Elisabeth Comeaux, Janis Hardy, LeRoy Lehr, James Bohn; Plymouth Music Series Festival Chorus with orchestra; Philip Brunelle, conductor. Aaron Copland’s opera examines coming of age in the 1930s. “From the party scene to the soaring love duet, The Tender Land is unfailingly inspired.” — Musical America
Benjamin Britten, W. H. Auden James Lawless, Pop Wagner, Elisabeth Comeaux, Dan Dressen, Vern Sutton, soloists; Plymouth Music Series Festival Chorus with orchestra; Philip Brunelle, conductor. Winner of the 1988 British Gramophone Award for Best Opera Recording.
Please note: This is a download card, not a CD. Hear the world premiere of Eric Whitacre’s Nox Aurumque on this uniqute live recording of the complete “Eric Whitacre Extravaganza” concert. Choral superstar Eric Whitacre conducts the VocalEssence Chorus and Ensemble Singers, joined by The St. Olaf Choir and the 160-voice Minnesota Honors Choir, in… Read More →
VocalEssence, The St. Olaf Choir and three Minnesota High School Choirs — Central High School (Saint Paul); Hastings High School and Washburn High School (Minneapolis) — are featured in a new live concert recording available exclusively by download from Instant Encore. “WITNESS – André Thomas” was recorded in concert at Orchestra Hall on Friday, March… Read More →
VocalEssence WITNESS recordings showcase the music of trailblazing African American composers — the soul of American classical music. This CD collection is out of print, but you can still order the individual CDs through Gothic Records. Please click the links below to learn more. Dance Like the Wind: Music of Today’s Black Composers Got the… Read More →
Vibrant music from the crossroads — South and North, African and American, church and street — characterizes the era between 1914 and 1930. Jearlyn Steele, soprano; Michael Forest, tenor; Paul Shaw, piano; VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and Chorus with orchestra; Philip Brunelle, conductor. “The works on this excellent recording [by VocalEssence] capture the spirit of the… Read More →
Thought-provoking and moving music by eight modern composers spans the range of expression from solo cello to chorus, from jazz ensemble to woodwind quintet. Anthony Elliott, cello; Yolanda Williams, Dan Dressen, Maria Jette, soloists; VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and Chorus with orchestra; Philip Brunelle, conductor. “Beautifully sung with fine choral balance.” —Gramophone
William Grant Still’s music for chorus, orchestra and organ brings the blues into the concert hall, ragtime to the ballet stage and the Old World into a new era. William Warfield, narrator; Hilda Harris, Yolanda Williams, soloists; VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and Chorus with orchestra; special guests Leigh Morris Chorale: Philip Brunelle, conductor. “I found much… Read More →
Stirring spirituals and rousing gospel melodies sung by a superb chorus. VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and Chorus with orchestra and jazz band; special guests Moore by Four; Philip Brunelle, conductor “Flawless choral singing, presented with a genuine feeling of compassion and warmth.” — BBC Music Magazine
The world premiere recording of Conrad Susa’s beloved Carols & Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest, plus a delightful collection of carols from around the world, tied together by their diversity and charm. Featuring the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers with woodwinds, cello, bass, harp, guitar and percussion under the direction of conductor Philip Brunelle.
VocalEssence, Garrison Keillor and The Hopeful Gospel Quartet On November 23, 2004, the Hopeful Gospel Quartet — Garrison Keillor, Mollie O’Brien and Robin & Linda Williams — traded musical moments with the VocalEssence Chorus and Ensemble Singers in a concert at Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis. The evening seamlessly blended American folk traditions with choral masterpieces old… Read More →
Clarion CLR932CD Reflecting our shared American heritage like a patchwork quilt, this is a charming collection of folksongs performed by conductor Philip Brunelle and the 32-voice VocalEssence Ensemble Singers with guitar, harmonica, accordion, bass and piano. Classic arrangements by the likes of Norman Luboff, Alice Parker and Robert Shaw capture each folksong’s unique appeal.
Clarion CLR931CD The world premiere recording of Carol Barnett and Marisha Chamberlain’s bluegrass mass — a joyful affirmation of life expressed in sophisticated choral sound and jubilant bluegrass harmonies written especially for the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and bluegrass band Monroe Crossing. Plus ten American masterworks spanning the centuries, originally recorded for the national radio program… Read More →
Storyteller Garrison Keillor and conductor Philip Brunelle lead a harmonious celebration of all things Thanksgiving with the melodious voices of the VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers and their special guests, singer Jearlyn Steele and pianist Richard Dworsky. Along the way we learn that Thanksgiving really isn’t all about the turkey — it’s actually all about… Read More →
