VocalEssence 50th Anniversary Season Brochure

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For 49 years, VocalEssence has pushed the envelope—

CHALLENGING convention and BLAZING NEW TRAILS by boldly championing NEW WORKS, embracing NEW AUDIENCES, nurturing NEW ARTISTS, and finding NEW WAYS & PLACES to present this essential art form.

None of this would have been possible without you.

THANK YOU. {2}

Photo © Rich Ryan

5 0 TH A N N I V E R S A R Y S E A S O N We are delighted to announce the VocalEssence 50th Anniversary Season, where we honor the past, celebrate the present, and look toward the future. Our season embodies our value of creating access and nurturing new voices in our community.

We continue our tradition of showcasing new voices by commissioning and premiering two major works: one by screen and stage composer Nico Muhly at our Welcome Christmas concerts, and the other by popular music arranger and composer Steve Hackman, who celebrates the music of Minnesota’s own Bob Dylan.

We are nurturing new voices to change the face of our singing communities.

This year will mark the second year of our intentionally inclusive youth choir, VocalEssence Singers Of This Age. We also welcome to the stage the well-known and respected Spelman College Glee Club.

From the beginning, we have educated and inspired the next generation of singers and listeners. This year, we will inspire even more kids by launching the nation’s first family series created by a choir that is 100% free for children.

Through it all, in many ways and many places, we encourage everyone to find their voice and come together in song. It is a radical concept, yet elegant in its simplicity. It is the essence of who we are and what we do—then, now, and forever. It is VocalEssence.

Philip Brunelle & G. Phillip Shoultz, III

GIVE ACCESS TO NEW VOICES We are forming a special group of supporters for our 50th anniversary. Will you join? See page 26. {3}

{1969 TO 2019}

Founded by Philip Brunelle in 1969, the groundbreaking organization that grew into VocalEssence inspires new voices in singing groups in the United States and around the world. One of our first acts was to invite a living composer to conduct a concert of his own works. The result was a once-in-a-lifetime performance with Aaron Copland, who openly wondered why no one else had thought to ask him to conduct his music for choir.

Throughout our first five decades, we have unceasingly given access to and nurtured new voices through composer festivals, commissions, presenting choirs from around the world, cross-cultural education programs, free tickets to students and seniors, the creation of our new youth choir VocalEssence Singers Of This Age, and many more.

Yet, we still have unfinished business. We challenge ourselves to change the face of our organization by continuing to give access to new voices in our audiences, programming, and artists. We believe there is a place for everyone’s voice in the human choir, and that combined sound is more beautiful than anything we could have imagined. We know our next 50 years will inspire others as much, or even more, than our first 50 years.

Philip Brunelle and Aaron Copland | Dave Brubeck, Philip Brunelle, and Composer Paul Shoenfield | Libby Larsen and Philip Brunelle

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50 years of singing, partnership, and support VocalEssence has never been afraid to take risks and blaze a new trail, and the support you have provided each step of the way has allowed us to: •

Share the love of music with more than half a million people at concerts everywhere from St. Peter, Minnesota to Shanghai, China, sharing the stage with everyone from James Earl Jones to The Rolling Stones.

•

Inspire 182,000 people ages 0 to 100+ to sing together through our learning initiatives and community programs. To put it in perspective, 182,000 people is the same as:

+ all K-12 students in the Minneapolis and St. Paul school districts

•

+ every Minnesotan age 75

WELCOME TO ST. CLOUD the population of St. Cloud, Minnesota

Commission 305 new songs. More than half (55%) of the songs were written by composers of color. To listen to them in their entirety would take you an entire 40-hour work week.

Philip Brunelle and James Earl Jones | With The Rolling Stones | Brunelle and Shoultz | Singers Of This Age

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Fifty Years of History

LOOK WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED TOGETHER

Fifty Years of History

VOCALESSENCE IN 50 OBJECTS

Explore the history of VocalEssence at our anniversary concerts as staff from the University of Minnesota Performing Arts Archives delve deep into our collection, tracing 50 objects over 50 years that have made us who we are.

