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In addition to championing lesser-known works of the past, VocalEssence has an unwavering commitment to today’s composers, which has resulted in more than 140 world premieres to date. The organization has received the ASCAP/Chorus America Award for adventurous programming of contemporary music six times and has been honored with more Chorus America awards than any…  Read More →

Artistic Director and Founder phone 612-547-1451 fax 612-547-1484 philip@vocalessence.org Philip Brunelle, artistic director and founder of VocalEssence, is an internationally renowned conductor, choral scholar and visionary. He has made his lifelong mission the promotion of the choral art in all its forms, especially rarely heard works of the past and outstanding new music. Under his…  Read More →

Director of Development phone 612-547-1452 fax 612-547-1484 elissa@vocalessence.org Elissa Weller is Director of Development for VocalEssence, overseeing all philanthropic efforts for the organization including individual, corporate, foundation, and government funding sources, major gifts, special events and fundraisers. In her role, she oversees the Development and Gala committees. Elissa joined VocalEssence in 2007 as the Chorus…  Read More →

Executive Director phone 612-547-1454 fax 612-547-1464 maryann@vocalessence.org Mary Ann Aufderheide joined VocalEssence as managing director in 2003. Under her leadership she has firmly established the VocalEssence brand name as representing excellence in choral music and community engagement programs. During her tenure the organization has expanded its core of professional singers who tour regionally and internationally;…  Read More →

Learning and Engagement Manager | Conductor, Vintage Voices phone 612-547-1458 fax 612-547-1484 robert@vocalessence.org Robert J. Graham joined the VocalEssence team in August 2012 as both a member of the administrative staff and as a second tenor in the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers.  Robert oversees the operations of the acclaimed VocalEssence WITNESS School Program. In 2015, Robert…  Read More →

Development and Marketing Associate phone 612-547-1473 fax 612-547-1484 laura@vocalessence.org Laura Holst, Development and Marketing Associate, has been on staff at VocalEssence since August 2006. She received a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance from St. Olaf College and a Master of Arts degree in arts administration from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. In addition…  Read More →

Foundations VocalEssence enjoys extraordinary support from a wide variety of foundations that believe in our work. Foundation trustees and program officers are confident that VocalEssence will deliver outcomes for our audience members and program participants that meet and many times surpass their expectations. Funding partners include but are not limited to: Albrecht Family Foundation Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation…  Read More →

When you become a VocalEssence corporate sponsor, you align your organization with one of Minnesota’s most established choral organizations. A sponsorship with VocalEssence provides your organization an opportunity to advance your strategic marketing and philanthropic goals. Sponsorship provides your business with: High-level corporate visibility Media recognition Employee benefits Access to special events like our bi-annual gala We are happy to…  Read More →

VocalEssence hosts various small events throughout each season to engage and inform new audiences about the incredible work we do. Our largest event is our biennial gala fundraiser, which take place again in the Spring of 2022. Click the link below for more information. VocalEssence Gala 2024

From ushering at our concerts to assisting with special projects throughout the year in our office, VocalEssence is grateful for the talents and support of our many volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out our general interest form. To see current volunteer opportunities and sign up, view our volunteer job calendar.  …  Read More →

Founded in 1969, Minneapolis-based VocalEssence has decades of history as one of the world’s premier choral music organizations. But despite its global influence, VocalEssence has kept its focus local—consistently pioneering ways to strengthen Minnesota’s community through thrilling musical experiences. What We Do At VocalEssence, we engage people of all ages and cultures in our community…  Read More →