Photo: Bruce Silcox, courtesy VocalEssence
G R E AT C O L L A B O R AT I O N S
U of M School of Music and VocalEssence This past season, the University of Minnesota School of Music teamed up with VocalEssence on two exciting projects that took place at Ted Mann Concert Hall. The first project, English Garden, was a concert of folk music by Percy Grainger in March 2013. VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle said, “It was a great honor and delight for the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and Chorus to team up with the University of Minnesota Wind Ensemble and professor Craig Kirchhoff for an all-Percy Grainger program this past spring. The University of Minnesota Wind Ensemble is a gem – without a doubt one of the finest, if not the finest, wind ensembles in the U.S.A.! And, of course, Craig Kirchhoff is known internationally for his conducting of wind ensembles everywhere. I am happy that this concert could help spread the word to many more people of this jewel in the School of Music’s crown. We are all so fortunate to have an ensemble and conductor of such a high level.”
Professor and director of University Bands Craig Kirchhoff also shared, “It was a special honor and privilege to join forces with VocalEssence and Philip Brunelle to bring the music of Percy Grainger to life in Ted Mann Concert Hall to an audience largely unfamiliar with the musical genius of this great Australian composer. It is my hope that the overwhelming success of the concert and the meaningful collaboration between these two ensembles will result in future joint artistic endeavors. A special thank you and note of appreciation must be extended to Philip for his kind invitation for us to be a part of this project, and for his boundless enthusiasm and passion for the musical art.” In the second project, U of M School of Music students Jennifer Olson and Richard Joseph (DMA candidates, voice, students of Adriana Zabala), along with alumnus Robb Asklof (MM, 2004, voice, student of Barbara Kierig) performed roles in VocalEssence’s production of Benjamin Britten’s operetta Paul Bunyan in April 2013. School
of Music professor emeritus Vern Sutton directed the production. Jennifer Olson, who performed the role of Paul Bunyan’s daughter, Tiny, said of the experience, “It was an honor to be featured as a soloist with VocalEssence. For me, Britten’s Paul Bunyan was deceptive; it sounded simple but was difficult to perform. Mr. Brunelle’s clarity of vision and deep knowledge of the work led us through the most difficult passages and made it an enjoyable experience. What impressed me most about VocalEssence was the quality of sound they achieved. Instead of a group of people trying to sound alike, I heard a group of individuals who were able to combine their own unique voices into a powerful force. The talent, professionalism, and creative power of VocalEssence continues to inspire me. I had a wonderful time throughout the entire process and can honestly say Paul Bunyan has become one of my favorite operas.”
Visit music.umn.edu for news on future collaborations.
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University of Minnesota School of Music