MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (April 12, 2012) VocalEssence is honored to host Chorus Americas 35th Annual Conference in Minneapolis, the land of 10,000 choirs. Running June 13-June 16, 2012, the conference will feature performances by some of the regions best ensembles, with a overabundance of concerts open to the public. The musical feast will kick-off with a remarkable Opening Night Gala Concert at Orchestra Hall on June 13th at 8 pm featuring works by Minnesota composers performed by 10 ensembles, as well as a Youth Festival Choir of more than 200 young voices, culminating with the world premiere of a new work by Stephen Paulus written expressly for the occasion. Tickets for the Opening Night Gala Concert are $13.50-$43.50. For tickets and information, call 612-371-5656 or visit www.vocalessence.org. For Chorus America Conference details and schedules, visit chorusamerica.org.

At their solo concert, VocalEssence will be reprising an audience favorite, The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass, on Thursday, June 14th (8 pm) at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Monroe Crossing will join the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers to perform Carol Barnetts The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass in this concert which is open to the public. The concert will also feature Dominick Argentos Walden Pond and the world premiere of a new work by Paul Rudoi, commissioned through the VocalEssence Essentially Choral program with funding from the Jerome Foundation. Tickets are $20 & $40. For tickets and information, call 612-371-5656 or visit www.vocalessence.org.

The 2012 Chorus America Conference is loaded with artistic experiences that showcase the wealth of choral talent to which Minnesota can justly lay claim. The featured concerts will introduce you to centuries of music and contemporary composers youve been waiting to discover as well as stretch the definition of the art form and demonstrate the creative force of collaboration. From early music to bluegrass, from chamber ensembles to a massed choir of 400, this years Conference performances will satisfy all and will be sure to leave a lasting impression. The Opening Night Gala Concert will be a celebration of many of Minnesotas finest composers and feature a number of the regions wonderful choral organizations, including VocalEssence, Magnum Chorum, Minnesota Chorale, The Singers, Cantus, One Voice Mixed Chorus, National Lutheran Choir, Choral Arts Ensemble of Rochester, and a Youth Festival Choir of more than 200 young singers. The performance will culminate with a new commission from composer Stephen Paulus, sung by a massed choir of singers from the featured ensembles.

For additional information, contact Malia Cole (mcole@vocalessence.org, 612-547-1459).

VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers

Philip Brunelle, conductor

Called one of the irreplaceable music ensembles of our time by Dana Gioia, past chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, VocalEssence was founded in 1969 by current Artistic Director Philip Brunelle. Recognized internationally for its innovative exploration of music for voices and instruments, the organization presents an engaging collection of concerts featuring the 130-voice VocalEssence Chorus, the professional 32-voice Ensemble Singers (well known for their appearances on the internationally-distributed radio show A Prairie Home Companion hosted by Garrison Keillor), guest soloists and instrumentalists. In addition to championing lesser-known works of the past, VocalEssence has an unwavering commitment to todays composers resulting in more than 130 world premieres. VocalEssence has released thirteen commercial recordings, including four WITNESS CDs of music by African American composers and artists available on the Clarion label.

Chorus America

Chorus America is the advocacy, research, and leadership development organization that advances the choral field. We support and serve choral conductors, administrators, board members, and singers with tools, training, peer networking, and access so that choruses are better able to contribute to their communities. More than 2,000 choruses, individuals, businesses, and organizations are members of Chorus America and have access to a wide array of programs, publications, research, and personal services developed for their benefit. These services strengthen their ability to build strong organizations that foster quality choral performances. Chorus America is governed by a diverse board of accomplished arts leaders from across North America, and the executive staff is headquartered in Washington, DC. Chorus America was founded in 1977 to gain recognition for professional choruses and today represents hundreds of choruses of every kind throughout North America and beyond.

Malia Cole

Marketing and Communications Director

VocalEssence

612.547.1459

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