by: Mary Ann Grossmann 
Pioneer Press | March 25, 2021
https://www.twincities.com/2021/03/25/vocalessence-uses-poetry-and-music-to-create-call-of-the-north/

VocalEssence features Minnesota music and poetry in “Call of the North.” (Photo by Ethan Johnson)

Minnesota poetry and music come together in “Call of the North,” an online-only concert featuring VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, which premieres at 4 p.m. March 28 and will be available until June 30.

“With ‘Call of the North’ we are creating a program to recognize and celebrate the amazing talent we have in our midst,” says Phillip Brunelle, the ensemble’s founder/artistic director. “The addition of poets to our usual musical fare will be a special treat for audiences with an affinity for our state.”

Besides VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and conductor Brunelle, performers include Mary Jo Gothmann on piano. Poets are  Michael Dennis Browne, Anthony Ceballos, Mary Moore Easter, Patricia Hampl and Anna George Meek. The musical program includes work by 10 high-profile composers, including Libby Larsen, Stephen Paulus, and Dominick Argento, as well as Carol Barnett’s “When All Falls Silent,” written for The King’s Singers 2020 New Music Prize.

“Call of the North” is available as part of VocalEssence On Demand 2020-2021. A subscription to the whole series is $49 per household. Single stream tickets for “Call of the North” are $15 per household. Essential workers, unemployed people, those who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and their caregivers are eligible for free subscriptions. For access and info, go to vocalessence.org.