2019: Carols with violin Travis M. Ramsey (Etna, NH) Little Lamb, Who Made Thee Paul John Rudoi (Eugene, OR) The Orbit Carol 2018: Carols with oboe Mark Shepperd (Woodbury, MN) O Jesus So Sweet, O Jesus So Mild Stephen Shewan (Medina, NY) The Little Cradle Rocks Tonight 2017: Carols for a cappella chorus Nancy Gifford (Doylestown, PA) Fill…  Read More →

VocalEssence WITNESS is critical for many of the students who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend a professional event at a major concert hall. We believe that an educational and performance experience such as VocalEssence WITNESS gives students an opportunity to learn from exceptional role models, increasing their self-esteem and creating a desire…  Read More →

To complement the VocalEssence ¡Cantaré! composer residencies, VocalEssence has developed the ¡Cantaré! Teacher Resource Guide and Companion Audio Files for teachers to use as a springboard for integration into the school curriculum prior to and after the residencies. It includes: Background information, lesson ideas and audio examples of high-quality Mexican folk and choral music Activities that will…  Read More →

The Oxford Times (UK) has declared that the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers “have a blend that could—and should—be the envy of every choir in the business.” Founded in 1991, the Ensemble Singers are acclaimed for their “superbly blended sound” (Birmingham Post, UK) and “exemplary technique” (Minneapolis Star Tribune). Lauded by the Times of London as “polished, bright…  Read More →

Hailed by the Minneapolis Star Tribune as “singing impeccably, making even the most complex harmonies sound transparent” and performing with “consummate professionalism,” the VocalEssence Chorus is an exceptional group of talented, committed singers from many walks of life. Equally at ease sharing the stage with famous guest artists such as Dessa and Sweet Honey In The…  Read More →

VocalEssence WITNESS is one of the nation’s premier initiatives celebrating the contributions of African Americans to our shared American heritage through concerts, recordings and comprehensive educational programs. Please visit the VocalEssence WITNESS Program History page to learn more about the background and inspiration behind the program. VocalEssence WITNESS School Program offers online workshops with experienced Teaching…  Read More →

Through VocalEssence ¡Cantaré!, selected composers from Mexico participate as artists-in-residence with elementary schools, high schools, colleges, and community organizations. The composers work directly with student choirs and community choruses throughout the year, becoming familiar with the ensembles and writing new music specifically for each. At the end of the school year, community and school partners present…  Read More →

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Minnesota is home to one of the truly international gems in choral music—the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers. This 32-voice professional chorus sings under the direction of VocalEssence founder Philip Brunelle and associate conductor G. Phillip Shoultz III. In addition to the full biographies provided above, we offer the following resources for your consideration: Sample program and audio…  Read More →

Artistic Director and Founder phone 612-547-1451 fax 612-547-1484 philip@vocalessence.org Download High Resolution Press Photo Philip Brunelle, artistic director and founder of VocalEssence, is an internationally renowned conductor, choral scholar and visionary. He has made his lifelong mission the promotion of the choral art in all its forms, especially rarely heard works of the past and worthwhile new music.…  Read More →