In the fall of 2017, the Board of Directors voted to diversify the audience, singers, board, staff and vendors by age and by race. Prior to determining what exactly would change and how we would accomplish this, we sought to listen to members of our community specifically around the following: (1) what barriers may exist… Read More →
In over 5o years, we celebrate our recognition not only locally and regionally, but nationally and internationally for innovation, leadership, and advancement of this art form. Within the strength of our position as a leader in this field, our challenge is to remain relevant and responsive within the rapidly changing demographic landscape. This Strategic Plan… Read More →
VocalEssence seeks to develop future singing generations in ways that are reflective of and responsive to diverse constituencies. We will offer inclusive and accessible artistic opportunities at the core of our creative engagement. The table below highlights our intentions drafted in our 2018-2020 Strategic Plan to advance inclusion, access and equity. Through our recent 8-month… Read More →
Music for a Grand Cathedral Sunday, October 28, 2018 from 2-4 PM Cathedral of Saint Paul Tickets start at $10
On behalf of the American Choral Directors Association, the national professional organization for choral directors, teachers, researchers, and industry members, I would like to congratulate VocalEssence on their 50th Anniversary, and on the occasion of this very special retrospective choral concert. Your exemplary artistic work and the mission of VocalEssence represent the very highest ideals… Read More →
VocalEssence has just returned from conducting some “choral diplomacy” in Mexico. The trip to Mexico City—from Aug. 26 to Sept. 3— was a historic one. For ten years, Philip Brunelle has been visiting Mexico to meet and audition composers willing to fly up to Minnesota multiple times during the school year for VocalEssence ¡Cantaré!, staying a… Read More →
Artistic Director Philip Brunelle started the month of September by conducting the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers in Mexico City for an amazing week of concerts and workshops. They performed solo concerts and also joined 30 professional Mexican singers in concerts of Brahms and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the Orquesta Symphonica de Minería. September is the month… Read More →
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jennifer Weismann 612-716-0556 Jennifer@owl-marketing.com IT’S BEGINNING TO SOUND A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS—WITH VOCALESSENCE! This year, the Minneapolis-based choral ensemble’s beloved annual Welcome Christmas concert will include a special 50th Anniversary Season retrospective and new pieces by composer Nico Muhly MINNEAPOLIS — September 18, 2018 — The VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers’ annual… Read More →
SEPTEMBER 14, 2018 — 5:40PM http://www.startribune.com/readers-write-vocalessence-in-mexico/493346251/ Recently, it was the privilege of the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers to be invited to Mexico City as guests of the Symphonic Orchestra of Minería and the National University of Mexico funded by Fomento Educacional. The 30 professional Minnesota singers joined forces with 30 professional Mexican singers for a week… Read More →
Learning and Engagement Manager phone 612-547-1451 fax 612-547-1484 rhiannon@vocalessence.org Rhiannon Fiskradatz is a lifelong theatre artist whose work across a broad range of mediums displays a penchant for cross pollination. After earning a theatre arts degree from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in 2002, Rhiannon built her multifaceted career performing physical theatre &… Read More →
By Pamela Espeland | 10:05 am August 31, 2018 https://www.minnpost.com/artscape/2018/08/vocalessence-on-tour-in-mexico-peter-lorre-series-at-the-trylon/ The news about U.S.-Mexico relations continues to seesaw. After threats, tariffs and retaliatory tariffs, there’s a new free-trade deal in the works. There’s endless talk about a border wall and who will or won’t pay for it. ICE raids keep netting Mexican nationals. But this… Read More →
In preparation for the 3rd Annual Together We Sing Festival, VocalEssence Associate Conductor Phillip Shoultz has devoted time this summer to developing a relationship with Ujamaa Place. After meeting with Executive Director, Otis Zanders, and touring the facilities, Phillip recently led his first talk in a series of presentations that will explore, “Sharing Your Truth:… Read More →
Their bags are packed, and music is in hand for the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and Artistic Director Philip Brunelle. Follow us on Facebook to hear the latest about the tour from our guide, and former VocalEssence ¡Cantaré! composer, Novelli Jurado. Below is their tour schedule. Learn more about their selection to the performances in this… Read More →
Artistic Director Philip Brunelle has had a whirlwind summer (nothing unusual!) beginning in early June with a trip to New York City meeting with Nico Muhly, composer of the new cantata being written for our Welcome Christmas concerts. The visit also included meetings with several composers and interviews about the upcoming 50th anniversary season. Then… Read More →
VocalEssence is pleased to announce the following winners of the 21st annual VocalEssence Welcome Christmas Carol Contest. Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all who applied. Sponsored by the American Composers Forum and VocalEssence, the contest is open to composers of all ages, and this season composers were asked to write a carol… Read More →
