By Pamela Espeland MinnPost FEBRUARY 28, 2019 — 08:24AM https://www.minnpost.com/artscape/2019/02/vocalessence-to-present-witness-times-two-joffrey-ballet-to-perform-anna-karenina/   VocalEssence was born in 1969 as the Plymouth Church Music Series. Just another concert series at a local church, founded by an ambitious, tireless and hypercreative choir director and organist named Philip Brunelle. In 2002, the Plymouth Music Series became VocalEssence. Today, Brunelle and his singers are…  Read More →

Christy DeSmith | Star Tribune JANUARY 25, 2019 — 11:36PM http://www.startribune.com/best-of-the-week-city-of-lakes-loppet-dorothy-kurosawa-frozen-singalong/504825212/ Looking for a fun outing with your Elsa-crazed preschooler? VocalEssence hosts a trio of “Frozen Movie Sing-Along” events on Saturday, led by the group’s sparkling choristers. Screenings take place at the American Swedish Institute, which — let’s be honest — parents could easily pass off…  Read More →

By Terry Blain | Special to the Star Tribune January 13, 2019 — 2:00PM: http://www.startribune.com/the-week-s-five-best-twin-cities-classical-concerts/504230712/ Taking the podium Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto hurt his arm, so he can’t deliver the solo he planned for this week. But the injury won’t stop him from conducting a stimulating program for the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. Music includes Missy Mazzoli’s…  Read More →

By Pamela Espeland January 17, 2019: https://www.minnpost.com/artscape/2019/01/mlk-celebrations-and-concerts-mr-poppers-penguins-at-childrens-theatre/ Monday is Martin Luther King Day, and the weekend will light up with celebrations of his life. Tuesday this week would have been his 89th birthday. Imagine if he had lived past 39. Although it’s not billed specifically as an MLK event, VocalEssence’s annual “Together We Sing” festival on Saturday (Jan.…  Read More →

By Pamela Espeland |  December 7, 2018: https://www.minnpost.com/artscape/2018/12/arts-accessibility-nonprofit-to-close-in-2019-vocalessences-welcome-christmas-2018/ The picks Friday through Sunday: VocalEssence: Welcome Christmas 2018. For many Minnesotans, VocalEssence’s annual holiday concert is a beloved tradition. But there’s never been a Welcome Christmas concert like this. Along with a world premiere by composer Nico Muhly – Philip Glass’ former assistant, now one of the most sought-after composers…  Read More →

By Terry Blain | Special to the Star Tribune November 30, 2018 — 2:52PM: http://www.startribune.com/10-best-concerts-to-mark-the-holidays-in-choir-crazed-minnesota/501646651/ With so many Minnesota choirs, it can be difficult selecting the perfect concert. Here are 10 great options for the holidays. Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but music lovers have floated a new state motto: Land of 10,000…  Read More →

by Pamela Espeland November 1, 2018: https://www.minnpost.com/artscape/2018/11/american-composers-forum-names-leader-prince-before-the-rain-book-release/ VocalEssence: Singing with the stars VocalEssence – the choral music organization founded by Philip Brunelle, now celebrating its 50th anniversary year – is making friends in high places. First they sang with the Rolling Stones. Then they opened for Idina Menzel on Nicollet Mall during Super Bowl Live –…  Read More →