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
On their most recent international tour, the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers traveled to Seoul, South Korea, to attend the 10th World Symposium on Choral Music as part of the VocalEssence Asia Pacific Tour, August 9 – 13. In Seoul they performed for an audience of 7,500 at the Nyungsung Presbyterian Church service, singing “Amazing Grace” with… Read More →
There is a group of young professionals in the Twin Cities who envision a world where choral music resonates with all people. And while they pursue a broad range of vocations and hail from a variety of locations, they are united by their love of choral music and are on a mission to engage the… Read More →
VocalEssence Music Press is a dynamic music publishing company that offers a select group of emerging composers the opportunity to make their music available to choirs everywhere. And we offer choruses access to new music they can’t find anywhere else. Our mission is to help choruses, conductors and composers connect in meaningful ways by publishing… 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 →
By: GRAYDON ROYCE, Star Tribune Posted: March 28, 2014 Two of the Twin Cities’ leading vocal choruses have announced their programs for the 2014-15 season. VocalEssence opens Oct. 26 featuring music of Minnesota composers Dominick Argento, Stephen Paulus and Libby Larsen. In addition, hip-hop artist Dessa makes her choral premiere. The Ensemble Singers will tour with… Read More →
By William Randall Beard Special to the Star Tribune Posted: March 22, 2014 VocalEssence kicked off its three-day concert series celebrating the music of John Rutter on Friday night. Many filled the pews early to hear a discussion of the musical program and VocalEssence’s upcoming 2014-2015 season. One of the originally planned features of this concert was that… Read More →
VOCALESSENCE CONNECTS VIBRANT MUSIC OF MEXICO TO AREA SCHOOLS ¡Cantaré! delivers original works by Twin Cities students, Mexican composers with lively Ordway community concert on May 20 MINNEAPOLIS— March 5, 2014—The musical spirit of Mexico will be celebrated by VocalEssence and area school children on Tuesday, May 20 at 7 p.m. in a family-friendly, bilingual performance at the… Read More →
¡Cantaré! pairs composers, local students for community concert and education FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Jennifer Weismann, 612-716-0556Jennifer@owl-marketing.com Download high resolution photographs for press use MINNEAPOLIS — April 29, 2013 — Internationally renowned choral organization VocalEssence celebrates the vibrant culture and music of Mexico with two special performances on May 21 — ¡Cantaré! (I Will Sing!). The… Read More →
News ReleaseContact: Becky Bailey or Katrina Vander Kooi612-309-7149 or 612-547-1472bbailey@carrerainc.com orkvanderkooi@vocalessence.org Order WITNESS Concert Tickets Download High Res Photos MINNEAPOLIS, MN (Nov. 21, 2012) — VocalEssence is proudly continuing its rich 23-year tradition of celebrating diversity and honoring African American artists with its popular WITNESS program. This year VocalEssence celebrates the inspiring story of musical… Read More →
Minnesota student choirs are working with Mexican composers to produce new musical pieces as a way to break cultural barriers.By William Crum, Star Tribune (May 15, 2012) The soul pauses at river’s edge, confronting its first challenge on the journey to eternity. The Henry Sibley High School Concert Choir — rehearsing its role in a… Read More →
