The show featured a world premiere that had no holiday connection, but was intense and heartfelt. By William Randall Beard, Special to the Star Tribune This year’s installment of VocalEssence’s annual "Welcome Christmas!" concerts is a bit of an oddity. The most extended music on the program had nothing much to do with Christmas. But…  Read More →

BY ROB HUBBARD Pioneer Press If it weren’t for Felix Mendelssohn, you may never have heard of Johann Sebastian Bach. Had the relatively obscure Bach not been extolled so avidly by Mendelssohn in the mid-19th century, what Bach works we know may have joined the ranks of the many that have disappeared. If it weren’t…  Read More →

"Twins fans at the Metrodome weren't the only ones in downtown Minneapolis singing "Alleluia" on Sunday afternoon. The Twin Cities' foremost professional choir, VocalEssence, was making a joyful noise blocks away at Orchestra Hall, where it opened its 38th season. Its program of American works not only showcased many of this country's greatest composers, but…  Read More →

"VocalEssence opened its season on Sunday at Orchestra Hall with "American Voices," a celebration of American choral music. And it was a celebration indeed. No one is better in this repertoire than director Philip Brunelle; he conducted exemplary performances of music from three centuries. Adding to the festive air was the nine-voice male chorus Cantus."…  Read More →