If John Nuechterlein’s organization, the American Composers Forum (ACF), resembles in any way, shape or form the one founded by Philip Brunelle at VocalEssence, that’s probably not completely accidental. The symmetry between the two men—and the non-profits—is striking if not remarkable. And, of course, musically correct. One might even say that the Composers Forum is… Read More →
On their most recent international tour, the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers traveled to Seoul, South Korea, to attend the 10th World Symposium on Choral Music as part of the VocalEssence Asia Pacific Tour, August 9 – 13. In Seoul they performed for an audience of 7,500 at the Nyungsung Presbyterian Church service, singing “Amazing Grace” with… Read More →
CONTACT: Jennifer Weismann 612-716-0556 Jennifer@owl-marketing.com VOCALESSENCE FINDS A NEW VOICE! 46-year-old world-renowned choral ensemble undergoes rebranding — the first since its renaming in 2002 MINNEAPOLIS — SEPTEMBER 16, 2014 — VocalEssence — the iconic choral ensemble that has enchanted audiences for decades — turned 46 this year, and as often happens around this age, the arts organization… Read More →
The purpose for this award is to uphold high standards of excellence in repertoire selection, to acknowledge and reward creativity in performing choral performance, and to affirm the importance of quality secondary and undergraduate choral training throughout the State of Minnesota. The Award for Creative Programming is presented annually in November by Philip Brunelle or… Read More →
2019: Carols with violin Travis M. Ramsey (Etna, NH) Little Lamb, Who Made Thee Paul John Rudoi (Eugene, OR) The Orbit Carol 2018: Carols with oboe Mark Shepperd (Woodbury, MN) O Jesus So Sweet, O Jesus So Mild Stephen Shewan (Medina, NY) The Little Cradle Rocks Tonight 2017: Carols for a cappella chorus Nancy Gifford (Doylestown, PA) Fill… Read More →
The Oxford Times (UK) has declared that the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers “have a blend that could—and should—be the envy of every choir in the business.” Founded in 1991, the Ensemble Singers are acclaimed for their “superbly blended sound” (Birmingham Post, UK) and “exemplary technique” (Minneapolis Star Tribune). Lauded by the Times of London as “polished, bright… Read More →
Artistic Director and Founder phone 612-547-1451 fax 612-547-1484 philip@vocalessence.org Download High Resolution Press Photo 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 worthwhile new music.… Read More →
1969 Philip Brunelle founds the Plymouth Church Music Series. 1970 Aaron Copland conducts a performance of his choral works aptly titled “In the Beginning.” 1973 Dominick Argento composes Jonah and the Whale, the first VocalEssence commission. 1973 Dave Brubeck Jazz legend performs the Midwest premiere of his To Hope: A Celebration. 1974 Garrison Keillor features… Read More →
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 →
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 →
After more than 50 years of championing the power act of singing together, VocalEssence has been recognized by organizations around the world. We 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 other ensemble nationwide, including the once-in-an-organizational-lifetime Margaret Hillis… 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 →