50TH ANNIVERSARY TIME CAPSULE

What is your favorite VocalEssence memory? Help us capture the essence of our organization’s first 50 years by sharing a story for our time capsule.

A professional videographer will attend most of our anniversary concerts to collect your memories on video. Simply go to the VocalEssence Welcome Table and ask for the Time Capsule location before, during intermission, or after season concerts. You can also submit your own on our website by visiting vocalessence.org/50memory.

The memories will be edited, shared on social media, and entered for posterity into the VocalEssence Collection at the University of Minnesota Performing Arts Archives.

WHAT’S NEXT? YOUR TURN TO PROGRAM THE NEXT 50 YEARS

The time has come for you to help program the next 50 years of VocalEssence. We are all about partnerships and collaboration and are looking for the next artist or organization to add a new voice to our concerts.

Submit a link to your Spotify playlist with your favorite new voices in choral music and beyond for your chance to win a FREE subscription to the 51st season of VocalEssence to hear one of your ideas in action. For more information, visit vocalessence.org/50playlist.

“Thank you, VocalEssence. You sing magnificently.”

Photo © Mike Wurm

—Mick Jagger, The Rolling Stones

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Season Listing

JOIN US FOR OUR

FIFTIETH

ANNIVERSARY SEASON The Wizard of Oz Movie Sing-Along Friday, August 31, 2018

VocalEssence WITNESS: Yet They Persist Sunday, February 24, 2019

50th Anniversary Concert Sunday, October 7, 2018

VocalEssence & The Avant Garde: Soul Sing Date TBD

Music for a Grand Cathedral Sunday, October 28, 2018

Candide March 21-24, 2019

Identity Thursday, November 8, 2018

Tales & Tunes Saturday, March 30, 2019

Welcome Christmas December 1, 7, 8, & 9, 2018

The Times They Are A-Changin’ Saturday, April 27, 2019

Star of Wonder – Reimagined! at Mia Saturday, December 8, 2018

VocalEssence ¡Cantaré!

Community Concert 2019 Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Together We Sing Festival Saturday, January 19, 2019 Frozen Movie Sing-Along at ASI Saturday, February 2, 2019

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COME TOGETHER IN SONG Come together and sing with us!

Throughout the season, we will be inviting you to add your voice with others to connect and build community.

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Grand Finale of Music & Movies in the Parks at Lake Harriet Band Shell & Park Fri, Aug 31, 2018 7:30 PM: Sing-Along 9 PM: Movie Lake Harriet Band Shell & Park

Photo © Rich Ryan

4135 W Lake Harriet Pkwy Minneapolis, MN 55409 Cost: FREE All Ages Welcome

There’s no place like home, and VocalEssence is proud to kick off the 50th season in our hometown in true VocalEssence fashion—using our outdoor voices! Bring the family, grab some popcorn, and settle in for an evening of fun. Led by Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III, join us as we sing familiar and favorite songs—from movies, to Broadway, to folk, to popular—along with a few surprises. After sunset, stay for a sing-along of one of the greatest films in cinema history, The Wizard of Oz. Prizes for the best costumes. You can even bring your little dog, too!

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Come Together in Song

THE WIZARD OF OZ MOVIE SING-ALONG, PRESENTED BY VOCALESSENCE

Come Together in Song

TOGETHER WE SING FESTIVAL A music festival made by you Every social movement in modern history has been inspired by music that rouses the masses, speaks truth to power, and cements public consciousness. On MLK weekend 2019, join VocalEssence and guest artists to raise your voice and give back. In partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society, sing songs of protest and progress, move your feet to the rhythm of justice, try your hand at spoken word performance, and volunteer for a cause.

Sat, Jan 19, 2019 Session 1: 9 AM-1 PM Session 2: 12-4 PM Minnesota History Center

345 W Kellogg Blvd Saint Paul, MN 55102

Cost: FREE. All Ages Welcome.

