| MUSIC MOVES US 2021-2022 SEASON
WELCOME CHRISTMAS Revel in the mystery of the season through the depth of a mother’s love
VOCALESSENCE
CONTENTS
1900 Nicollet Avenue Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403 612-547-1451 vocalessence.org
CONCERT: Welcome Christmas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
VocalEssence is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
THANK YOU, VOCALESSENCE SUPPORTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
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PLEASE NOTE: • Concerts will be recorded for broadcast—please help us keep the performance space quiet. Take a moment now to check that all cell phones, paging devices, wristwatch alarms, and the like are turned off before the concert begins. Thank you. • Out of respect for the performers and the music creators, please refrain from using cameras or other recording devices during the performance. • VocalEssence documents its concerts and events through audio and video. As a ticket holder to this event, you consent to use your likeness, without compensation, in any or all media. Please contact info@vocalessence.org with questions. • Student and group discounts are available for most VocalEssence concerts. Half-price tickets are available to students (ages 6-18 and college) with a student ID. Groups of 10 or more save 15% on tickets. • Minimum age to attend VocalEssence concerts is six years, except for special concerts that are designated as open to all ages. • Accessible seating is available at all of our concert venues. However, some of our facilities do not have elevator access to the balcony level. Please make your needs known when you order tickets. • Not able to attend? Your tickets can be donated, exchanged, or refunded. If you decide to donate your tickets, VocalEssence is happy to send you a receipt for your tax-deductible contribution. (VocalEssence subscribers may call 612-371-5642 to request free ticket exchanges and lost ticket replacement.)
ABOUT VOCALESSENCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
LIFETIME DIRECTORS
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
David Myers President
Mary Ann Aufderheide Executive Director
Nancy F. Nelson Treasurer
Ann Barkelew Ann Buran Art Kaemmer Nikki Lewis Mike McCarthy Dave Mona Dorene Wernke
Daniel Fernelius Secretary
HONORARY DIRECTORS
Torrie Allen Vice President
Mary Ann Aufderheide Philip Brunelle Cassidy McCrea Burns Barbara Burwell Margaret Chutich Martha Driessen Cassie Garnett Carolina Gustafson R.J. Heckman Valton Henderson Daniel Kantor Lisa Lewis Paul McDonough Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed Fred Moore Richard Neuner Kristen Hoeschler O’Brien Jim Odland Joanne Reeck Don Shelby Jeff Smith Kristina Rodel Sorum Tim Takach Rabindra Tambyraja
Azure Anderson Executive Assistant Jeff Bina Director of Finance and Operations
Dominick Argento* William Bolcom Dave Brubeck* Aaron Copland* Håkan Hagegård Louise Heffelfinger* Eskil Hemberg* Betty Hulings* Sigrid Johnson James Earl Jones Garrison Keillor Donald Mitchell* Helmuth Rilling John Rutter Peter Schickele Dr. André J. Thomas Eric Whitacre *In remembrance
Adam Clark Learning and Engagement Manager Rhiannon Fiskradatz Learning and Engagement Manager | Social Media Storyteller Robert Graham Learning and Engagement Manager | Conductor, Vintage Voices Laura Holst Development and Marketing Associate
ARTISTIC STAFF Philip Brunelle Artistic Director and Founder
Ethan Johnson Director of Artistic Operations
G. Phillip Shoultz, III Associate Artistic Director
Amanda Timmer Director of Marketing and Communications
Mary Jo Gothmann Accompanist
Elissa Weller Director of Development
• Latecomers will be seated at appropriate pauses in the concert according to the conductor’s wishes. Please plan plenty of time for locating the concert venue and parking.
