MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (June 19, 2008) – For nearly 40 years, Philip Brunelle and renowned humorist Garrison Keillor have been friends and musical collaborators, so it’s only natural that Mr. Keillor should be called upon to host the 40th anniversary party of VocalEssence.

The VocalEssence 40th Birthday Party with Garrison Keillor takes place at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis on Sunday, September 14, 2008 (4 pm). For tickets and information, call 612-371-5656 (800-292-4141) or visit www.vocalessence.org.

The VocalEssence Chorus and Ensemble Singers will take a musical journey through the past 40 seasons, revisiting some of their biggest performance hits…and misses! Guaranteed unpredictable, this party will feature waltzing singers, tap dancers, capricious comedy, and the University of Minnesota Marching Band. Special guests soprano Maria Jette, tenor Vern Sutton, and dancer James Sewell will be along to enliven the celebration, which also includes premieres by composers Kitty Brazelton and Stephen Paulus.

Garrison Keillor, already the star of two VocalEssence CDs (Hymn to Potatoes and Other Choral Masterpieces and Over the River & Through the Woods) is certain to contribute one of his trademark monologues — with a choral music twist — as well as other hilarious moments.

But it’s not just about fun — the concert benefits VocalEssence Community Engagement Programs. As such, all tickets are priced at $40 in honor of the 40th Season. (Student and partial view tickets are half price. Group discounts are available.) Plus, a limited number of special VIP tickets are available at $100 include prime seating and a private post-concert reception with Garrison Keillor and all of the guest artists.

For press information and photographs related to the VocalEssence 40th Birthday Party with Garrison Keillor, contact Jennifer Bauer (612-547-1459, jbauer@vocalessence.org).

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