Admission to the 1968 and Somali American exhibits may be purchased separately through the Minnesota Historical Society.

“I had no idea what to expect, and I was delighted in a million ways.”

—2018 Together We Sing Festival Attendee

Photo © Bruce Silcox

VocalEssence Singers Of This Age VocalEssence Teaching Artists G. Phillip Shoultz, III Special Guests

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Sing your favorite soul hits with local artists Date, Time and Location will be announced soon.

Tickets: $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Tickets will be available at a later date.

VocalEssence is partnering with The Avant Garde to bring out the soul in all of us. Led by VocalEssence Teaching Artist Niles (Chadwick Phillips), The Avant Garde specializes in fusing multiple forms of art into one event (music concerts, visual art showings, dance performances, poetic readings, theater, and more). This event will feature performances by local soul artists as well as space to add your voice and a little soul to the evening in a sing-along of your favorites.

Niles

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Come Together in Song

VOCALESSENCE & THE AVANT GARDE: SOUL SING

FIFTIETH anniversary

CONCERT SERIES Subscribe today and save 30% over single tickets Save $72 by subscribing to all six Anniversary Concerts Subscribe to all six concerts for the ultimate experience with exclusive benefits and access to the best seats at the best prices.

Enjoy these great benefits:  Savings of 30% off regular ticket prices  Flexible ticket exchanges  Subscriber tickets to share with friends and family  Priority seating at concerts  Add tickets for our new family series at a discounted rate

Visit vocalessence.org/subscribe to purchase today!

Past – Present – Future

Sun, Oct 7, 2018 4-6 PM: Concert 6:30-8:30 PM: Dinner Ordway Concert Hall

345 Washington Street Saint Paul, MN 55102

VocalEssence Chorus &

Ensemble Singers Orchestra Dessa Bradley Greenwald Maria Jette Clara Osowski Don Shelby Vern Sutton Pop Wagner

Roll out the red carpet and stroll down memory lane as we celebrate the people and songs that made VocalEssence what it is today.

Opening just as we did 50 years ago with Copland’s In the Beginning, the concert will bring back audience favorites including selections from Benny Andersson’s Kristina and John Philip Sousa’s El Capitan. Guest artists from Bradley Greenwald to Dessa will join us to add sparkle to the golden affair, including some surprises! Continue the celebration with a “who’s who” of VocalEssence celebrities at the After Party at Landmark Center catered

by Deco Catering.

“One of the irreplaceable music ensembles of our time!”

—Dana Gioia, past chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts

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50th Anniversary Concert series

50TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

50th Anniversary Concert series

MUSIC FOR A GRAND CATHEDRAL The St. Olaf Choir joins for a mystical masterpiece Every day deserves beauty. Give yourself time to sit and soak in Vaughan Williams’s Mass in G minor in a space worthy of its expansive beauty, the majestic Cathedral of Saint Paul. Written when the composer turned 50, the Mass is simultaneously inspired by the past yet uniquely Vaughan Williams’s own, with lush English harmonies that stretch the choir to its fullest potential. As VocalEssence and The St. Olaf Choir join forces on this mystical masterpiece, let it wash over you and bring you to a hushed devotion.

Sun, Oct 28, 2018 2-4 PM Cathedral of Saint Paul

239 Selby Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55102

VocalEssence Chorus &

Ensemble Singers The St. Olaf Choir

“One of the most beautiful and effective masses of the 20th century.”

PLEASE NOTE: VocalEssence and the Cathedral of Saint Paul are working to ensure that the venue accommodates the needs of our audience members.