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ARTISTIC VISION STATEMENT Thank you for spending time with us as we Welcome Christmas together. It is an honor and a great gift that we can sing together as we continue our journey through the month of December. There are so many narratives that shape the way we experience the Christmas season year after year. No matter whether you bake cookies or decorate the house at the same time each year, or host holiday gatherings, visit with loved ones, or spend more time in church watching pageants and singing carols, Christmas gives us a short period of time to see the world from a different perspective—one of kindness, hospitality, and gratitude for those whom we hold most near and dear to our own hearts. While the story of the Christ Child’s humble birth in a manger is the focal point of the season, I have always been in awe of his mother, Mary, and her amazing grace in the midst of the most unlikely of circumstances. I, for one, cannot begin to imagine the hardships that she faced, and yet, Mary had the ability to see outside of herself to proclaim one of the most poignant expressions of gratitude and calls for justice in her Magnificat (Song of Mary). Musically, we look to enrich your experience with a wide array of unfamiliar and new works from composers of African and Latin American descent. My wish is that as you return home, you are inspired to learn more about H. Leslie Adams, B.E. Boykin, César Alejandro Carrillo, Nathaniel Dett, Julio Morales, Rosephanye Powell, Zanaida Robles, and Samuel Coleridge Taylor. We programmed these works alongside familiar carols to make room for us to consider how we can expand our holiday playlists to connect across difference and play our part in working for Umoja—unity—in the beloved community. —G. Phillip Shoultz, III, Associate Artistic Director
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2021-2022 SEASON SPECIAL THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT OF THIS CONCERT Aroha Philanthropies Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies
SPECIAL THANKS Akosua Addo Lorinda Chagnon Geneva Dorsey Bob Elhai Paul Gerike John Helgen Longfellow High School Newtrax Plymouth Congregational Church Roseville Lutheran Church Joona Sunds Westwood Lutheran Church Emily Venell
WELCOME CHRISTMAS FEATURING: VocalEssence Chorus Members of the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers VocalEssence Singers Of This Age Josh Carlson, percussion Sarah Grudem, harp Mary Jo Gothmann, piano & organ Philip Brunelle, conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III, conductor
2021-2022 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.
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PROGRAM HOPE
Umoja Zanaida Robles Ogo ni fun Oluwa! Rosephanye Powell Consolámini
B.E. Boykin
Sydämeni Joulun Teen
Finnish carol, arr. Robert Elhai
LOVE
Cuncti Simus Llibre Vermell de Monserrat, ed. Ricardo Soto Skyler Bandelin, soloist Ave Maria
R. Nathaniel Dett
Bogoróditse Djévo Love Came Down at Christmas Maggie Sabin, soloist
Arvo Pärt Jennifer Higdon
JOY
O Magnum Mysterium
César Alejandro Carrillo
Magnificat in F major
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
Keresimesi Qdun de O
Nigerian Christmas song, arr. Wendall Whalum
Christmas Angel Corlynn Hanney Angels We Have Heard On High Traditional French carol, arr. Stanley Thurston Audience Sing (as directed) Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains, And the mountains in reply, echoing their joyous strains. (Refrain) Gloria in excelsis Deo; gloria in excelsis Deo.
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PEACE Christmas Lullaby Peces en el rio
H. Leslie Adams Mexican villancio, arr. Robert Elhai
Noche la Paz Franz Gruber and Joseph Mohr, arr. Julio Morales Stille Nacht arr. Robert Elhai Audience Sing: Silent Night Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright. Round yon Virgin Mother and Child. Holy infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace. Sing, My Child Natalia Romero Arbeláez, Kjell Redpath, soloists
Sarah Quartel
In gratitude for the inspiration that David and Ann Buran provided to VocalEssence for so many years, we are pleased to dedicate the first Welcome Christmas concert at Plymouth Congregational Church each season in their honor. We look forward to celebrating their contributions at these performances for years to come.
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TEXTS UMOJA (UNITY) Zanaida Robles
CUNCTI SIMUS (WE ALL) Llibre Vermell de Montserrat, ed. Ricardo Soto
Sung in Swahili Unity
Sung in Latin Let us all sing: Hail Mary!
OGO NI FUN OLUWA! (GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST!) Rosephanye Powell
The Virgin was alone When the Angel appeared He was called Gabriel And was sent from heaven.
Sung in Yoruba Rejoice! Glory to God in the highest! Dance! Jesus Christ is born! Peace! Unity! Clap! Rejoice! Dance! —Rosephanye Powell CONSOLÁMINI (COMFORT YE) B.E. Boykin Sung in Latin Comfort ye my people, my salvation shall not tarry: why wilt thou waste away in sadness? Why hath sorrow seized thee? Fear not, for I will save thee: for I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Redeemer. SYDÄMENI JOULUN TEEN (CHRISTMAS IN MY HEART) Finnish carol, arr. Robert Elhai Sung in Finnish It’s Christmas night, I listen to its silence alone And the language of my heart is wordless. Only stars adorn the nocturnal space by shining And an open mind longs for eternity. Like this I make Christmas into my heart and into a silent mind. Jesus child is born again.
