In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Egil Hovland. Egil Hovland 1924-2013 As one of the most prominent Norwegian composers, works from Hovland’s vast compositional output are performed widely throughout Scandinavia, but have found less of a foothold in the United States.… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence founder and artistic director Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Dominick Argento. Dominick Argento 1927-2019 American composer Dominick Argento, born in York, Pennsylvania and based for much of his life in Minneapolis, is perhaps best known for his solo vocal and operatic works. He has… Read More →
We want to update you on our plans as they evolve during this global pandemic. First of all, we hope you are safe and find ways to make the best of this pause that we are experiencing. VocalEssence plans to release ways for you to continue to sing with us during this sobering time. Stay… Read More →
With concerns around COVID-19 on the rise, we wanted to personally share a few updates with you as a valued member of our organization. As per the recommendation from Governor Walz as well as a desire to ensure the health and safety of all our performers and patrons, we have made the difficult decision to suspend… Read More →
The VocalEssence Gala 2020—Better Together is designed to be a fun and interactive experience for guests. The reception will begin at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 4, 2020 with a silent auction featuring amazing entertainment. You will have the opportunity to help create a community created mural with visual artist Ta-coumba Aiken, enjoy a custom… Read More →
Engaging one of our choirs provides a meaningful experience for your guests, gives our singers unique performance opportunities and supports our ability to continue transforming lives by singing together, assuring a place for everyone’s voice. All of our choirs are available for engagement: VocalEssence Chorus VocalEssence Chorus—Our 110-voice chorus was called “one of the irreplaceable… Read More →
Julio Morales’ passion for choral music has taken his career as an arranger and composer to choirs including Coro Altus, Ensamble Vocal Veracruzano, Coro de la Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, the Ensamble Mesticanto of Venezuela, and the University of Michigan Men’s Club in the United States. In 2012 his composition “Dos cuerpos,” with lyrics by… Read More →
Co-Chairs: Michelle Eng and Carolina Marañon Gustafson Daniela Briones del Ángel Elia Bruggeman Roma Calatayud-Stocks Uri Camarena José González Gerardo Guerrero Gomez Diana Guzman Novelli Jurado Carlos Lopez Magdalena Loza Flores Gustavo Mancilla José (Pepe) Martin Kevin McDonough Rodolpho Nieto Steve Richardson Laura Robinson R. Craig Shulstad Jesús Villaseñor Christian Zepeda Ex-Officio: Alberto Fierro Consul… Read More →
Chair: Traci Bransford Marvin Anderson Martha Arradondo Sylvia Bartley Stanley Brown Tazha Buckner James Burroughs Eric Clark Victoria Davis Ashley Dubose Jacob Gayle Gleason Glover Phyllis Goff* Morris Goodwin* Shawntera Hardy* Valton Henderson Samuel Ingram* Josie Johnson* Tricia Kaufman Reatha Clark King Henry Lee* Kevin Lindsey Chris Majors Laverne McCartney Knighton Rhoda Miriphiri-Reed Maria Mitchell… Read More →
By Terry Blain | Special to the Star Tribune Published: FEBRUARY 18, 2020 — 10:57AM http://www.startribune.com/for-30-years-vocalessence-s-witness-program-has-celebrated-black-music/567972202/ G. Phillip Shoultz III brings the Witness program to 40 schools each year. “Thirty years ago, Black History Month was just a mention on Minnesota Public Radio, and maybe a concert here or there. There wasn’t anything sustained here… Read More →
By Pamela Espeland | MINNPOST Published: FEBRUARY 18, 2020 — 9:17AM ‘Twelfth Night’ at the Guthrie is pure joy; Russian Renaissance at Aria Photo by Dan Norman Emily Gunyou Halaas, Sun Mee Chomet and Michael Hanna in “Twelfth Night.” The Guthrie’s new production of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy “Twelfth Night” is pure joy. Filled with live music, movement and color,… Read More →
By Terry Blain | Special to the Star Tribune Published: FEBRUARY 17, 2020 — 8:40AM http://www.startribune.com/vocalessence-explores-deep-roots-of-african-american-music-the-week-s-best-classical-concerts/567887142/ Bearing ‘Witness’ Thirty years ago, Philip Brunelle’s choir VocalEssence initiated a project called “Witness,” which aimed to “celebrate the artistic contributions of African-Americans to the fine arts and to our common cultural heritage.” The anniversary is marked this week… Read More →
Multiple authors | Star Tribune February 14, 2020 – 11:10 PM: http://www.startribune.com/best-of-the-week-feb-16-23-tove-lo-joe-henry-gotta-dance-raphael-saadiq-vocalessence-winter-fest-more/567872132/ Behold Lo Like a raunchier and rowdier version of her fellow Swedish export Robyn, electro-pop singer Tove Lo has made a bigger splash in dance clubs and viral listening quarters than on pop radio, earning her a sizable underground following. She sticks to… Read More →
For Artistic Director and Founder Philip Brunelle, February is always ‘planning month’ putting together all the music for the 2020-21 season—choosing the repertoire for each concert, working with composers on commissions and also looking at plans for 2021-22! And with Philip’s creative mind it is also an important time for him to help find those… Read More →
Join us at Deep Roots at Orchestra Hall on Sunday, February 23, 2020 at 4:30 PM. Tickets start at just $10! https://www.vocalessence.org/event/concert-deep-roots/
