VocalEssence – Philip Brunelle, artistic director

VocalEssence and American Composers Forum have chosen five composers to participate in the May 2008 Essentially Choral reading session. The public is invited to attend a working rehearsal of their new music for voices and instruments on Saturday, May 31.

Essentially Choral provides an opportunity for emerging composers to develop their skills in writing for choral ensemble, either a cappella or with instruments. The program is co-sponsored by American Composers Forum and VocalEssence with the generous support of the Jerome Foundation. The selected composers are:

Elizabeth Joan Kelly (Tallahassee, FL): Tiare Tahiti (trumpet, piano)
Jonathan Kolm (Austin, TX): On the Beach at Night (a cappella)
Matthew Van Brink (New York, NY): A Thousand Tender Passages (harp, cello)
Scott Sandersfeld (Minneapolis, MN): And Every Stone Shall Cry (a cappella)
David Mercer (Minneapolis, MN): Psalm 43 (a cappella)

The public reading session on Saturday, May 31, 2008 from 10 am to 1 pm at The Music Room, SPCO Center, Third Floor (408 St. Peter Street, Saint Paul).

The VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, considered one of America’s most adventurous and finest choral groups, join Monroe Crossing, the Midwest’s leading bluegrass and gospel band, in this extraordinary concert. After hearing a short set by each group, discover the magic of Carol Barnett’s “The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass,” which was written for them to perform together. The contrast of the sophisticated choral sound and jubilant bluegrass harmonies brings its beautiful text to life, creating a unique experience of celebration, grace and peace.

Ticket Price:
$20

Purchase Tickets

At Luther College with the Nordic Choir, Collegiate Chorale, and Cathedral Choir

The VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, considered one of America’s most adventurous and finest choral groups, join Monroe Crossing, the Midwest’s leading bluegrass and gospel band, in this extraordinary concert. Discover Carol Barnett’s The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass. The contrast of the sophisticated choral sound and jubilant bluegrass harmonies brings its beautiful text to life, creating a unique experience of celebration, grace and peace. Luther College choirs collaborate for performance surprises and a powerful finale.

For more information, visit http://programming.luther.edu/centerstage/VocalEssence/index.html.

The VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and bluegrass band Monroe Crossing present the Michigan debut of The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass. Plus a special appearance by the Calvin Collge choirs, directed by Joel Navarro and Pearl Shangkuan. Tickets available through the Calvin Box Office, Fine Arts Center, Calvin College
3201 Burton Street, SE, Grand Rapids, MI. (616) 526-6282

An old-fashioned American Christmas celebration, overflowing with beloved Christmas carols from the countries of Minnesota’s early settlers — Poland, Sweden, Norway, Germany, France, the Ukraine and others. Favorites like “Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming” and “Carol of the Bells” will be perfomed by the VocalEssence Chorus and Ensemble Singers with string orchestra, conducted by Philip Brunelle.

This year marks the tenth annual Welcome Christmas! Carol Contest, co-sponsored by VocalEssence and American Composers Forum. This year’s contest-winning carols for chorus and celesta will be premiered, along with a world premiere from San Francisco composer Conrad Susa titled Love-Song Serenade, based on five poems of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The celebration wraps up with a grand audience sing-along of Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” from Messiah.

Single tickets are on sale now. Ticket prices are $20-$35. Student and group discounts available. Service charges may apply. Call 612-624-2345 or order online.

Save money and enjoy the very best seats by ordering as part of a VocalEssence Season Ticket package! Call 612-624-2345 to order season tickets.

Additional performance:

Saturday, October 13, 2007 (8 pm)

Following his success with Guys and Dolls, Frank Loesser’s next Broadway hit was The Most Happy Fella, a complicated May-December love story fraught with deception yet full of romance. The rich, luxurious music features dramatic orchestral writing, rousing choral numbers and catchy melodies that became hits on their own—“Joey, Joey, Joey” and “Standing on the corner, watching all the girls go by.” Vern Sutton will direct a semi-staged concert version of the musical with the VocalEssence Chorus and Ensemble Singers, soloists and orchestra.

Synopsis: Tony (Peter Halverson), an aging Italian immigrant who owns a vineyard in California’s Napa Valley, proposes by mail to Rosabella (Jennifer Baldwin Peden), a San Francisco waitress. She accepts, partly because Tony has sent her a photograph of Joe (Bradley Greenwald), his handsome ranch foreman. Arriving for the wedding, Rosabella is so upset at his deception that on her wedding night she gives herself to Joe. But over time, she learns to love her sweet-natured husband and confesses all to Tony — even that she is bearing Joe’s child.

View our online portfolio of press photos for The Most Happy Fella.