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CELEBRATE MUSICAL SIBLINGS FELIX AND FANNY WITH VOCALESSENCE 2022-23 SEASON OPENER—“THE MENDELSSOHNS” 
Two prolific Romantic-era composers, one extraordinary program of music—October 15 

MINNEAPOLIS—August 1, 2022—This fall, VocalEssence will feature compositions by siblings Felix Mendelssohn and Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel side by side in a single program, The Mendelssohns. The concert, on October 15, features the VocalEssence Chorus and Ensemble Singers, the diverse youth choir VocalEssence Singers Of This Age, tenor Nicholas Chalmers, soprano Maria Jette, pianist Mary Jo Gothmann, and a special High School Festival Choir, with Philip Brunelle and G. Phillip Shoultz, III, conducting. 

Press images are available here. 

“After a two-year delay caused by the pandemic, we are thrilled to finally perform the Mendelssohns program,” said VocalEssence artistic director Philip Brunelle. “Both Felix and Fanny were talented composers and we are delighted to have the opportunity to highlight the work of both these creative geniuses.” 

“We are excited that we will hold an all-day festival on Saturday, October 15 at Bethel University for area high school singers where they will rehearse and learn about the music of Fanny and Felix,” said associate artistic director G. Phillip Shoultz, III. “The concert will feature the festival choir combined with our own youth choir, VocalEssence Singers Of This Age—the addition of these fresh voices absolutely enhances the work of these extraordinarily talented composers.” 

While musical talent ran in the family, and both Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn were celebrated in their home country of Germany as performing and composing child prodigies in the early 1800s, only younger brother Felix’s skills resulted in educational opportunities and parental support for a career in music. Nevertheless, Fanny persisted, continuing composing into adulthood, and Felix returned to her again and again for musical counsel. The two shared an artistic bond that transcended familial camaraderie and lasted until their untimely deaths, just six months apart. 

The Mendelssohns concert is at 7:00 pm on October 15, at Bethel University’s Benson Great Hall, 3900 Bethel Drive in Arden Hills. Tickets are priced between $25 and $45. VocalEssence season tickets are on sale now. Single tickets go on sale July 21, 2022. For season tickets, details about the season, individual tickets, and other information, please visit www.vocalessence.org.   

VocalEssence will continue to offer opportunities for people to access digital content that will be released throughout the season. All digital releases will be free and available to all on the VocalEssence website.     

VocalEssence, the choral organization Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones says “sings magnificently,” provides opportunities that draw upon the power of singing together to nurture community, inspire creativity, affirm the value of all persons, and expand the impact of choral music. VocalEssence was founded in 1969 and through its performance series has debuted more than 300 commissions and world premieres. VocalEssence Learning & Engagement programs help people of all ages bridge, create, and learn across cultures by connecting them with renowned choral experts to provide exceptional role models, grow community self-esteem, self-expression, and engagement. For more information, visit www.vocalessence.org.      

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