Photo © Bruce Silcox

—Rick Phillips, Host & Producer of SOUND ADVICE® on CBC Radio

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Discover your holiday soundtrack Sat, Dec 1, 2018 7:30-9:30 PM Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, Apple Valley

Sat, Dec 8, 2018 4-6 PM Plymouth Congregational Church, Minneapolis

Fri, Dec 7, 2018 7:30-9:30 PM Roseville Lutheran Church, Roseville

Sun, Dec 9, 2018 4-6 PM Plymouth Congregational Church, Minneapolis

VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers Every beloved Christmas song had a first performance. Discover your holiday soundtrack as VocalEssence performs the crème de la crème of Christmas premieres over the past 49 years and looks toward the future with world premieres by screen and stage composer Nico Muhly (hot off his premiere at the Metropolitan Opera in New York!) and two new carols by winners of the 21st annual Welcome Christmas Carol Contest.

“This group is unbelievable and has left me on a natural high! I am so thankful to have experienced this concert— it has made my Christmas extra special! Thank you!”

—VocalEssence Welcome Christmas Audience Member { 15 }

50th Anniversary Concert series

WELCOME CHRISTMAS

Celebrating women who change our world Stand up and cheer as VocalEssence honors past, present, and future trailblazing African and African American women who persist against all odds to change their communities and the world. Atlanta’s Spelman College Glee Club will join the VocalEssence Chorus and VocalEssence Singers Of This Age in this electrifying program, which celebrates entrepreneurship, highlights the importance of education, and advocates for the equality of all.

Sun, Feb 24, 2019 4-6 PM Orchestra Hall

1111 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, MN 55403 VocalEssence Chorus Spelman College Glee Club VocalEssence Singers Of This Age Council Member Andrea Jenkins Representative Ilhan Omar Former Minneapolis Mayor

Sharon Sayles Belton

“They persisted. I am able to be here, and I am able to call out things now, because they paved the way.”

—Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar

Former Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton

Representative Ilhan Omar

Council Member Andrea Jenkins

Spelman College Glee Club with the 44th President of the United States Barack Obama

50th Anniversary Concert series

VOCALESSENCE WITNESS: YET THEY PERSIST

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Opera for the people G. Phillip Shoultz, III Vern Sutton Chamber orchestra Philip Brunelle, music director Peter Rothstein, stage director

Thurs, Mar 21, 2019 7:30-9:30 PM Fri, Mar 22, 2019 7:30-9:30 PM Sat, Mar 23, 2019 2-4 PM and 7:30-9:30 PM

This production is in partnership with Theater Latté Da.

Sun, Mar 24, 2019 2-4 PM

With star-crossed lovers, villains, Monty Python-esque comedy, and a beautiful score, Leonard Bernstein’s Candide is opera for the people.

Wrapped in irony, this musical follows the optimistic young Candide in search of “the best of all possible worlds” on an extraordinary journey to reunite with his soulmate.

Imagined by Theater Latté Da’s Peter Rothstein, the all-star cast will perform a theatrical concert version, allowing audiences to savor the epic beauty of Bernstein’s music.

The Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts 528 Hennepin Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55403

Shoultz Photo © Rich Ryan; Greenwald Photo © Ann Marsden

VocalEssence Ensemble Singers Shinah Brashears Michael Fairbairn Bradley Greenwald Rodolfo Nieto Liv Redpath

Bradley Greenwald

Liv Redpath

Rodolfo Nieto

G. Phillip Shoultz, III

“Candide is truly one of the best of all possible musicals.”

– Ben Brantley, The New York Times { 17 }

50th Anniversary Concert series

CANDIDE

50th Anniversary Concert series

THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN’ The words and music of Bob Dylan in a rock venue Bob Dylan’s timeless music has been covered by everyone from Jimi Hendrix to the Kronos Quartet. As the finale to our 50th season, it’s time to add our name to the list. Join us as we reimagine Dylan in the Midwest premiere of The Times They Are A-Changin’: The Words and Music of Bob Dylan, commissioned in honor of his 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature and arranged by Steve Hackman.

Kick back, grab a drink, and hear Dylan’s music like it’s the first time all over again.

Sat, Apr 27, 2019 8-10 PM Palace Theatre

17 West 7th Place Saint Paul, MN 55102 VocalEssence Chorus &

Ensemble Singers

“[The Times They Are A-Changin’] blew me away… from now on, with every drop of the stylus needle on one of my Bob Dylan records, I will recall the novelty of this night. I highly recommend experiencing it for yourself.”

