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VocalEssence sounds festive at 50th anniversary concert

by Terry Blain October 8, 2018: http://www.startribune.com/vocalessence-sounds-festive-at-50th-anniversary-concert/495932081/ Review: A high-energy anniversary concert revisited the ensemble’s greatest hits. In the beginning, there was Aaron Copland. Fifty years ago, Philip Brunelle invited the iconic American composer to conduct his newly formed choir at Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis. The great composer accepted. And the rest, as they say, is…  Read More →

50th Anniversary Concert a BIG Success

October 17, 2018

The 50th Anniversary Concert and Dinner on October 7, 2018 was an evening filled with special moments. Governor Dayton proclaimed it VocalEssence Together We Sing Day. Senator Tina Smith began the festivities with a beautiful tribute to the organization. Acclaimed composer Alice Parker wrote an arrangement to surprise Artistic Director Philip Brunelle. Read the lyrics…  Read More →

Where in the World are the Conductors – October 2018

October 17, 2018

October is off to a rousing start for Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III. He’s launched the second season of the VocalEssence Singers Of This Age, as they prepare for their Identity concert on November 8, 2018. He spent two days training VocalEssence ¡Cantaré! composer, Pablo Mendoza, for workshops in our partner schools. This past…  Read More →

VocalEssence celebrates 50 years of making musical bridges — and that first boost from Aaron Copland

by Kathy Berdan October 4, 2018: https://www.twincities.com/2018/10/04/vocalessence-50th-anniversary-concert-ordway-st-paul-philip-brunelle-aaron-copland-cantare/ Harmony through harmony. That’s a good description of what Twin Cities choral stalwart VocalEssence has been doing for half a century. Founder and director Philip Brunelle and the group’s 30-member professional Ensemble Singers recently returned from a trip to Mexico City, where they performed with 30 Mexican singers and a…  Read More →

Strategic Plan 2018-2022

In over 5o years, we celebrate our recognition not only locally and regionally, but nationally and internationally for innovation, leadership, and advancement of this art form. Within the strength of our position as a leader in this field, our challenge is to remain relevant and responsive within the rapidly changing demographic landscape. This Strategic Plan…  Read More →

In Honor of the VocalEssence 50th Anniversary by Catherine Dehoney, President of Chorus America

October 7, 2018

I’m Catherine Dehoney, President of Chorus America, the research, professional development, and advocacy organization for choruses in North America. Philip asked me to keep my remarks “short and profound, like the Gettysburg Address”.  I’m not sure I can achieve ‘profound’, so I’ll try for ‘short’! Two score and 10 years ago, Philip Brunelle brought forth…  Read More →

A Toast to 50 Years from Marilyn Carlson Nelson

October 7, 2018

And on the eighth day, God created VocalEssence, and it was good. So now, dear Philip, Carolyn, VocalEssence, it falls to me to end this magnificent celebration with a toast. A toast to 50 years of music that have unspooled before us at a dizzying speed tonight, beginning and ending with Aaron Copeland and The…  Read More →

Where in the World are the Conductors – August 2018

August 22, 2018

Artistic Director Philip Brunelle has had a whirlwind summer (nothing unusual!) beginning in early June with a trip to New York City meeting with Nico Muhly, composer of the new cantata being written for our Welcome Christmas concerts. The visit also included meetings with several composers and interviews about the upcoming 50th anniversary season. Then…  Read More →

2018 Welcome Christmas Carol Contest Composers Announced

August 22, 2018

VocalEssence is pleased to announce the following winners of the 21st annual VocalEssence Welcome Christmas Carol Contest. Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all who applied. Sponsored by the American Composers Forum and VocalEssence, the contest is open to composers of all ages, and this season composers were asked to write a carol…  Read More →

VocalEssence Kicks Off 50th Season with a Trip Down Memory Lane—At The Ordway Oct. 7

CONTACT: Jennifer Weismann Jennifer@owl-marketing.com 612-716-0556 VOCALESSENCE KICKS OFF 50th SEASON WITH A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE—AT THE ORDWAY OCT. 7 Special guests—and surprises—as choral nonprofit kicks off historic anniversary with songs from their most popular performances MINNEAPOLIS — June 27, 2018—It’s going to be a magical night of remembrance and tribute as VocalEssence opens its…  Read More →