With radiant face he declared, (Listen, dear ones) You shall conceive, Mary. Hail Mary. You shall conceive, Mary (Listen, dear ones) And will bear a son, Hail Mary. You will bear a son (Listen, dear ones) And shall call him Jesus Christ. Hail Mary. AVE MARIA (HAIL MARY) R. Nathaniel Dett Sung in Latin Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you, Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. BOGORÓDITSE DJÉVO (MOTHER OF GOD AND VIRGIN) Arvo Pärt Sung in Russian Rejoice, O virgin Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, For are you borne the Savior of our souls.
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MUSIC MOVES US: 2021-2022 SEASON REJOICE!
with The Aeolians of Oakwood University Affirm Black joy and resilience Sun, Mar 6, 2022, 4 PM Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis FEATURING: The Aeolians of Oakwood University VocalEssence Chorus & Singers Of This Age
CHOOSING LOVE
Embracing the beloved community Sun, Apr 24, 2022, 4 PM Ordway Concert Hall, Saint Paul FEATURING: VocalEssence Singers Of This Age
SATAN’S FALL
with Stewart Copeland Journey to the dark side with a heavenly choir Sun, May 8, 2022, 4 PM Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis FEATURING: VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers
Tickets: $10-$40 | vocalessence.org | 612-371-5656 To view our current COVID-19 safety protocols, visit vocalessence.org/covid-19-updates. 2021-2022 Season
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LOVE CAME DOWN Jennifer Higdon
KERESIMESI QDUN DE O (CHRISTMAS HAS COME) Nigerian Christmas song, arr. Wendall Whalum
Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, Love Divine; Love was born at Christmas, Star and angels gave the sign.
Love shall be our token, Love shall be yours and Love be mine, Love to God and all men, Love for plea and gift and sign. —Christina Rossetti
Sung in Yoruba Christmas has come, Alleluia, Season of song, season of joy, Born in a manger, Jesus our Savior. He came to save His children from sin. The son of Mary, He died for us, The son of Joseph, He died for us, Came down from heaven to save us from evil. —Nigerian Christmas song
O MAGNUM MYSTERIUM (O GREAT MYSTERY) César Alejandro Carrillo
CHRISTMAS ANGEL Corlynn Hanney
Sung in Latin O great mystery and wonderful sacrament, that animals should see the new-born Lord lying in a manger! O blessed is the Virgin, whose womb was worthy to bear Christ the Lord.
Oh, how I wish I could sing like an angel, I’d sing carols so high and sweet. Oh, if I had the voice of an angel, I’d be singin’ that sweet child asleep. Oh, how I wish I had the wings of an angel, Shining with glory bright. Oh, if I had the wings of an angel, I’d be rockin’ that sweet child at night.
Worship we the Godhead, Love Incarnate, Love Divine; Worship we our Jesus: But wherewith for sacred sign?
MAGNIFICAT IN F MAJOR Samuel Coleridge-Taylor My soul doth magnify the Lord: and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior. For He hath regarded: the lowliness of his handmaiden. For behold, from henceforth: all generations shall call me Blessed. For He that is mighty hath magnified me: and Holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear Him: throughout all generations. He hath showed strength with His arm: He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the humble and meek. He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich He hath sent empty away. He remembering His mercy hath holpen his servant Israel: as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed, forever. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. —text from the Book of Common Prayer, 1662
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Christmas angel, so long ago, You saw the Christ-child in the star’s glow. You sang to Jesus on His bed of hay, On that first Christmas day. —Corlynn Hanney Audience Sing: ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH Traditional French carol, arr. Stanley Thurston Refrain: Gloria in excelsis Deo Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains, And the mountains in reply, echoing their joyous strains. Refrain: Come to Bethlehem and see him whose birth the angels sing. Come adore, on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the newborn King. Refrain: —Traditional French carol
CHRISTMAS LULLABY H. Leslie Adams Sleep, baby, sleep. Mary and Joseph watch as you slumber. Rest your weary head on your tiny bed. Angels guard you, shepherds surround you; Rest your weary head. Wise men travel from afar, bringing gifts led by a star, Journey to the manger low to find the Child the whole world will know. Hallelujah! Praises to the newborn King! So, sleep, baby sleep. Little Lord Jesus, sleep as we pray and sing this lullaby. —H. Leslie Adams PECES EN EL RÍO (THE FISH IN THE RIVER) arr. Robert Elhai Sung in Spanish The Virgin Mary combs her precious hair as she gives thanks for her baby. Even she cannot understand why God chose her to be a mother.