—Jessa Gibboney, Wavy Alabaster

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INAUGURAL FAMILY SERIES Family Series Subscriptions start at just $30!

Ages 0-17 are FREE

FAMILY SERIES VocalEssence is excited to announce the first Family Series in the nation created by a singing organization. VocalEssence is committed to sharing our music with the broadest possible audience in our community, and we decided to do it in a radical way—by making concerts 100% free for children and young people ages 0-17.

We believe our music has the power to inspire, challenge, move, and uplift, and that everyone—especially young people— deserves the opportunity to experience transformational performances. With free tickets for children, we are expanding access to the arts, and making it easier than ever to bring the whole family to VocalEssence concerts and events.

HOW IT WORKS: •

Pick three or more events in the Family Series and get $5 off of your adult tickets! Family Series events are $15 each for single ticket buyers, but subscribers get tickets for $10 each.

•

Children ages 0-17 are completely free! Reserve up to 4 free child tickets for each paid adult ticket (children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult).

Visit vocalessence.org/subscribefamily to purchase today!

Inaugural Family Series

IDENTITY Inaugural solo concert with the new VocalEssence youth choir – Singers Of This Age Thurs, Nov 8, 2018 7-8:30 PM Westminster Hall, Westminster Presbyterian Church

1200 S Marquette Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55403 All Ages Welcome

VocalEssence Singers Of This Age Cameroon Choir Mila Vocal Ensemble Threads Dance Project VocalEssence

Vintage Voices Choirs

Be inspired by new voices and the changing face of choir at the inaugural solo performance of VocalEssence Singers Of This Age, the VocalEssence youth choir.

Using the diversity of its membership as a guide, VocalEssence Singers Of This Age and guest artists will use song, spoken word, and movement to explore the concept of identity and celebrate the rich tapestry of Minnesota’s cultural communities.

Joining the youth choir will be artists from around the community including members of the VocalEssence Vintage Voices choirs, a program that creates choirs for older adults. Find your own voice and sing along as we find unity through our differences.

“I absolutely love the youth choir. Seeing their diversity and hearing their energy was inspiring! They give me hope during a time when I am desperately looking for it!”

VocalEssence Singers Of This Age | Photo © Bruce Silcox

—VocalEssence Audience Member

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Inaugural Family Series

STAR OF WONDER – REIMAGINED! at Mia Clap, wiggle, and sing along to your favorite holiday songs

Sat, Dec 8, 2018 11-11:45 AM Reception Hall, Minneapolis Institute of Art

2400 3rd Avenue S Minneapolis, MN 55404 All Ages Welcome

Members of the VocalEssence

Ensemble Singers VocalEssence Singers Of This Age

Deck the hall with VocalEssence at this hands-on holiday event.

Clap, wiggle, and sing along to your favorite carols, and try your hand at creating a holiday-themed craft to take home. Sit up close and experience the wonder of singing together (maybe for the first time).

Pillows, baby bottles, and teddy bears welcome!

“I loved being able to bring my little kids and expose them to beautiful music.”

—Star of Wonder Attendee

Photo © Bruce Silcox

Sat, Dec 8, 2018 9:30-10:15 AM

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Inaugural Family Series

FROZEN MOVIE SING-ALONG AT ASI Don your best Frozen attire and sing along to this Disney classic Whether it’s Elsa, Anna, Olaf, or even Sven, dress up as your favorite character and join us at a Frozen movie sing-along led by members of our new youth choir, VocalEssence Singers Of This Age. Walk over to the “castle” (Turnblad Mansion) to take a photo with your prince or princess, and create a snowflake in honor of your favorite snowman. ASI Museum admission included.

