In case you missed it, these were just a few high points from the 2017 VocalEssence WITNESS concert at Orchestra Hall: 1. Hearing songs from three local composers (Daniel Kantor’s “River Holy”, Emily Feld’s “The Gift to Sing”, and Jake Runestad’s “We Can Mend the Sky”). The concert served as the world premiere of Feld’s… Read More →
For the next three months, VocalEssence will feature its education programs to promote Music Makes Us Whole, an initiative that brings together non-profit and for-profit organizations in Minnesota to raise awareness about the ways a rich music education enhances a child’s development. This month, we’re highlighting VocalEssence WITNESS School Program and Lullaby Project. VocalEssence WITNESS… Read More →
Many generous donors have helped VocalEssence raise $17,352 to cover the cost for 694 students to attend the WITNESS Young People’s Concerts this February. 6,567 students from grades 4 to 12 are expected to attend the two concerts February 16 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Each ticket costs $28.50, so VocalEssence asked in November for… Read More →
Thrivent Financial and VocalEssence invite you to help us throw a baby shower for the moms and babies participating in The Lullaby Project. Nothing conveys the intimate bond between mother and child quite like a lullaby. The word itself summons images of quiet moments and tender whispers of love. Every baby deserves a lullaby. VocalEssence… Read More →
VocalEssence WITNESS guest artist Melanie DeMore was featured on Steele Talkin’ with Jearlyn Steele January 1 to talk about her work on the Lullaby Project. Check out the interview below. Listen to the rest of the show here.
The Minneapolis Convention Center Auditorium, that is. 6,567 students are slated to attend the VocalEssence WITNESS Young People’s Concerts this February (1,000 more students than last season!). But here’s the catch … The cost of the VocalEssence WITNESS program and Young People’s Concerts is $28.50 per student, but in order to make this program affordable… Read More →
Inspiration abounded for teen moms and their children at Longfellow Alternative High School this November. Five African American teen moms from Minneapolis worked with guest artist Melanie DeMore, Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III, and members of the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers to write lullabies for their babies. The program is part of the Lullaby Project,… Read More →
VocalEssence WITNESS guest artist Melanie DeMore visited Minnesota the week of September 19-24, 2016 where she breathed life into the Underground Railroad theme for hundreds of students, teachers, and community members. Below is a list of all of Melanie’s activities that week: School Visits at Parkway Middle, North High School, Parkway Middle, Johnson Senior High School), where… Read More →
In the 2015-2016 season VocalEssence partnered with the Teen Adolescent Pregnancy and Parenting Program at Longfellow Alternative High School in Minneapolis. VocalEssence Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III and an octet of VocalEssence Ensemble Singers collaborated with VocalEssence ¡Cantaré! composer Francisco Zúñiga to help six Latina teen moms write Spanish language lullabies. These lullabies were recorded… Read More →
VocalEssence is thrilled to be the first choir nationally to offer the Lullaby Project, a national program of Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute. The Lullaby Project creates musical experiences for women facing pregnancy while enduring other hardships, such as teenage pregnancy, homelessness, or incarceration. Lullabies are powerful tools for parents. According to research, the experience… Read More →
CONTACT: Katrina Wallmeyer 612-547-1472 katrina@vocalessence.org VOCALESSENCE WELCOMES FOUR NEW BOARD MEMBERS MINNEAPOLIS — August 25, 2016 — Minneapolis-based arts organization VocalEssence announced today that four new members have joined its Board of Directors—Steve Aggergaard, Julie Bader, Julie Craven, and Nancy Nelson. All four new board members have a wealth of experience and have been… Read More →
VocalEssence announces the winners of its second annual ReMix mentorship, designed to foster the next generation of choral music composers. VocalEssence ReMix matches four emerging Minnesota composers with mentors for a six-month one-on-one partnership to help each composer complete two new, original choral pieces. These works will premiere at the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA)… Read More →
CONTACT: Jennifer Weismann 612-716-0556 Jennifer@owl-marketing.com VOCALESSENCE BRINGS CHORAL MUSIC LUMINARIES TO MINNEAPOLIS FOR HISTORIC COMMUNITY SING Join in song with nonagenarian choral legend Alice Parker and long-time Sweet Honey In The Rock® star Ysaÿe Barnwell at Community Sing with VocalEssence—October 15 MINNEAPOLIS—JULY 12, 2016—For the first Community Sing of its 48th season, Minneapolis’s premier choral ensemble… Read More →
