and more. On Thursday, July 8, the Guthrie, including the Amber Box on…  Read More →

by: Bill Ward YourClassical | May 6, 2021 https://www.yourclassical.org/story/2021/05/06/minnesota-choirs Minnesota choirs await return of live performances The Minnesota Chorale rehearses.Courtesy of the artist With the COVID-19 pandemic abating, vocal ensembles in “the Land of 10,000 Choirs” have come a long way. They still, alas, have a long way to go.  Few vocations and avocations face…  Read More →

By: Pamela Espeland MinnPost | April 15, 2021 https://www.minnpost.com/artscape/2021/04/intermedia-arts-will-give-1-million-to-public-functionary-childrens-theatre-offers-help-to-families-and-teachers/  Covered with art and graffiti, the Intermedia Arts Building was a Minneapolis landmark. Colliers Intermedia Arts may have written its final chapter, with a graceful flourish. In 2017, the 44-year-old nonprofit arts organization experienced a financial crisis it couldn’t survive. It suspended operations, laid off its…  Read More →

By: Pamela Espeland MinnPost | March 25, 2021 https://www.minnpost.com/artscape/2021/03/when-can-the-arts-reopen-dr-fauci-says-if-we-are-careful-sometime-in-the-fall/?fbclid=IwAR1afJbgFtNRDnPWRLKgC_53bct5MT2I7wmMa24V4jzIdFPXlj9B-SD637c Dr. Anthony Fauci: “Get vaccinated when you are eligible, continue to wear a mask, and socially distance when out in public.” Susan Walsh/Pool via REUTERS ALSO: VocalEssence’s “Call of the North” features Minnesota composers and poets; Davina and the Vagabonds to livestream from the Dakota; and…  Read More →

Rob Hubbard Special to the Star Tribune | March 18, 2021—10:49AM https://www.startribune.com/once-viewed-as-potential-super-spreaders-minnesota-choirs-are-emerging-again/600035749/?om_rid=1590517193&om_mid=2499842505 One more welcome sign of spring:  Minnesota choirs are emerging from hibernation. Dwight Jilek conducted members of Magnum Chorum for their livestream this month. Photo by Flight Creative Media For a state dubbed “The Land of 10,000 Choirs,” the pandemic has been particularly…  Read More →