SING, MY CHILD Sarah Quartel Sing for the promise in each new morning. Sing for the hope in a new day dawning. All around is beauty bright! Wake in the morning and sing, my child. Dance in the joy of the day unfolding. Dance as you work and dance as you’re learning. All around is beauty bright! Take in the day and dance, my child. But when troubles come and worry is all that can be found, Gather your strength and hear your voice. Sing, my child. Laugh in the cool and the fresh of the evening. Laugh in your triumph, laugh in succeeding. All around is beauty bright! Rest in the evening and laugh, my child. Peace in the stillness and dark of the night. Peace in the dreams of your silent delights. All around is beauty bright! Sleep in the night and peace, my child. —Sarah Quartel
CHORUS: But fishes in the river, they are so delighted. The fishes in the river, to see the birth of God. See how they swim and swim and swim some more. The fishes in the river, to see the Savior born. The Virgin Mary washes swaddling clothes and hangs them on the rose bush While birds of the air sing in praise and the roses begin blooming. — Mexican villancico, translated by Gerhard Erichsen NOCHE DE PAZ, STILLE NACHT, SILENT NIGHT Franz Gruber & Joseph Mohr, arr. Julio Morales & Robert Elhai Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright. Round yon Virgin Mother and Child. Holy infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace. —Joseph Mohr
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ABOUT VOCALESSENCE For more than five decades, VocalEssence has provided opportunities for singers from the Twin Cities area to create incredible music together and build connections as part of the vibrant arts community in Minnesota. VocalEssence is known for introducing audiences to music and artists who are not yet known, often welcoming guest artists, composers, and conductors who are emerging, have unknown works, or represent a variety of cultures. Welcoming all members of the greater community, VocalEssence embodies the motto: Together We Sing. PHILIP BRUNELLE Artistic Director and Founder Philip Brunelle, artistic director and founder of VocalEssence 53 years ago, is an internationally-renowned conductor, choral scholar, and visionary. Philip has conducted symphonies, choral festivals, and operas on six continents. He holds five honorary degrees, served 9 years as Vice President of IFCM (International Federation for Choral Music), and has been recognized for his commitment to choral music by the governments of Norway, Hungary, Sweden, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. In 2019, he was awarded the American Prize in Choral Conducting and, in 2020, was given the Honorary Member Award by the Society for American Music. Philip is also Organist-Choirmaster at Plymouth Congregational Church, Minneapolis. During the pandemic Philip recorded almost 300 “Musical Moments” which can be accessed at https://www.vocalessence.org/what-we-do/virtual-projects/musical-moments-with-philip-brunelle/ and his thoughts on music are at RenaissanceManpodcast.com. http://vocalessence.org/ philipbrunelle
G. PHILLIP SHOULTZ, III Associate Artistic Director G. Phillip Shoultz, III, associate artistic director, uses the power of the spoken word and song to foster community and inspire action among people of all ages and abilities. Phillip conducts festival choirs and leads workshops across the United States and beyond. He serves on the faculty of the University of St. Thomas and also guides the ministries of music and worship at Westwood Lutheran Church. The winner of numerous honors, including the ACDA Graduate Conducting Competition and recipient of multiple Teacher of the Year awards, Phillip founded “Table for More” in the summer of 2020 to help organizations address issues related to innovation, equity, and belonging in the arts. https://www.vocalessence.org/who-we-are/ staff/g-phillip-shoultz-iii/
MARY JO GOTHMANN Accompanist Mary Jo Gothmann joined VocalEssence as staff accompanist in 2015. She enjoys a varied career as a chamber musician, soloist, opera coach, and organist. Mary Jo performs frequently with the Minnesota Orchestra and Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and is a graduate of Metropolitan Opera Lindemann Young Artist Program, University of Minnesota, New England Conservatory, and St. Olaf College. Mary Jo is the founder and Artistic Director of the Joya Chamber Music Series at Zion Lutheran Church in Anoka.
THANK YOU FOR JOINING US! What did you think? Share your voice—scan the QR code to take our survey. Page 12
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Photo © Bruce Silcox
Photo © Bruce Silcox
MEMBERS OF THE VOCALESSENCE ENSEMBLE SINGERS
VOCALESSENCE CHORUS
The VocalEssence Chorus is a group of talented and enthusiastic singers from many different walks of life, united by their love of singing and community. Performing a wide variety of musical styles, premiering new works, and sharing the stage with a diverse array of guest artists, the Chorus is a welcome home for singers who wish to continue making music throughout their adult lives.
The VocalEssence Ensemble Singers have established an international reputation because of their extensive catalog of recordings and broad range of unique repertoire. This chamber choir, whose members hail from a wide variety of professions, is bound together by their skilled artistry to create what The Times of London has described as a “flawless” sound.
