VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers

Called "one of the irreplaceable music ensembles of our time" by Dana Gioia, former chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, VocalEssence is renowned for its innovative exploration of music for voices and instruments under the enthusiastic direction of Philip Brunelle, artistic director and founder. Each season, the organization presents an eclectic series of concerts featuring the 130-voice VocalEssence Chorus, the 32-voice professional Ensemble Singers, guest soloists, and instrumentalists. In addition to championing lesser-known works of the past, VocalEssence has an unwavering commitment to today's composers, which has resulted in more than 140 world premieres to date. Beyond its work in performances and recordings of choral music, VocalEssence reaches into the community with programs that impact thousands of students, singers and composers every year. WITNESS celebrates the contributions of African Americans to our shared American heritage through concerts, recordings and comprehensive school programs. iCantare! brings the talents of composers from Mexico directly into Minnesota classrooms. VocalEssence also partners with American Composers Forum to offer Essentially Choral, a program encouraging composers to write new music for chorus and instruments, as well the annual Welcome Christmas Carol Contest.