The VocalEssence Board of Directors serve as ambassadors for the organization in the larger community. They also guide VocalEssence in all major policy decisions while ensuring the financial stability of VocalEssence. Board Officers Carolina Maranon-Cobos, President Program Manager, Institute for Advanced Study, University of Minnesota Daniel Fernelius, President-Elect Senior Development Officer, Let’s Encrypt Valton Henderson, Vice… Read More →
For 50 years, VocalEssence has been a leader in fiscal responsibility in Minnesota. We have never ended a fiscal year with a deficit. Below are links to our recent audits and 990s. If you have questions about our financial information, please contact: Mary Ann Aufderheide | Executive Director info@vocalessence.org 612-547-1451 Downloadable PDF Size VocalEssence FY2021… Read More →
The VocalEssence name is synonymous with excellence in choral performance. Internationally, our choruses are recognized for their flawless sound, innovative programming, and commitment to today’s composers. Closer to home, our concert series have been a well-known Minnesota tradition for more than 50 years. Learn more about VocalEssence performing ensembles: VocalEssence Chorus—Our 110-voice chorus was called… Read More →
VocalEssence Learning & Engagement programs are specifically designed for people ages 0-100+ to connect, create, and learn across cultures. In each of our programs, we: Connect people with renowned choral experts —giving them the opportunity to learn directly from exceptional role models. Blend music and the study of cultures present in Minnesota’s diverse population. Provide… Read More →
Whether you are an experienced composer, a singer-songwriter interested in writing choral music, or a high school choir director who embraces the importance of creativity in programming, VocalEssence wants to engage you further in the choral arts. Check out these opportunities and join us in song. The American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota Creative Programming Award, sponsored… Read More →
Attending a VocalEssence event has been described as “invigorating,” “inspiring,” and “transcendent.” And, that’s because behind every exciting concert and class is a commitment to harness the power of singing together to enrich Minnesota’s communities. At VocalEssence, we believe when we sing together, we succeed together. We invite you to be a part of it:… Read More →
Welcome Christmas American Public Media and Classical Minnesota Public Radio will present the annual Welcome Christmas broadcast, hosted by John Birge. The one-hour program will run twice on 99.5 FM in the Twin Cities and online at classicalmpr.org: Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at 7pm Christmas Day, December 25, 2012 at 5pm This year’s VocalEssence Welcome… Read More →
Minnesota student choirs are working with Mexican composers to produce new musical pieces as a way to break cultural barriers.By William Crum, Star Tribune (May 15, 2012) The soul pauses at river’s edge, confronting its first challenge on the journey to eternity. The Henry Sibley High School Concert Choir — rehearsing its role in a… Read More →
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (January 26, 2012) — Every Minnesotan deserves a warm midwinter vacation. VocalEssence, The Rose Ensemble and the University of St. Thomas Chamber Singers will take the audience on an exotic and wonderful trip with Música de México. Join the excursion on Friday, March 9 (8 pm) or Saturday, March 10 (8 pm) at… Read More →
St. Paul, Minn. (December 2011) — The best way to welcome Christmas is Welcome Christmas!, the VocalEssence holiday concert. Long a favorite from their appearances on A Prairie Home Companion, VocalEssence rings in the season with an all-new Welcome Christmas! It’s an hour of joyful holiday music featuring the Minneapolis-based chorus, VocalEssence, and hosted for… Read More →
MINNEAPOLIS (May 16, 2011) Today Ana Luisa Fajer, the Consul of Mexico in St. Paul, presented VocalEssence Artistic Director Philip Brunelle with the Ohtli Recognition Award at the quarterly VocalEssence board meeting in downtown Minneapolis. Once a year, the government of Mexico presents this award to a civilian living outside the country for contributions made to the empowerment of Mexican… Read More →
By ROHAN PRESTON, Star TribuneLast update: March 4, 2011 After leading a group of singers in a workshop at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Minneapolis, renowned Florida choral director André Thomas lingered to sign scores of his own compositions and arrangements. The fans last Sunday included former students, devotees of choral music and a fair-haired… Read More →
DOWNLOAD NOW FROM INSTANT ENCORE VocalEssence, The St. Olaf Choir and three Minnesota High School Choirs — Central High School (Saint Paul); Hastings High School and Washburn High School (Minneapolis) — are featured in a new live concert recording available exclusively by download from Instant Encore. “WITNESS – André Thomas” was recorded in concert at… Read More →
