David Vogels: The American Organist TAO August 2019 Many of you recognize Philip Brunelle as a world-class choral conductor, based on his tenure with Plymouth Congregational Church and the VocalEssence ensemble in Minneapolis—he’s currently celebrating his 50th anniversary with both organizations. You may also know him as an opera conductor and a director of music festivals… Read More →
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jennifer Weismann 612-716-0556 Jennifer@owl-marketing.com VOCALESSENCE SAYS ‘GOD JUL!’ TO ALL AS CHRISTMAS CONCERTS GO NORDIC Carols from Sweden, Finland, and Norway star in this year’s Welcome Christmas program, including a world premiere from Norwegian composer Kim André Arnesen MINNEAPOLIS — July 30, 2019 — The Welcome Christmas concerts from the VocalEssence… Read More →
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jennifer Weismann 612-716-0556 Jennifer@owl-marketing.com VOCALESSENCE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR RECEIVES (ANOTHER) TOP HONOR Philip Brunelle wins the 2019 American Prize in Conducting MINNEAPOLIS — July 23, 2019 — VocalEssence founder and artistic director Philip Brunelle is still going strong after more than a half century on the podium. The maestro recently garnered… Read More →
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jennifer Weismann 612-716-0556 Jennifer@owl-marketing.com VOCALESSENCE AGAIN JOINS ICONIC MEXICAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA FOR PERFORMANCES Minneapolis-based choral ensemble will travel to Mexico for second summer to perform Verdi’s Requiem with the Orquesta Sinfónica de Minería MINNEAPOLIS — July 23, 2019 — The VocalEssence Ensemble Singers have again been invited to join the legendary… Read More →
In his “wonderful and busy” June and July, Artistic Director Philip Brunelle has been making music with old friends and new. He returned to the podium to conduct the Lake Harriet Pops Orchestra, a post he held for 10 seasons, and filled the air outside the Lake Harriet Bandshell with the music of Bernstein and… 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 and brilliantly balanced,” this… Read More →
Two Performances: Sunday, October 13, 2019 at 4-5:30 PM Sunday, October 13, 2019 at 7-8:30 PM Summit Center for Arts & Innovation 1524 Summit Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55105 PERFORMERS VocalEssence Ensemble Singers Ruggero Allifranchini, violin Philip Brunelle, conductor Soak in the intimate beauty of the human voice in this unique chamber performance exploring the relationship between the human… Read More →
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jennifer Weismann 612-716-0556 Jennifer@owl-marketing.com CALLING ALL CLAPPERS, STOMPERS, AND SNOW ANGEL-MAKERS! SING & CRAFT WITH VOCALESSENCE AT HOLIDAY FAMILY EVENT — “WINTER WONDER” The holiday show returns to Mia with a new name and more times!—Dec. 14 MINNEAPOLIS— June 26, 2019—VocalEssence is so eager to share the joy of holiday singing… Read More →
Artistic Director Philip Brunelle just returned from England meeting with John Rutter, Sir Stephen Cleobury (just knighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honours), Simon Halsey and Katie Rowan—the person helping us with the U.S. premiere in October of Ina Boyle’s music. He and his wife Carolyn also enjoyed a week’s vacation in Wales and on the… Read More →
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jennifer Weismann 612-716-0556 Jennifer@owl-marketing.com VOCALESSENCE ENSEMBLE SINGERS CHANNEL THE CELESTIAL IN ‘DIVINE LIGHT’ The Minneapolis-based choral ensemble, joined by Ruggero Allifranchini on violin, presents two concerts at the historic Summit Center in St. Paul — Sunday, Oct. 13 MINNEAPOLIS — June 26, 2019 — The VocalEssence Ensemble Singers,… Read More →
by Louisa Castner and Jon Bream | Star Tribune MAY 18, 2019 — 12:23AM: http://www.startribune.com/pick-six-praise-for-vocalessence-lizz-wright-david-crosby-more/510034112/ Louisa Castner of Minneapolis: 1 VocalEssence, “The Times They Are a-Changin’.” Conductors Philip Brunelle and G. Phillip Shoultz III showcased Minnesota-made music, with the visionary song cycle by Steve Hackman and bold new arrangements of iconic Bob Dylan tunes. 2… Read More →
For Artistic Director Philip Brunelle, the end of the concert season with our Bob Dylan tribute was a festive conclusion to season 50! Now we are in the midst of finalizing plans for season 51 and beyond. The month of May is also filled with auditions – about 50 hours’ worth. Each year those in… Read More →
By TERRY BLAIN | Special to the Star Tribune APRIL 29, 2019 — 10:12AM: http://www.startribune.com/classical-meets-contemporary-in-vocalessence-s-take-on-bob-dylan/509191902/ Review: Show celebrates songs by giving them new life. APRIL 29, 2019 — 10:12AM What would Bob Dylan’s songs sound like if sung by a classically trained choir of 150? Would that be sacrilege? The answer came at Saturday evening’s… Read More →
By Jon Bream and Chris Riemenschneider | Star Tribune APRIL 26, 2019 — 11:30AM: http://www.startribune.com/twin-cities-concerts-of-the-week-snoop-dogg-chris-koza-vocalessence-does-dylan-prince-tributes/509061512/ This week’s big gigs for April 26-May 2, also including Neko Case, Kodak Black, Arturo Sandoval, Foals and more. Snoop Dogg (Photo by Paul R. Giunta/Invision/AP) Snoop Dogg: With the Roots headed to Mystic Lake this summer, Snoop’s show this week… Read More →
Following the amazing success of Candide, Artistic Director Philip Brunelle was in Mexico City for meetings about the Ensemble Singers next visit there in August 2019. He and his wife Carolyn also spent four days vacationing in Oaxaca (a rarity!). On Sunday, April 7 he will accompany the five Plymouth Church soloists in a concert as… Read More →
