Singer/Songwriter/Actress Ginger Commodore is a singer, songwriter and actress who enjoys an illustrious career in the Twin Cities area. She is an original member of the Grammy Award-winning singing ensemble The Sounds of Blackness and several local Gospel groups. She is also an original member of the vocal jazz ensemble Moore by Four. She’s shared… Read More →
Vocalist/Percussionist Traiveon Dunlap is a vocalist and drummer from Houston, TX. Bringing a southern, soulful vibe to the Twin Cities music scene. Finding his voice at a young age under the musical guidance of his father, Brian Dunlap, and late grandmother Wilma Bivens. Starting in church, to performing at The House of Blues, and featuring… Read More →
Dancer/Choreographer For 22 years, Patricia Brown has been an active member of the Twin Cities arts community as a dancer, instructor, choreographer, and performer. She is an African-based movement instructor whose fusion style is rooted in dance of West Africa, other African regions, the Caribbean, and Americas. Incorporating various forms of artistic expression, her classes… Read More →
Vocalist/Composer/Percussionist Dr. Timothy Berry began singing in his father’s church at age 5 where his mother was the pianist and choir director. He has played hand drums since age 12. His eclectic performance background includes: The Urban Flavor Band; Leigh Morris Chorale; Penumbra Theater; MN Opera; Contempo Dance Physical; Minnesota State University Repertory Dance Theater;… Read More →
ANALYSIS: VocalEssence’s anniversary season is full of retrospectives, co-presentations and a strong commitment to diversity. By Terry Blain Special to the Star Tribune MAY 15, 2018 — 2:53PM http://www.startribune.com/vocalessence-marks-50th-season-with-hits-premieres-and-a-big-show-with-theater-latt-da/482706891/ It’s been 50 years since an ambitious young Minnesotan named Philip Brunelle was appointed organist and choirmaster at Minneapolis’ Plymouth Congregational Church. One of his first big… Read More →
CONTACT: Jennifer Weismann Jennifer@owl-marketing.com 612-716-0556 VOCALESSENCE ANNOUNCES CONCERT & FAMILY PROGRAMS FOR HISTORIC 50th SEASON Celebrating 50 years of honoring music’s greatest artists, introducing their work to new audiences, and nurturing the diverse voices that will shape its next half-century. Download season photos here. MINNEAPOLIS — May 15, 2018—Marking a milestone for the nationally renowned… Read More →
Tickets are off sale online, but walk up sales will be available on Saturday, March 30 starting at 9 am. Two Performances: Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 9:30-10:30 AM Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 11:30 AM-12:30 PM Guild Hall, Plymouth Congregational Church 1919 LaSalle Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55403 Members of the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and… Read More →
Artistic Director Philip Brunelle and Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III have wrapped up the 49th concert subscription series, but have one concert left – celebrating the 10th Anniversary of our VocalEssence ¡Cantaré! Program. Join us for the celebration at The Ordway on Tuesday, May 22, 2018. The two are also beginning auditions—every year the members… Read More →
VocalEssence connects senior citizens with the social and mental health benefits of group singing through its Vintage Voices program. VocalEssence Vintage Voices meets seniors on their own turf, providing choral instruction at senior centers and residences. This spring, the program is sponsoring choirs at three different locations: Trillium Woods in Plymouth, Sabathani Senior Center in… Read More →
By Terry Blain Special to the Star Tribune APRIL 19, 2018 — 11:49AM http://www.startribune.com/choral-legend-lands-in-minnesota-with-music-composed-especially-for-vocalessence/480270893/ Englishman John Rutter is a phenomenon in the world of choral music, celebrated worldwide for the easy melodiousness of his music — and the joy it brings to those who sing it. His Minnesota connections date back more than three decades, to… Read More →
In preparation for the Rutter Returns concert on Saturday, April 21, 2018, VocalEssence Artistic Director and Founder Philip Brunelle answered a few questions about John Rutter. When did you first learn about John Rutter (and his music)? I have always been curious about discovering composers new to me from all over the world. It was early in the… Read More →
Each season VocalEssence hosts a festival created by you for you to connect, sing, and give back to the community. Join us for Together We Sing Festival 2020 at the Minnesota History Center on Saturday, January 18, 2020. Learn more and register here.
VocalEssence ¡Cantaré! brings the talents of composers from Mexico into Minnesota classrooms. This year’s composers are Bernardo Feldman and Jimena Contreras, who were in Minnesota for a residency March 12-23, 2018. It was their second of three total visits to our VocalEssence ¡Cantaré! partner schools. This trip the composers had an opportunity to meet with… Read More →
Spring holds so many incredible musical moments for the VocalEssence team, with new and old voices joining in! Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III and his family are delighted to announce they welcomed a new member—Lydia Grace. Born on Wednesday, March 21 at 7:13 am, Lydia joins brother Malachi (4). Check out the VocalEssence Facebook… Read More →
The singers from the VocalEssence Youth Choir recently announced themselves to the local community using their official name: VocalEssence Singers Of This Age, or SOTA, for short. Since this is the inaugural year for the diverse choir, with students from all over the Twin Cities, the students were given the task naming the group. “During… Read More →
