Press Releases

Winter Classic between Wild, Blues to celebrate ‘State of Hockey’

by NHL Public Relations @PR_NHL December 16, 2021 https://www.nhl.com/news/2022-winter-classic-to-celebrate-state-of-hockey/c-329066106 U.S. women’s Olympic team will be named; eight pond hockey rinks part of outdoor game NEW YORK — Minnesota’s exalted status as the ‘State of Hockey’ will be the centerpiece of the revelry surrounding the 2022 Discover NHL Winter Classic®, the sold-out New Year’s Day outdoor matchup between…  Read More →

Music review: VocalEssence, Bach Society deliver healthy dose of rejoicing in ‘Christmas Oratorio’

By SHEILA REGAN Pioneer Press | December 4, 2021  https://www.twincities.com/2021/12/04/music-review-vocalessence-bach-society-deliver-healthy-dose-of-rejoicing-in-christmas-oratorio/  Decked out with birch trees and wreaths, the Basilica of Saint Mary in downtown Minneapolis brought in the Christmas season when the combined forces of VocalEssence and the Bach Society of Minnesota presented four of the six Cantatas that make up Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio.” Situated…  Read More →

Violin in front of sheet music with pine, red berries, and red ornaments

Reignite your holiday traditions with 8 great concerts by Twin Cities classical groups

By Rob Hubbard Star Tribune | DECEMBER 1, 2021 https://www.startribune.com/reignite-your-holiday-traditions-with-8-great-concerts-by-twin-cities-classical-groups/600122571/?refresh=true  From a bounty of Bach to a Kate DiCamillo opera, there’s plenty on tap. Stop-motion animator Erin Pollock made a video to accompany Minnesota Opera’s “Edward Tulane Choral Suite,” streaming for free starting Dec. 13. Last December proved a winter of discontent for those who…  Read More →

Violin in front of sheet music with pine, red berries, and red ornaments

Holiday Arts Guide: Classical music’s carols and melodies bring sense of togetherness

By Sheila Regan Pioneer Press | November 27, 2021 https://www.twincities.com/2021/11/27/holiday-arts-classical-musics-carols-and-melodies-bring-sense-of-togetherness/ Sing along with the Minnesota Chorale on Handel’s Messiah. (Courtesy photo) After the COVID-19 Grinch stole Christmas last year, the festive spirit comes roaring back better than ever. Whether you survived on Classical music Zoom performances to get your holiday fix or forewent concert music…  Read More →

8 of the best holiday shows this season in the Twin Cities area

By Star Tribune staff Star Tribune | November 12, 2021 https://www.startribune.com/holiday-shows-are-back-eight-of-the-best-this-season-in-the-twin-cities/600115842/?refresh=true These popular shows are back. MINNESOTA DANCE THEATRE “Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy” ‘Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy’ The return to holiday show traditions after a year without them wouldn’t be complete without this classic. Performed in the ornate grandness of the State Theatre, the Minnesota…  Read More →

Minnesota Choral Directors Honor Philip Brunelle

  MINNESOTA CHORAL DIRECTORS HONOR PHILIP BRUNELLE  The American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota (ACDA-MN) will honor Philip Brunelle, founding artistic director of VocalEssence, at a special festival Legacy concert during the annual ACDA-MN State Conference on Friday, November 19, 8:00 pm.   The public concert will be performed at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater…  Read More →

VocalEssence Christmas Concert Featuring Gustavus Alumni Wins Upper Midwest Emmy

by Sara Cronk Gustavus Adolphus Fine Arts Blog | October 21st, 2021 VocalEssence Christmas Concert Featuring Gustavus Alumni Wins Upper Midwest Emmy The VocalEssence Chorus features multiple Gustavus Alumni. Picture Credit Bruce Silcox, courtesy of VocalEssence At the 22nd annual Upper Midwest Regional Emmys, Minneapolis-based VocalEssence’s Christmas concert, Welcome Christmas, received the Emmy for Entertainment, Long Form Content.…  Read More →

VocalEssence Previews ‘Hope Lives Here’

https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/video/6105877-vocalessence-previews-hope-lives-here/ The popular local group VocalEssence is back with live music this weekend. Philip Brunelle was featured on WCCO.

Our Friday best: James Sewell Ballet, Rodrigo y Gabriela, ‘Kosher Grocers’ and more

By Star Tribune staff Star Tribune | OCTOBER 14, 2021 https://www.startribune.com/our-friday-best-james-sewell-ballet-rodrigo-y-gabriela-kosher-grocers-and-more/600106488/ Critics’ picks for Twin Cities entertainment this weekend and beyond. Photographer: Jim Mimna Rodrigo y Gabriela James Sewell Ballet JSB’s 30th anniversary tour was cut short last year, but the celebration is back with bells on. A program this weekend highlights favorite works from…  Read More →

Weekend Best Bets: Oct. 14-17

By Katherine Lawless Minnesota Monthly | October 14, 2021 https://www.minnesotamonthly.com/travel-recreation/recreation/weekend-best-bets-oct-14-17/?utm_campaign=Minnesota%20Monthly%20Newsletter%20-%20Daily&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=170892188&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–wQ19DN3ZzEfY4zNYauHGba4XtCbAeoH7kjajasXaN2SZAlS5cL9_ChbZ0Tn-BoVhTzmL0VcG5sPZNU9fJQgoZW0JidQ0lFVEwTS_2FnrMcVP554Y&utm_content=170892188&utm_source=hs_email Things to do this weekend around the Twin Cities: VocalEssence, Summit Brewing, Cafe Meow, and more VocalEssence’s 2021-22 season is underwayPHOTO BY KYNDELL HARKNESS Girls in Film What LunaFest When: Thursday-Saturday, October 14-16 Where: Virtual In a virtual film fest that benefits Girls on the Run Minnesota—a nonprofit…  Read More →

10 Twin Cities classical music concerts to add to your calendar for fall 2021

By Rob Hubbard Special to the Star Tribune | August 27, 2021 https://www.startribune.com/top-10-classical-music-concerts-for-fall-2021/600097792/ ‘Opera Afuera’ Minnesota Opera originally planned to open its season at the St. Paul Saints’ ballpark, but moved its presentation of Latin American vocal music and operatic excerpts to Minnesota United’s soccer pitch. Fort Worth Symphony leader Miguel Harth-Bedoya conducts. Scarves optional.…  Read More →

Celebrate the Season with Bach’s Christmas Oratorio at the Basilica

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   CONTACTS:   Jennifer Weismann   612-716-0556   Jennifer@owl-marketing.com     Randi Ericksen  612-440-6219  randi@bachsocietymn.org CELEBRATE THE SEASON WITH BACH’S CHRISTMAS ORATORIO AT THE BASILICA  VocalEssence and The Bach Society of Minnesota team up to perform holiday masterwork—December 3  MINNEAPOLIS—September 17, 2021—The VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and the Bach Society of Minnesota (BSM) will collaborate on a concert performance of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio in a stunning setting, at…  Read More →

VOCALESSENCE ELECTS SEVEN NEW MEMBERS TO ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    Contact:  Jennifer Weismann   612-716-0556   Jennifer@owl-marketing.com     VOCALESSENCE ELECTS SEVEN NEW MEMBERS TO ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS  Award-winning nonprofit organization adds members of Twin Cities business, arts, and education communities to its Board of Directors to serve as ambassadors and guides  MINNEAPOLIS—September 14, 2021—VocalEssence, the award-winning choral organization known for both the artistic…  Read More →