In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Peter Warlock. This episodes features soprano Jenny French. Peter Warlock 1894-1930 English composer Philip Arnold Heseltine, known by his pseudonym Peter Warlock, wrote music in a distinctive style and served as a critic, author, and… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Harry T. Burleigh. Harry T. Burleigh 1866-1949 The skilled composer and talented singer Harry Burleigh was a pioneering arranger of concert spirituals for solo voice and piano. Born in Erie, Pennsylvania, Burleigh studied piano, voice,… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer William Billings. He is joined by mezzo-soprano Clara Osowski and soprano Jenny French. William Billings 1746-1800 Choral composer, teacher, and organist William Billings is recognized by many as the first professional American composer. Since he… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Daniel Pinkham. Daniel Pinkham 1923-2006 Daniel Pinkham was an acclaimed composer, organist, choral conductor, and teacher. Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, he began learning piano and composing at age 5. He studied at Harvard with Piston… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. This episode features a performance by singer Jenny French. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 1756-1791 The iconic classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart lived only thirty-five years, but composed an astounding collection of works that… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Judith Weir. Judith Weir b. 1954 The talented British composer Judith Weir was born in Cambridge to a Scottish family and raised near London. Before attending Cambridge University, Weir played oboe in the National Youth… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Hall Johnson. Hall Johnson 1888-1970 Hall Johnson was one of a number of African American composers and arrangers who elevated the spiritual to an art form. Johnson received an extensive education, including time at the… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Gerald Near. Gerald Near b.1942 Gerald Near, one of the foremost composers of church music writing today, first studied theory and composition with Leslie Bassett, organ with Robert Glasgow, and conducting with Elizabeth Green at… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer William Grant Still. William Grant Still 1895-1978 The African American composer William Grant Still was known for his prolific and influential career as a commercial arranger and composer. In 1911 he entered Wilberforce University (Ohio),… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Lili Boulanger. He is joined by mezzo-soprano Clara Osowski. Lili Boulanger 1893-1918 Although her life was short and fraught with illness, the gifted French composer Lili Boulanger contributed numerous stunning pieces for choir. She was… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Lennox Berkeley. He is joined by mezzo-soprano Clara Osowski. Lennox Berkeley 1903-1989 The skilled composer Sir Lennox Berkeley composed in many different genres, but especially found acclaim with his gorgeous choral pieces. He was born… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Healey Willan. Healey Willan 1880-1968 The eminent Canadian composer and organist Healey Willan wrote an extensive output of sacred music for choir. He was born in London and studied at St. Saviours Choir School, Eastboune… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Evelyn Simpson Curenton. This episode features a performance by singer Jearlyn Steele. Evelyn Simpson Curenton b. 1953 The versatile musician and composer Evelyn Simpson Curenton is one of today’s leading arrangers of gospel music… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. He is joined by bass soloist James Bohn. Ralph Vaughan Williams 1872-1958 As one of the most celebrated English composers, Ralph Vaughan Williams composed grand pieces for all levels of musicians. He… Read More →
In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Carlos Guastavino. Carlos Guastavino 1912-2000 Argentinian composer Carlos Guastavino was best known for his prolific output of songs, including art songs, children’s songs, and arrangements of his original songs for choir. He was born in… Read More →
