Press Releases

(4-16-08) Ensemble Singers present American choral masterpieces and folksongs at May Stillwater concert

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (April 16, 2008) – Drawing from the rich and varied American choral music tradition, VocalEssence will present a community concert titled A Slice of Americana in May, featuring beloved American traditional folksong arrangements alongside choral masterpieces by a wide range of American composers. The performance concert takes place at Trinity Lutheran Church (115… Read More →

VocalEssence Announces 40th Anniversary 2008-2009 Season

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 8, 2008 Contact: Jennifer Bauer—612-547-1459 jbauer@vocalessence.org “VocalEssence is one of the irreplaceable music ensembles of our time” -Dana Gioia, Chairman, National Endowment for the Arts VOCALESSENCE ANNOUNCES ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY 2008-2009 SEASON with Garrison Keillor Jazz Icon Billy Taylor Choral Superstar Eric Whitacre Dominick Argento World Premiere for 500 voices DOWNLOAD… Read More →

2-20-2008: Superstar Maureen McGovern to sing with VocalEssence Chorus at The Fitzgerald in April concert

The Joy of Spring with Maureen McGovern Sunday, April 6, 2008, 4 pm Concert Conversation at 3 pm The Fitzgerald Theater, St. Paul, MN Tickets $20-$35 (Service charges may apply. Student tickets are half price. Group discounts available.) To order, call 612-673-0404 or go to vocalessence.org. MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (February 20, 2008) – Grammy nominated and… Read More →

(3-25-08) Serengeti Serenade, May 3 VocalEssence Gala, benefits VocalEssence community engagement programs

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (March 25, 2008) — The magnificent landscape of the Serengeti region and the invigorating music of Africa inspire the 2008 VocalEssence Gala, a safari of musical discovery, unique auction treasures and savory cuisine. On Saturday, May 3, 2008 (6 pm), Serengeti Serenade takes place at The Historic Milwaukee Depot in Minneapolis. The Gala… Read More →

Star Tribune: Composer’s most personal composition is also among his best

By Michael AnthonyStar Tribune, 9-29-2009 After the death of his wife of 51 years, Dominick Argento believed his career as a composer was over. But the Washington Cathedral Choral Society persuaded the Pulitzer Prize-winning composer to write a piece in honor of the Baltimore-born soprano, Carolyn Bailey Argento, and the resulting work, “Evensong: “Of Love… Read More →

2-11-08: VocalEssence presents Duke Ellington’s music for the whole family

Capsule: WITNESS Community Concert: Duke Ellington on the Air Sunday, February 24, 2008, pm Hopkins High School Auditorium, 2400 Lindbergh Drive, Minnetonka, MN Tickets: $12 adults, $8 children 17 and younger Seating is general admission, all ages are welcome. To order: 612-624-2345 or ww.vocalessence.org MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (February 11, 2008) — Every year since 1991, conductor… Read More →

11-13-07: VocalEssence WITNESS concert will witness to the influence of composer Duke Ellington

WITNESS: The Duke Ellington Effect Sunday, February 17, 2008, 4 pm Concert Conversation at 3 pm in the Marzitelli Foyer Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, St. Paul Tickets: $20-$35. Student and group discounts available. Service charges apply. To order: 651-224-4222, www.ordway.org MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (November 13, 2007) – Every year since 1991, Philip Brunelle and… Read More →

2-14-2008: VocalEssence releases "The Songs We Sang — Favorite American Folksongs"

New compact disc released by VocalEssence Ensemble Singers on Clarion Records MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (February 14, 2008) – This fall, VocalEssence and Clarion Records launched Heritage: The American Choral Experience, a new series of CDs celebrating choral music by American composers, with the release of is The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass (Clarion CLR931CD). The second… Read More →

2-14-2008: VocalEssence releases “The Songs We Sang — Favorite American Folksongs”

2-11-08: VocalEssence welcomes Robert C. Muschewske, Ph.D. to Board of Directors

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (February 11, 2008) — VocalEssence, the Minneapolis-based choral non-profit music organization, is very pleased to announce the election of Robert C. Muschewske, Ph.D., to its Board of Directors. He was elected at the quarterly board meeting in January 2008. Robert Muschewske’s career as a management consultant has spanned over thirty years involving engagements… Read More →

12-11-07: Philip Brunelle honored as Commander of Royal Norwegian Order of Merit

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (December 11, 2007) — In a private ceremony at the Minneapolis Club on Monday, December 10, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle was invested as Commander of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit for his promotion of Norwegian music in the United States. Norwegian Consul General Rolf Hansen bestowed the honor on… Read More →

9/21/07: VocalEssence will greet the holiday season with annual "Welcome Christmas!" concerts

Welcome Christmas! Saturday, December 1, 2007 (8:00 pm) Trinity Lutheran Church, Stillwater Sunday, December 2, 2007 (4 pm) Sunday, December 9, 2007 (4 pm) Plymouth Congregational Church, Minneapolis Saturday, December 8, 2007 (7:30 pm) Normandale Lutheran Church, Edina Tickets: 612-624-2345 or www.vocalessence.org MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (September 21, 2007) — This December, VocalEssence will welcome the… Read More →

9/21/07: VocalEssence will greet the holiday season with annual “Welcome Christmas!” concerts

11-1-07: VocalEssence and Clarion Records launch Heritage series with "The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass"

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (November 1, 2007) – This fall, VocalEssence and Clarion Records are launching Heritage: The American Choral Experience, a new series of CDs celebrating the remarkable diversity and excellence of choral music by American composers. The first disc in the series is The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass (Clarion CLR931CD), the world premiere recording… Read More →