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VocalEssence Singers Of This Age perform at Westminster Town Hall Forum
The VocalEssence Singers Of This Age were invited to perform at the second annual Arc Toward Justice program at the last Westminster Town Hall Forum of the season on Tuesday, May 24, 2022. The event featured Michele Norris and Yamiche Alcindor who discuss all that has happened in the two years since the murder of George Floyd. The… Read More →
Where in the World are the Conductors-May 2022
Philip Brunelle: With the conclusion of VocalEssence 53rd season and the completion of auditions for season 54, Artistic Director and Founder Philip Brunelle will be working on plans for the coming season as well as time to “attack” the filing of music and correspondence that awaits him! He is very pleased that this month his… Read More →
The big gigs: 10 concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week
by Chris Riemenschneider, Jon Bream, Rob Hubbard and Britt Robson Star Tribune | MAY 4, 2022 https://www.startribune.com/10-concerts-twin-cities-justin-bieber-interpol-snoh-aalegrea-stewart-copeland-janiva-magness/600170378/?refresh=true Concert highlights for May 5-11 include the Biebs, Interpol, Snoh Aalegrea, Tai Verdes and the Under the Canopy series kickoff. Thursday, May 5 Under the Canopy kickoff: Conceived and warmly received as a safe, diverse, community-oriented outdoor music option… Read More →
Philip Brunelle featured in Choral Journal
Philip Brunelle began Musical Moments as a way to connect and bring joy to people during the pandemic, but now the catalog of composers and their works will be shared broadly through the American Choral Directors Association’s Choral Journal. Click the link below to read the article OR explore the collection of Musical Moments. Read the Article Explore… Read More →
2022-2023 Season
Singing the world awake Join VocalEssence for our 2022-2023 Season as we explore the power of singing. From familiar favorites to new standards, this season is sure to reawaken the joy that singing brings to all of us. Hear the centuries-old Montserrat Boy Choir from Spain in concert in the Midwest for the first time,…
Choosing Love Concert Program
The Program VocalEssence Singers Of This Age G. Phillip Shoultz, III, conductor, piano Sam Reeves, keyboard Brian Kendrick, drums Choosing Love is a collaboratively curated concert experience developed through a season of continuous learning and conversation. The VocalEssence Singers Of This Age challenge us to grapple with the past and present injustices plaguing our society…
Satan’s Fall Biographies
Jamie Chamberlain, soprano Praised for her “shimmering tones” and “star struck vulnerability” by Opera News, Greek-American Soprano Jamie Chamberlin is recognized for her versatility as both a singer and as an actress. ArtsInLA hailed her role debut as Cunegonde in Long Beach Operaʼs Candide as “jawdropping”. Most recently at LBO, Ms. Chamberlin earned rave reviews for her…
A Ukrainian Prayer
There are times where it is difficult to know how to respond to tragedy. On the evening of Ash Wednesday, composer John Rutter heard Valentin Silvestrov’s choral setting of the following text, “Good Lord, protect Ukraine. Give her strength, courage, faith, hope. Amen.” He decided to use his talents to compose his own setting of… Read More →
In loving memory of Sigrid Johnson (1952—2022)
So many thoughts fill my mind thinking of dear Sigrid, affectionately known to all singers as “Ears Johnson” for she truly had the most amazing way of discerning the sound of each individual voice. For 24 years at VocalEssence she was my colleague, my musical conscience, a joyful supporter for a great realm of music,…
Our Friday best: Minnesota Dance Theatre turns 60, Dua Lipa, ‘Waitress’ and a fairy tale for adults
By Star Tribune Staff Star Tribune | March 4, 2022 https://www.startribune.com/our-friday-best-minnesota-dance-theatre-turns-60-dua-lipa-waitress-and-a-fairy-tale-for-adults/600152411/ Critics’ picks for entertainment in the week ahead. CAROLINE YANG Minnesota Dance Theatre premiered “Chichester Psalms” with VocalEssence last fall at Orchestra Hall. Dua Lipa After collecting the Grammy for best new artist in 2019, the British pop star backed up the accolades with… Read More →
‘Midwinter’ heats up with plethora of weekend events
By Sheila Regan MinnPost | March 3, 2022 https://www.minnpost.com/artscape/2022/03/midwinter-heats-up-with-plethora-of-weekend-events/?fbclid=IwAR0tuVjmxPdbyAK319SueeYnXugY5Lns98LMibnlx4rUYX24uoEBDh2EveI There’s flamenco happening in St. Paul at Park Square, and gallery reception happening at Macalester with four really interesting artists that are looking at history and memory in unusual ways. Congratulations. We’ve gotten past the direst cold months and welcome a reprieve as we officially enter “midwinter.”… Read More →
Azure Anderson
Executive Assistant phone 612-547-1472 azure@vocalessence.org Azure Anderson joined the VocalEssence team in October 2021 as the Executive Assistant. Azure provides direct administrative support to VocalEssence leadership, facilitating the success of the artistic and administrative goals of the organization. She works with the Artistic Director, Associate Artistic Director, and Executive Director to ensure effective organization wide operation.… Read More →
G. Phillip Shoultz, III Featured on The Pride of Black Excellence with WCCO’s Jearlyn Steele
G. Phillip Shoultz, III, VocalEssence associate artistic director, was featured on The Pride of Black Excellence by WCCO’s Jearlyn Steele on February 27,2022 to talk about VocalEssence WITNESS: Rejoice!. Check out the interview below. https://www.audacy.com/podcasts/jearlyn-steele-152/the-pride-of-black-excellence-1276257298
“Ščedryk”, a Song for Ukraine
Our hearts are with the people of Ukraine. Please enjoy “Ščedryk”, a Ukrainian New Year’s carol by the Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovich, arranged by Philip Brunelle. This carol, traditionally sung on January 13, tells the story of a swallow flying into a house to sing of wealth that will come the following spring (you can hear the bird… Read More →