SOPRANO AnnaLisa Anderson Madison Asher Jessica Belt Corey Cellurale Lorinda Chagnon Cassidy Coats Jennica Date Judy Drobeck Kristina Guiffre Becca Hovsepian Sally Jaffray Sara Jane Koste Joy MacArthur Lisa Moncur Ashley Nicksic Christina Pederson Sigrid Redpath Alexa Rosenbaum Cheryl Saunders Emma Schlabach Susan Scofield LeAnn Stein Abbie Sulik Dana Terres Melanie Tlusty Amanda Troolin Jen Vickerman Laura Walket Jacobsen Carole Whitney Laura Williams Dannika Wright
SOPRANO Jennifer Bevington JoAnna Johnson Chloe Johnson Emi Kaliski Natalia Romero Arbeláez* Maggie Sabin* Mari Scott Carey Shunskis
ALTO Akosua Addo Johanna Beaupre
Jo Beld Katelyn Belden Marjorie Hakala Johanna Hamilton Meg Hanna Dee Hein Grace Herbertz Jessica Laven Johnson Jeenee Lee Kristi Mueller Elizabeth Neuenfeldt Ana Lucía Piedrahita Fernandez Marty Raymond Miriam Sahouani Katie Sandsmark Erin Sandsmark Lisa Schalla Sydney Schoeberle Forrest Schrader Sandra Swami Cassidy Sykes Laura Tanner Cat Terres Allie Wigley TENOR Steve Aggergaard Jason Bendezu Larry Brandts Justin Clark Ryan Coopergard Ben Demaree Charlie Hill Luke Holifield Reagan Lee
Owen Metzger Kurtis Parlin Thomas Sasdi Rabindra Tambyraja† Barry Tikalsky Justin Vanni BASS Robert Atendido Haskel Black David Erickson Evan Kelly Jordan Kiffmeyer Jacob Koshiol Ben Kucera Mike LaFleur Daniel Lightfoot Noah Lucas William Marrujo Ken McGurran Nick Mroczek Declan O’Higgins Milo Oien-Rochat David Olson Ron Pearson Brian Ruhl Anthony Sims Trent Stenoien Matthew Terhaar Dave Toht Will Wiedenhoeft
ALTO Robin Helgen Patty Kramer
Marita Link* Judith McClain Melander Anna Meek Sadie Nelson Erin Peters* Kristina Rodel Sorum† TENOR Peter Aldrich David Beccue Ben Brunnette Anders Eckman Rob Graham
Kjell Redpath* David Walton* BASS Joshua Conroy* Jimmy Deignan Joe Ellickson* David Gindra Joe Kastner Erik Krohg Mike Schmidt Nathan PetersonKindem † Board liaison * Appearing in this performance
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Photo © Adja Gildersleve
VOCALESSENCE SINGERS OF THIS AGE
The VocalEssence Singers Of This Age (VESOTA) is a community of Twin Cities high schoolers engaged in expanding what it means to be a choir and encouraging a wider circle of participation in the artform. Presenting music ranging from classical to hip-hop, they use creativity and collaboration to build an accepting community, equipped with the skills to lead social change in our society. Acacia Johnstone Ally Swanson Anna Olivarez Drew Fischer Ella Wright Emilia Sisson Erin Tetter Isa Benegas
Jadesola “Ghost” Olatunde Jerilyn Moya-Hypolite Joshua Hoffman Josh Sabin Juan Cabrera Kayla Gibson Kim Parkinson Krista Hines
Lamawn Saul Lela Sabin Liana Whitlock Lotus Deuel Maree Lasala Molly Sabin Ricquelle Miles Skylar Bandelin
Soliyana Woldu Stephon Marcus Sylvia Morris Tatiana Dickerson Yee Choua Thao Zaya Bates
VOCALESSENCE VINTAGE VOICES VocalEssence Vintage Voices is an exciting choral program that integrates the arts into the everyday lives of older adults. Guided by a desire to create a welcoming atmosphere and remove barriers for participation, these choirs sing to build community, combat loneliness and isolation, and improve physical and emotional wellbeing.
THANK YOU, VOCALESSENCE SUPPORTERS VocalEssence has a large group of committed supporters and is honored by the many gifts received in memory, appreciation, and celebration of friends and family that are too many to list in this concert program. Please visit our website to see a full list of supporters and special tributes.
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vocalessence.org | 612-547-1451