Sat, Feb 2, 2019 10 AM-12 PM Sat, Feb 2, 2019 3-5 PM Larson Hall, American Swedish Institute

2600 Park Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55407 All Ages Welcome

Members of VocalEssence Singers Of This Age

“Frozen (4 stars out of 4; rated PG) is wonderfully enchanting wintry fare.”

Photo © Swank Motion Pictures

—USA Today

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Inaugural Family Series

TALES & TUNES Musical story time with a twist

Sat, Mar 30, 2019 11:30 AM-12:30 PM Plymouth Congregational Church

1919 LaSalle Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55403 All Ages Welcome

Members of the VocalEssence

Ensemble Singers and

Singers Of This Age Nancy Carlson, author

Let’s create together! In this musical story time, your little ones can roll up their sleeves and make a craft, sing along to nursery rhymes with our singers, and hear acclaimed local author Nancy Carlson read some of her most-loved books. Listen to brand new songs written by teen moms through our Lullaby Project, and create a song with us that you can take home.

“I love the participatory singing; welcoming of little people.”

—VocalEssence Family Concert Attendee

Photo © Bruce Silcox

Sat, Mar 30, 2019 9:30-10:30 AM

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Inaugural Family Series

VOCALESSENCE ¡CANTARÉ!

COMMUNITY CONCERT 2019 Celebrate Mexico through new music sung by students Tues, May 21, 2019 7-8:30 PM Ordway Music Theater

345 Washington Street Saint Paul, MN 55102 All Ages Welcome

Members of the

VocalEssence Chorus VocalEssence Singers Of This Age Field Community School, Minneapolis Harding High School, St. Paul Robbinsdale Spanish Immersion

School, New Hope

Hear our community come together as hundreds of students join VocalEssence to celebrate Mexico in song at the VocalEssence ¡Cantaré!

Community Concert. The culmination of a year-long composer-in-residence program, this bilingual concert includes premieres and an audience sing-along that will leave you with a renewed hope that music can change the world.

By ordering a subscription ticket to this concert, you will be seated in the reserved section at The Ordway.

“I enjoyed the variety, the little and big voices, and the inclusion of family in such a beautiful concert.”

Photo © Laura Alpizar

—VocalEssence ¡Cantaré! Audience Member

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TO OUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON SPONSORS!

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund, and a grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation Minnesota.

Hubbard Broadcasting

Thank You, Sponsors!

THANK YOU

Give Access to New Voices

GIVE ACCESS TO NEW VOICES Help ensure access to new voices and join us in celebrating our 50th anniversary by making a gift of $50, $500, or more today.

Your contribution will make a meaningful difference.

GIVE. DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT. MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Join Our Family of Donors.

Make a Special 50th Anniversary Gift.

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All gifts will be matched dollar for dollar, thanks to gifts from members of the Golden Circle.

$50

becomes

$100

=

Sponsoring a VocalEssence Vintage Voices Singer

$250

becomes

$500

=

Sponsoring a VocalEssence Lullaby Project Teen Mom

$500

becomes

$1,000

=

Sponsoring a VocalEssence Singers Of This Age Singer for a Season

Give $50 or more as part of your subscription order and receive your exclusive VocalEssence Hilarious Holiday Hits CD or download card. Gifts of any level are appreciated.

Visit vocalessence.org/50 for more details and a full list of donor benefits.

GOLDEN CIRCLE MEMBERS Marilyn Carlson Nelson Art and Martha* Kaemmer Ronald and Nicolai Lewis Judy and Peter Mitchelson Alfred P. and Ann M. Moore * In remembrance For a complete listing of Golden Circle Members, please visit vocalessence.org/goldencircle { 27 }

Give Access to New Voices

DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT

The Minnesota Orchestra Box Office is pleased to provide ticketing services for the VocalEssence 50th Anniversary Season.

vocalessence.org/subscribe 612-371-5642

ORDER TODAY!

VOCALESSENCE.ORG

1900 Nicollet Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55403

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund, and a grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation Minnesota.

Hubbard Broadcasting

Twin Cities, MN Permit No. 1547

PAID

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage