VocalEssence Spring Concert Program Book

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Sponsored by Thrivent Financial

2015-2016 CONCERT SEASON

SPRING CONCERTS

AUDITION FOR THE VOCALESSENCE CHORUS & ENSEMBLE SINGERS 2016-2017 SEASON

Auditions held March-May 2016 Please visit vocalessence.org/audition to schedule your audition online.

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2015-2016 Season

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2015-2016 ANNIVERSARY SEASON

WELCOME Welcome to 2016 and the second half of the VocalEssence 47th season! Our continuing goal is to offer a rich and wide variety of choral music from the past and present—and you will find that to be true once again!

In February we celebrate the 26th year of VocalEssence WITNESS, with a focus on music of African American composers and special guests who bring this theme to life. This year I am very pleased that the Morehouse College Glee Club under the direction of Dr. David Morrow will be returning to WITNESS; they were last here in 2002. Founded in Atlanta in 1867, Morehouse remains the only all-male historically black college in the United States. The Glee Club will be joined by a chorus of 200 high school men along with the VocalEssence Chorus, celebrating the wonderful treasure of African American music.

Virgil Thomson and Gertrude Stein will appear in Minneapolis for the first time at the Goodale Theater at The Cowles Center when the Ensemble Singers perform Four Saints in Three Acts, the whimsical opera created by Thomson and Stein in the 1930s. This will be a fully staged production sung by this outstanding 32-voice ensemble in a unique setting that recalls the very first production and is elevated by the energy of Black Label Movement.

Listeners’ Choice LIVE is the delightful collaboration of VocalEssence and Minnesota Public Radio’s Choral Stream—an opportunity for you to hear the top choral works of all time as selected by radio listeners from across the USA. What a celebration it will be to hear so many beautiful favorites all in one concert—and in the acoustically stunning Ordway Concert Hall. Not to be missed!

VocalEssence Choralia on May 1 at the Radisson Blu Mall of America in Bloomington. Once every two years VocalEssence offers a gala that has been called “the Benefit of the Season.” A fundraiser for our educational outreach programs, this evening will be filled with music—starting with voices serenading you as you arrive, right on through the gala and with some surprises along the way!

VocalEssence ¡Cantaré! For the eighth year we have invited two composers from Mexico to spend time in the Twin Cities composing music for selected grade schools and high schools with the result being these concerts on May 23 at 6 and 8 pm—free of charge. We are thrilled with the music that these Mexican composers have given us. You will love it—and will be proud to see the beautiful way that Mexico and Minnesota sing together!

— Philip Brunelle Artistic Director and Founder, VocalEssence

2015-2016 Season

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VOCALESSENCE

CONTENTS

1900 Nicollet Avenue Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403 612-547-1451 vocalessence.org

ENSEMBLE SINGERS ON TOUR: River Songs and Tales with Mark Twain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 – 8

VocalEssence is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

facebook.com/vocalessence twitter.com/vocalessencemn linkedin.com/company/vocalessence

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ARTISTIC STAFF

Kathryn Roberts, President

Philip Brunelle, Artistic Director

Fred Moore, Vice President

G. Phillip Shoultz, III, Associate Conductor

Jacob Wolkowitz, Treasurer

Mary Jo Gothmann, Accompanist

Roma Calatayud-Stocks, Secretary

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

*In remembrance

Mary Ann Aufderheide Ann Barkelew Traci V. Bransford Philip Brunelle Judith Drobeck Debbie Estes Ann Farrell Richard Ford Wayne Gisslen Art Kaemmer, M.D. Joseph Kalkman David L. Mona David Myers James M. Odland Cay Shea Hellervik Don Shelby Robert C. Smith Timothy Takach Jenny L. Wade Dorene Wernke Honorary Directors 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

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CONCERT: VocalEssence WITNESS: Morehouse College Glee Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11– 21 Community Engagement: Conductor David Morrow Connects throughout the Twin Cities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Community Engagement: With Lullaby Project, VocalEssence ¡Cantaré! Breaks New Groud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 CONCERT: Four Saints in Three Acts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 – 28 Arts Advocacy: Supporting Choral Music Education in Saint Paul Middle Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Education Spotlight: VocalEssence ¡Cantaré! Engages, Enlightens in Eighth Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 CONCERT: Listeners’ Choice LIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 – 33

Mary Ann Aufderheide, Executive Director

About VocalEssence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 – 39

Robert Graham, Education Manager and Music Librarian

Donor Spotlight: Board Member Ann Farrell Brings Marketing, Musical Expertise. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Laura Holst, Development and Marketing Associate

Thank You, VocalEssence Donors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 – 45

Eleanor Mears, Operations Manager and Executive Assistant

PLEASE NOTE:

Kimberly Meisten, Director of Community Engagement

• 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 for your cooperation.

Patricia Starks-Faggétt, Accounting Manager

• Recording devices and cameras are prohibited. No photography, video, or audio recording is allowed in the concert hall. Please abstain from texting, tweeting or checking your email during the concert.

Amanda Timmer, Education Associate Katrina Wallmeyer, Director of Development and Communications Elissa Weller, Grants and Special Events Manager

2015-2016 Season

• 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. Children under age 6 are not allowed at VocalEssence performances, except for select community and family concerts, including ¡Cantaré! and Star of Wonder.

• 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.

• You may return VocalEssence single concert tickets for resale up to 48 hours prior to a performance. No refunds or exchanges can be given; however, you will be sent a receipt for your tax-deductible contribution. (VocalEssence subscribers may call 612-371-5642 to request free ticket exchanges and lost ticket replacement.)

• 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. Or better yet, allow an extra hour and join us for Concert Conversations with the composers and artists, held one hour before most concerts.

2015-2016 47TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON PRESENTERS

ENSEMBLE SINGERS ON TOUR

Roxane Case Concordia College Moorhead

RIVER SONGS AND TALES WITH MARK TWAIN: NORTHERN MINNESOTA TOUR

Amy Stoller Stearns Detroit Lakes Community & Cultural Center Detroit Lakes Eric Carlisle Paradise Community Theatre Mora David Marty Reif Performing Arts Center Grand Rapids

MUSIC EDUCATOR AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH PARTNERS Michael Culloton, Assistant Professor of Choral Music, Concordia College

Don Shelby, actor Members of the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers G. Phillip Shoultz, III, conductor/piano Sara Pajunen, fiddle Brent Anderson, lighting designer Jon Cranney, director Friday, January 29, 2016 at 7:30 pm Memorial Auditorium Concordia College Moorhead, MN Friday, April 8, 2016 at 7:30 pm Historic Holmes Theatre Detroit Lakes, MN

Saturday, April 9, 2016 at 7:30 pm Paradise Theatre Mora, MN Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 7:30 pm Reif Performing Arts Center Grand Rapids, MN

Bill Fonseth, Life Enrichment Coordinator, Ecumen Detroit Lakes Cory Westgard, Choir Director, Mora High School

2015-2016 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.

Wenger Foundation

2015-2016 Season

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THE VOCALESSENCE 2016-2017 CONCERT SEASON The VocalEssence 48th Anniversary Season will bring music events of a depth and breadth that will engage, transformative songs and stories to inspire, and evocative experiences of community that will entertain.

Be there when the new season lineup is unveiled at the VocalEssence WITNESS: Morehouse College Glee Club concert on Sunday, February 21, 2016 at Orchestra Hall.

www.vocalessence.org Page 6

2015-2016 Season

WELCOME Minnesotans are proud to be the state that claims the headwaters of the Mississippi, unarguably the most iconic body of water in our country! Stories and songs have flowed from the river for generations, inspiring some of our greatest writers and composers, most notably Mark Twain. VocalEssence is proud to celebrate that inspiration with this program of “River Songs and Tales.”

Conceived by Jon Cranney, Don Shelby and G. Phillip Shoultz, III the program celebrates the Mississippi and many other rivers that are so important to the lives of Minnesotans. VocalEssence is grateful to the Minnesota State Arts Board and all the citizens of our state for the funding that makes this tour possible. In addition to public performances, we are committed to engaging students, singers, and community members in every town we visit, celebrating the uplifting spirit of the choral art form.

— Mary Ann Aufderheide Executive Director, VocalEssence

THE PROGRAM

Shall We Gather at the River

Hymn Tune, adapted by Aaron Copland

Wade in the Water

Spiritual, arr. Moses Hogan

Muddy Water (from Big River)

Ensemble Singers men

Roger Miller, arr. Paul Gerike

River in the Rain (from Big River)

Roger Miller, arr. Paul Gerike

Shenandoah

American Folksong, arr. James Erb

Sicut Cervus

G. P. da Palestrina

Roll, Jordan, Roll

Traditional, arr. Brian Tate

Down in the River to Pray

Ensemble Singers women

Traditional, arr. Matthew Culloton

Mark Twain

The Kingston Trio, arr. Paul Gerike

Down by the Riverside

PROGRAM NOTE We are delighted that you have chosen to attend our River Songs and Tales with Mark Twain production. Inspired by the life and writings of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, and featuring a diverse array of songs—a Renaissance motet, folk hymns, spirituals, show tunes and a rousing arrangement of Carly Simon’s Let the River Run—we hope to transport you to the rolling waters of the Mississippi for a time of laughter and contemplation with one of America’s most beloved humorists.

— G. Phillip Shoultz, III Associate Conductor, VocalEssence

Let the River Run

Traditional, arr. John Rutter Carly Simon, arr. Craig Hella Johnson

No tobacco products are used in this performance.

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

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Samuel Langhorne Clemens Hal Holbrook

2015-2016 Season

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BIOGRAPHIES Don Shelby is considered the most decorated local journalist in the country, having won all five of the top national journalism awards and several multiple times: National Emmies, the Society of Professional Journalists Distinguished Service Award, and twice the recipient of the George Foster Peabody Award, the broadcast equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize.

He has been a broadcaster for more than 45 years and has reported from 22 countries and three war zones as a combat journalist.

Don has been named the Rev. Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian of the Year, the winner of the American Spirit Honor Medal, the Great American Traditions Award, is in the broadcast Hall of Fame, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Silver Circle, and as an athlete was inducted into his home county’s sport Hall of Fame. He was also honored by Minnesota’s High School Basketball Coaches Association with membership in that Hall of Fame. He is the author of a book on basketball and the lessons of life titled The Season Never Ends.

An outdoorsman, survival specialist and mountain and ice climber, Don has been married to Barbara Shelby for 40 years; they have three daughters and three grandchildren.

Jon Cranney has been a member of the Twin Cities theatre community for over four decades. He was a member of the Guthrie Theater Company in its early years and served as the Artistic Director of the Tony Award-winning Children’s Theatre Company in the 1980s and ’90s. He has directed for many Twin Cities theatres as well as others across the nation.

For VocalEssence he has created many staged works, including Libby Larsen’s opera, Barnum’s Bird, a multimedia version of William Bolcom’s celebrated oratorio, The Songs of Innocence and of Experience, and the VocalEssence WITNESS program celebrating contralto Marian Anderson.

Jon has also performed as an actor at the Guthrie Theater, the Children’s Theatre Company, Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, Park Square Theatre and recently at Yellow Tree Theatre.

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2015-2016 Season

Sara Pajunen is a Minnesota-based musician who, after receiving classical music degrees (violin) in both Minneapolis and Helsinki, founded three touring ensembles based on her Finnish heritage.

Her current duo, Aallotar, explores the similarities and differences of cultures grown apart, and in her solo work she melds audio interviews, concept, and acoustic and electronic music into live sound presentations. Her music has received grants from Minnesota State Arts Board and Koneen Säätiö and she is Finlandia Foundation’s 2015-16 Performer of the Year. Sara’s folk fiddling was featured at VocalEssence Welcome Christmas concerts in 2014 and on the Nordic Nativity CD. Paul Gerike, of Chaska, Minnesota, keeps busy as a composer, arranger and performer. He frequently has written for VocalEssence and for the nationally acclaimed A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor. His arrangements have been performed by major orchestras including the Minnesota Orchestra, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Albany (New York) Symphony.

MEMBERS OF THE VOCALESSENCE ENSEMBLE SINGERS See biographies on pages 35-38.

Soprano Sophie Amelkin Margaret Sabin Ann Schrooten

Alto Robin Joy Helgen Erin Peters JoAnna Swantek

Tenor Robert J. Graham William Pederson Jake Watson

Bass Joseph Ellickson Michael Schmidt Robert C. Smith

2015-2016 Season

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2015-2016 Season

2015-2016 47TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON SPECIAL THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT OF THIS CONCERT Katherine B. Andersen Fund of The Saint Paul Foundation

The Carlson Family Foundation

Charles M. Denny, Jr. & Carol E. Denny* Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation

MOREHOUSE COLLEGE GLEE CLUB Sunday, February 21, 2016 at 7 pm Orchestra Hall 1111 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, MN Concert Conversation with Morehouse College Glee Club conductor David Morrow at 6 pm Morehouse College Glee Club VocalEssence Chorus 200-Voice High School Male Chorus Talented Tenth Apprentices from Como Park High Schol David Morrow, conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III, conductor

N. Judge* and Reatha Clark King Family Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation The Mauriel Family Foundation Walt McCarthy and Clara Ueland

2015-2016 SEASON SPONSORS

Lois Quam

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.

Wenger Foundation

2015-2016 Season

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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SPOTLIGHT David Morrow Connects through Community Sings and Workshops In addition to his work with the 200-Voice High School Male Chorus, Dr. David Morrow visited Minnesota in September, January and February engaging the broader Twin Cities community in song. Some of his many activities included: • Presenting at VocalEssence WITNESS Teacher Orientation, attended by 75 teachers and principals from 42 metro area schools.

• Supporting VocalEssence advocacy for choral music education in Saint Paul schools by working with students at Creative Arts Secondary School.

• Conducting a Community Sing at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Minneapolis.

• Working in an extended residency with Rosemount High School choirs in partnership with the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public Schools 2014-2017 Achievement and Integration Plan.

• Offering a professional development training session for WITNESS Teaching Artists.

• Speaking at the annual WITNESS Community Luncheon hosted by the Medtronic Operational Headquarters, which was attended by 100 community leaders and WITNESS supporters.

• Engaging Morehouse College alumni at a reception hosted by Thrivent Financial in Minneapolis.

SPECIAL THANKS Lora Aadalen Joshi Letty Ashworth, Delta Augsburg College Ann Garvey Seth Lienard Vicki Olsen Jennifer CadwellVaughan Ginger Commodore Joanna Cortright Randall Davidson Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church Henry Lee Sanford Moore Janice Underwood Suzi Hunn Chris Johnson, Minnesota Orchestra Jim and Deb Keefe Georgia MarinkovOmorean, Sabathani Community Center Jill LaMere Medtronic Amy Draxten Jacob Gayle Meet Minneapolis Drew Miller

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Minneapolis Public Schools Stacey Athorn Michael Bradley Adrian Davis Rhonda Dean Michael Goar Dr. Shawn Harris Berry Michael Bradley Nathan Knoll Nancy Lee John Luukkonen Laurie Meyers Cecilia Saddler Nora Schull Bill Smith Carla Steinbach David Morrow Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public Schools Steve Albaugh Jane K. Berenz Carita Green Karalyn Koskela Mary Anne Kuehn Kris Scallon Sally Soliday Stacy Wells John Wollersheim Saint Paul Public Schools Martha Graber Mary Mackbee Theresa Neal

2015-2016 Season

Valeria Silva Carole Whitney Pat Samples, Ebenezer Minneapolis Unisys Judy K. Bornetun Scott Vogel Melvin Tennant Betty Williams

WITNESSMorehouse Task Force Martin Abrams Marvin Anderson Martha Arradondo Traci Bransford James Burroughs Eric Clark Reatha Clark King Jacob Gayle Phyllis Goff Henry Lee Edward McDonald Al McFarlane Kim Nelson Jonathan Palmer Sharon SmithAkinsanya George Thompson Nicholas Williams

VINTAGE VOICES AND CHORAL PATHWAYS VocalEssence would like to welcome our special guests attending this concert through the VocalEssence Choral Pathways and Vintage Voices programs, both of which enrich the appreciation of choral music for older adults in the Twin Cities.

Sabathani Senior Center

Ebenezer Minneapolis Choral Pathways enriches the appreciation of choral music and the arts for older adults in assisted living homes across the Twin Cities metro area. It includes free tickets and transportation to a VocalEssence concert, as well as a music appreciation class and sing-a-long with a quartet of Ensemble Singers at the assisted living facility.

Vintage Voices integrates arts into the everyday lives of older adults by creating choirs in assisted living communities and senior centers. Activities include weekly choral rehearsals for 12 weeks, culminating in an on-site concert for all residents and attendance at a VocalEssence concert.

For more information about Choral Pathways and Vintage Voices, contact Kimberly Meisten at kimberly@vocalessence.org.

WELCOME TO VOCALESSENCE WITNESS: MOREHOUSE COLLEGE GLEE CLUB This year marks the 26th anniversary of VocalEssence WITNESS, celebrating the contributions of African Americans to our shared American heritage! The program has grown tremendously over the course of those years. What began as a single concert with a single school partner (Central High School, St. Paul) now embraces 50 schools throughout our metropolitan region, thanks to our phenomenal WITNESS Teaching Artists and WITNESS Teacher Resource Guide, which serves as a model nationwide. We take great pride in providing materials that help teachers celebrate the African American experience through the arts.

This year we are especially pleased to welcome Dr. David Morrow and the Morehouse College Glee Club as our featured guests. As only the third permanent conductor in the illustrious history of the Glee Club, David has continued the tradition of musical precision and wide-ranging repertoire. I know you will be captivated by their entire performance.

We are also delighted to welcome to the stage over 200 young men from high schools in Minneapolis and St. Paul for our celebration of male singing. Since October, these young men and their teachers have diligently prepared to become one dynamic male chorus. I know you will be absolutely amazed by their sound and inspired by their presence. Additionally, our Talented Tenth Apprentice Program participants are young women and men from Como Park High School who have rehearsed side by side with the VocalEssence Chorus to share in this most joyous occasion.

Now, I encourage you to sit back and prepare to bask in the glory of our community at its finest—people of all ages and backgrounds coming together in song!

— G. Phillip Shoultz, III Associate Conductor, VocalEssence

THE PROGRAM Morehouse College Glee Club

David Morrow, conductor

O Filii et Filiae O Sacrum Convivium!

Pilgrim’s Chorus (from Tannhäuser)

Volckmar Leisring, arr. A. T. Davison Howard Helvey Richard Wagner, arr. Mark Andrews

The Morehouse College Quartet Selections to be announced

Morehouse College Glee Club

David Morrow, conductor

Gagòt Sydney Guillaume Gossip, Gossip!

Jester Hairston, arr. Leonard de Paur Betelehemu Olatunji/Whalum Let Us Break Bread Together arr. Carl Haywood Way Over in Beulah Lan’ arr. Stacey V. Gibbs

INTERMISSION Presentation of the Reatha Clark King Award Philip Brunelle and Reatha Clark King

VocalEssence Chorus and Talented Tenth Apprentices from Como Park High School

G. Phillip Shoultz, III, conductor

In Dat Great Gettin’ Up Mornin’ I Want to Die While You Love Me Music Down in My Soul

arr. Jester Hairston Rosephanye Powell Moses Hogan

200-Voice High School Male Chorus, Morehouse College Glee Club

David Morrow, conductor

Brothers Sing On

Edvard Grieg arr. Howard D. McKinney

200-Voice High School Male Chorus David Morrow, conductor

An Exhortation Two Spirituals from Oh, Lord I Got a New Name Git’ on Board Little Children

David Conte arr. Wendell Whalum

200-Voice High School Male Chorus, Morehouse College Glee Club, Men of the VocalEssence Chorus David Morrow, conductor

Who’ll Join

arr. David Morrow

200-Voice High School Male Chorus, Morehouse College Glee Club, VocalEssence Chorus, Talented Tenth Apprentices

David Morrow, conductor

If I Got My Ticket

arr. Roy Belfield 2015-2016 Season

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TEXTS AND TRANSLATIONS O FILII ET FILIAE Volckmar Leisring (1588-1637), arr. A. T. Davison (1883-1961) (Sung in Latin)

O sons and daughters! King of heaven! King of Glory! Christ is risen today!

O SACRUM CONVIVIUM! Howard Helvey (b. 1968)

(Sung in Latin) O sacred banquet, in which Christ is received. The memory of his Passion is renewed. The mind is filled with grace and a pledge of future glory is given. Alleluia.

PILGRIM’S CHORUS

Richard Wagner (1813-1883), arr. Mark Andrews (1875-1939) (Sung in German) Through penance and repentance I have propitiated the Lord, Whom my heart serves, Who crowns my repentance with blessing, the Lord to Whom my song goes up!

The salvation of pardon is granted the penitent, in days to come He will walk in the peace of the blessed!

Hell and death do not appall Him, therefore will I praise God my life long.

Alleluia! Alleluia in eternity!

GAGÒT

Sydney Guillaume (b. 1982) (Sung in Creole) Since I rose this morning I’ve gone through ups and downs, Running around in circles like a crazy mad dog.

I speak, I sing, I sleep, I rise; I pray, I scream, it’s mess upon mess.

It’s a mess here, it’s a mess there, a mess up, a mess down, mess everywhere; it’s mess upon mess.

Messy are my thoughts, messy are my actions, messy are my words, messy is my vision.

Everything is entangled: Pain and joy, doubt and faith, Disgust and hope, good and evil.

My head is spinning and spinning. Everything is entangled. What a mess!

Morning after morning, I fight a battle; the contredanse of life recommences daily. I sing, I dance, I yell: “Hooray!”

Suddenly and swiftly I am back in a mess.

In the midst of this mess I decide to search for an understanding to what is happening.

I dig, I seek, and I finally find in the very depth of my hear the solution to this mess: Life before death is a battle of every instant that cannot be won but one moment at time.

After the night comes the day. After the rain the sun rises. After messes, after messes… the heart settles.

It’s striving in suffering that brings redemption.

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2015-2016 Season

GOSSIP, GOSSIP!

Jester Hairston (1901-2000), arr. Leonard de Paur (1914-1998) Refrain: Gossip, gossip, evil thing Much unhappiness it bring If you can’t say something nice Don’t talk at all is my advice If you talk about somebody Even if what you say is true When it comes back it is double talk, To what it was when it left you. Refrain: Once I told me friend me secret And he promise not to tell Now community and strangers All know me secret very well. Refrain: Take me wife, now, there’s a gossip What an ear for news has she Knows a thing or two about everyone In our whole community Refrain: If there’s one thing ’bout a gossip Let me tell you this is true If you tell she ’bout somebody, She tell somebody else about you.

BETELEHEMU

Olatunji (1927-2003) / Whalum (1931-1987) (Sung in Yoruba) Where was Jesus born? Where was he born?

In Bethlehem, the City of Wonder.

That is where our father was born for sure.

LET US BREAK BREAD TOGETHER arr. Carl Haywood (b. 1949)

Let us break bread together on our knees.

Refrain: When I fall on my knees, with my face to the rising sun, Oh Lord, have mercy on me.

Let us drink wine together on our knees. Refrain: Let us praise God together on our knees. Refrain:

WAY OVER IN BEULAH LAN’ arr. Stacey V. Gibbs (b. 1962)

We gonna have a good, good time way ovuh in Beulah Lan’.

Oh, when we get way ovuh in Beulah Lan’, yes, way ovuh in Beulah, Beulah Lan’.

I’m singin’, way ovuh in Beulah Lan’, yes way ovuh in Beulah, Beulah Lan’.

We gonna have a good time, oh Lordy, way ovuh in Beulah Lan’.

Oh, we gonna walk dem golden streets way ovuh in Beulah Lan’.

I’m singin’, way ovuh in Beulah Lan’, yes, way ovuh in Beulah, Beulah Lan’.

We gonna have a good time, oh Lordy, way ovuh in Beulah Lan’.

Oh, we gonna drink of de Holy wine, way ovuh in Beulah Lan’.

Singin’, way ovuh in Beulah Lan’, I said away ovuh in Beulah Lan’.

We gonna have a good time, oh, Lordy, way ovuh in Beulah Lan’, (when we get to heaven, chillun).

Way ovuh in Beulah Lan’, oh, yes, way ovuh in Beulah Lan’!

IN DAT GREAT GETTIN’ UP MORNIN’ arr. Jester Hairston (1901-2000)

I’m gon’ tell you ’bout de comin’ of de judgment.

Fare ye well, fare ye well.

Dere’s a better day a-comin’

Refrain: In dat great gittin’ up mornin’, Fare ye well, fare ye well Oh preacher fold yo’ Bible, fo’ de last soul’s converted. Refrain: Blow yo’ trumpet Gab’el Lord how loud shall I blow it?

Blow it right calm and easy Do not ’larm all my people, Tell dem all to come to de judgment. Refrain: Den you se dem coffins bustin’, Den you see de folkses risin’, Den you see de world on fiyer Den you see de stars a fallin’, Den you see dat forked lightnin’, Den you hear dat rumbling thunder,’ Fare ye well, poor sinner, Refrain:

I WANT TO DIE WHILE YOU LOVE ME Rosephanye Powell (b. 1962)

I want to die while you love me, While yet you hold me fair, While Laughter lies upon my lips And lights are in my hair.

I want to die while you love me And bear to that still bed Your kisses turbulent, unspent To warm me when I’m dead.

I want to die while you love me; Oh, who would care to live Till love has nothing more to ask And nothing more to give?

I want to die while you love me, And never, never see The glory of this perfect day Grow dim, or cease to be!

MUSIC DOWN IN MY SOUL Moses Hogan (1957-2003)

Over my head, I hear music in the air There must be a God somewhere Over my head, I hear singing in the air There must be a God somewhere I got this music down in my soul And it fills my heart with the joy of the Lord I’ve got joy, I’ve got it joy, everlasting I’ve got peace, I’ve got it peace, everlasting I’ve got love, I’ve got it love, everlasting I’ve got joy, I’ve got it joy, everlasting Love in my heart Oh yes, I got peace in my soul, Oh yes, I got joy in my heart, Joy today!

Do you love the Lord, I love the Lord!

I’ve got joy! I’ve got it joy, everlasting!

I’ve got joy! I’ve got it joy, everlasting!

Peace! I’ve got it peace, everlasting!

Love! I’ve got it love, everlasting!

I’ve got this music down in my soul...

I got joy! I got peace!

I got love! In my soul!

BROTHERS SING ON

Edvard Grieg (1843-1907), arr. Howard D. McKinney (1889-1980) Come and let our swelling song mount like the whirling wind, As it meets our singing throng, so blithe of heart and mind.

Care and sorrow now be gone, brothers in song, sing on!

Youth is a wandering troubadour, Sailing the singing breeze, Wooing a maid on a distant shore, Over the tossing seas; Steering by the stars above, His vessel a song of love.

Brothers, sing on, sing on!

Errant minstrels, thus we greet you, List to our voices strong, With glad and open hearts we meet you in our festival of song.

Care and sorrow now be gone, Brothers in song, sing on!

TWO SPIRITUALS FROM Oh, Lord arr. Wendell Whalum (1931-1987)

I GOT A NEW NAME I got a new name over in Zion.

It’s mine; I declare it’s mine.

I got a mother over in Zion.

She’s mine; I declare she’s mine.

I got a father over in Zion.

He’s mine; I declare he’s mine.

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GIT’ ON BOARD LITTLE CHILDREN Refrain: Git’ on board little children, there’s room for many a more.

The gospel train’s a-coming It’s coming round the curve Using all it’s steam and brakes And straining every nerve. Refrain: The fare is cheap and all can go The rich and poor are there No second class aboard this train No difference in the fare. Refrain:

AN EXHORTATION David Conte (b. 1955)

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves—if our children should live to see the next century, what progress will we have made? This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time, to reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with doubt, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can. (Text taken from Barack Obama’s Victory Speech in 2008)

WHO’LL JOIN

David Morrow (b. 1959) Oh, who’ll join the union, oh, who’ll join the union?

Oh, yes, oh, yes! Oh yes, oh yes!

Oh, hallelujah oh, hallelujah!

Oh, hallelujah, Lord!

If you want to catch that heavenly breeze, Go down in the valley upon your knees.

Go bend your knees right smoove with the ground.

And pray to the Lord to turn you around.

My Lordy! Who’ll join the union?

Oh, wait, oh, wait till I put on my robe.

Wait till I put on my robe.

I tell you, breth-uh-ren, a mortal fact: If you want to get to heaven, don’t never look back.

And my lovely breth-uh-ren, that ain’t all.

Don’t you ever stop talkin’ about my Lord.

Say, if you belong to the union band, Then here’s my heart, and here’s my hand.

I’m a child of God with my soul set free.

For Christ has bought my liberty.

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IF I GOT MY TICKET arr. Roy Belfield (b. 1968)

Lord, if I got my ticket, can I ride?

If I got my ticket, Lord, can I ride?

Lord, if I got my ticket, can I ride?

Up to heaven on that mornin’ Well, I hear a lot o’ talk about a gospel train, Better be ready, ’cause it’s on its way Be down at the station right on time, If you’re not ready, you’ll be left behind Clean out the world and leave no sin I tell you, brother, He is comin’ again Lord, if I got my ticket, can I ride?

If I got my ticket, Lord, can I ride?

If I got my ticket, Lord, can I ride?

Up to heaven on that mornin’ Well, I hear a lot o’ talk about a judgement day, You’d better be ready, ’cause it’s on it’s way, Be down at the station right on time, If you’re not ready, you’ll be left behind Clean out the world and leave no sin I tell you, brother, He is comin’ again Lord, if I got my ticket, can I ride?

If I got my ticket, Lord, can I ride?

If I got my ticket, Lord, can I ride?

Up to heaven on that mornin’

FEATURED ARTISTS THE MOREHOUSE COLLEGE GLEE CLUB

The Morehouse College Glee Club is the premier singing organization of Morehouse College, traveling all over the country and the world, demonstrating excellence not only in choral performance but also in discipline, dedication, and brotherhood.

Through its tradition, the Glee Club has an impressive history and seeks to secure its future through even greater accomplishments, continuing in this tradition through the dedication and commitment of its members and the leadership that its directors have provided. It is the mission of the Morehouse College Glee Club to maintain a high standard of musical excellence.

Morehouse College (then Atlanta Baptist College) music professor Georgia Starr directed the ensemble before Kemper Harreld assumed directorship and officially founded the Glee Club when he joined the college’s music faculty in the fall of 1911. After serving for forty-two years, he retired in 1953. Harreld was responsible for initiating the Glee Club’s strong tradition of excellence and passing it on to its members. Dr. Wendell Phillips Whalum, Sr., ’52, was the Glee Club’s second director. Whalum was a student of Harreld and had served as student director during his tenure in the Glee Club. Whalum served Morehouse College and the Glee Club until his passing in 1987. From 1961-1963 Albert T. Perkins served as interim director while Whalum finished coursework for his doctoral degree. In 1987, David E. Morrow, ’80, assumed directorship of the Glee Club. David was a student of Whalum who earned his Master’s degree in 1981 and returned to his alma mater as a part of the music faculty and as assistant director of the Glee Club. During the 1992-1993 school year, Harding Epps, ’74, served as interim director while David finished his doctoral degree.

In 1993, the Glee Club, as part of the Morehouse-Spelman Chorus, sang at Atlanta’s Symphony Hall with soprano Jessye Norman in a concert celebrating the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. The Glee Club performed the National Anthem with Natalie Cole for Super Bowl XXVIII, and participated with Stevie Wonder, Gloria Estefan and Trisha Yearwood in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta. In 2002, the Glee Club performed on the WITNESS concert with VocalEssence and premiered the work Of Dreams and Other Possibilities by Patrice Rushen. In 2004, the Glee Club performed with Take 6 at the Rialto Theater in Atlanta, and in 2008 recorded He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands for Spike Lee’s movie Miracle at St. Anna, and

performed with mezzo soprano Denyce Graves for the inaugural concert for the 10th president of Morehouse College, Dr. Robert Franklin. The Glee Club performed at the 129th Commencement Exercises at Morehouse College in 2013, when President Barack Obama was given an honorary degree, and has performed internationally in West Africa, Russia, Poland, Bermuda, the Bahamas, South Africa, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The Morehouse College Glee Club celebrated 100 years of its musical legacy throughout 2011, culminating with a concert at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall. In 2014, the Glee Club participated in the performance of Requiem by Giuseppi Verdi with an all-African American orchestra for the Colour of Music Festival in Charleston, South Carolina.

Current Glee Club members come from all over the United States and from places around the world. While many are music majors, singers come from majors in all divisions of the college. Even though some members take Glee Club as a course for credit, all members sing as a labor of love and enjoy being ambassadors for Morehouse College.

Dr. David Morrow, a native of Rochester, New York, was valedictorian of his Morehouse College class, holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. He directs the renowned Morehouse College Glee Club and also conducts the Wendell Whalum Community Chorus, is artistic director and conductor of The Atlanta Singers, and co-directs the Morehouse-Spelman Chorus. He has led performances in such widely varying venues as Atlanta’s Symphony Hall with Jessye Norman, the national anthem of Superbowl XXVIII with Natalie Cole, and the opening and closing ceremonies of the Atlanta Centennial Olympic Games. In 2002 he was guest conductor for Centro Ecuatoriano Norteamericano’s first Festival of Spirituals in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and was the conductor of the 2009 “105 Voices” HBCU Concert Choir at the Kennedy Center; he also was the conductor of Requiem by Verdi for the 2014 Colour of Music Festival in Charleston, South Carolina.

David has conducted honors choruses across the country, and has lectured and conducted workshops in public schools, colleges and universities including the Detroit Public Schools, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, Cornell University, University of Cincinnati, Westminster Choir College and Rutgers University. He is a member of Metropolitan Atlanta Musicians Association, past president of the National Association of Negro Musicians, serves on the Board of Directors of the Intercollegiate Men’s Choruses, Inc. and is a member of the American Choral Directors Association, Chorus America, the Georgia Music Educators Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. David is a “Friend of the Arts” member of Sigma Alpha Iota and is a member of the Georgia Council for the Arts.

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COLLABORATORS 200-VOICE HIGH SCHOOL MALE CHORUS In partnership with Minneapolis and Saint Paul Public Schools, VocalEssence created a High School Male Chorus to provide male singers from our urban high schools the opportunity to perform with VocalEssence and the Morehouse College Glee Club at the 2016 WITNESS SubscripMorehouse Glee Club Quartet tion and Young People’s Concerts.

Working with teachers to bring this group together, VocalEssence helped to address two important school community challenges— encouraging more men to sing, and strengthening African American male participation in Twin Cities high school choirs. This would not have been possible without the time and commitment of David Morrow, the Morehouse Glee Club Quartet, and the participating students and teachers from the following schools: South High School, Central High School, Southwest High School, Roosevelt High School, Edison High School, North High School and Washburn High School.

THE TALENTED TENTH APPRENTICE PROGRAM (TTAP)

Inspired by the principals of African American scholar W.E.B. DuBois, the VocalEssence Talented Tenth Apprentice Program offers urban-area high school students the opportunity to receive professional music and vocal training. The program includes: · Mentorship with VocalEssence Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III and the VocalEssence Chorus · Transportation assistance as needed to WITNESS rehearsals and concert · Singing on stage with VocalEssence and the Morehouse College Glee Club In partnership with Como Park Senior High School in Saint Paul, Phillip has worked with this year’s Talented Tenth students, teaching them selected repertoire from the WITNESS concert.

In addition to performing with the VocalEssence Chorus this evening, the TTAP students will be joined by singers from VocalEssence for an assembly at Como Park Senior High to share with the student body their experience singing with VocalEssence and the Morehouse College Glee Club at Orchestra Hall, and encourage other students to join choir.

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REATHA CLARK KING AWARD: DR. JOSIE ROBINSON JOHNSON The Reatha Clark King Award for Excellence and Youth Motivation through the Cultural Arts was developed by VocalEssence in 2007 to celebrate and recognize leaders and organizations that provide the resources to empower youth through direct contact, making a way for them to be as successful as they can be. The tenth recipient of this award is the remarkable educator, activist and community leader Dr. Josie Robinson Johnson. She will be presented with a work of art created by former WITNESS Teaching Artist Ta-coumba Aiken. Josie is a Twin Cities legend. She has been active in the civil rights movement since the 1960s and has been a leading figure in education, particularly in minority affairs and diversity. She has worked with VocalEssence WITNESS as a principal at St. Peter Claver Catholic School in St. Paul and as a supporter of the WITNESS School Program throughout the community.

Dr. Josie Robinson Johnson believes that young people’s success depends heavily on the community in which they are brought up.

Throughout her life and career, Josie has encouraged youth to be active in their communities. She is perhaps most noted for her contributions to human rights and social justice, which guided her work in the civil rights movement, years of community service, and tenure at the University of Minnesota where she is also honored as the first African American to serve on the university’s Board of Regents.

Josie and her father gathered signatures on an anti-poll tax petition in her hometown, and in the early 1960s she lobbied for passage of bills concerning fair housing and employment. In 1964 she traveled from Minneapolis to Mississippi with an integrated group of women to witness and report on the Civil Rights struggle there. Later, Johnson was a community organizer for the Minneapolis Urban League and Project ENABLE, a pioneering effort in developing parenting skills and strengthening family life in 1965. In 1968 she became a legislative and community liaison with the mayor of Minneapolis. From 1975 to 1978, Johnson served as executive assistant/chief of staff to the lieutenant governor of Colorado. In 1980 she served as deputy campaign manager for the Jimmy Carter presidential campaign in Tennessee, and returned to Minnesota in late 1980s, to the University of Minnesota as faculty in the College of Education and as senior fellow at the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. She later served the university as associate vice-president for academic affairs with special responsibility for minority affairs and diversity.

Josie has served as a Minneapolis Institute of Arts trustee and a Minnesota Medical Foundation trustee, and is on the advisory board of the Harriet Tubman Center. She is a recipient of the Committed to the Vision Award of the Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights, and the African American Community Endowment Fund Award. The University of Minnesota created the Josie R. Johnson Human Rights and Social Justice Award in 1997.

PAST REATHA CLARK KING AWARD WINNERS 2015: Sanford Moore

A renowned pianist, composer, arranger and producer, most noted as founder and director of the award-winning vocal jazz ensemble Moore by Four. Sanford has been an important part of the VocalEssence WITNESS and Talented Tenth Apprentice Programs, participating in seven WITNESS concerts since 1992.

2014: General Mills

A company whose Communities of Color grant program supports nonprofits—including schools, theaters and other organizations— and has served more than 700,000 children, families and individuals across the Twin Cities.

2013: Phyllis Wheatley Community Center

A nonprofit that has served more than 200,000 youth and families since its inception in 1924, and one of the oldest Minnesota organizations to continuously deliver services primarily to African Americans.

VOCALESSENCE WITNESS SCHOOL PROGRAM A BRIEF HISTORY In 1991, VocalEssence created WITNESS to celebrate the contributions of African Americans to the fine arts and to our common cultural heritage. By commissioning new works and programming rarely heard works by African American composers, we help broaden ideas about African American musical expression and introduce new voices to our audiences through concerts, recordings and broadcasts. Michael Abels, David Baker, Ysaye Barnwell, William Banfield, Joseph Jennings, Bobby McFerrin, Rosephanye Powell, Patrice Rushen, Evelyn Simpson-Curenton and Alvin Singleton are some of the people who have written new works and arrangements for the WITNESS program. The first commission— David Baker’s WITNESS: Six Original Compositions in a Spiritual Style—inspired the name for our program.

2012: Theresa Neal

Principal of the Saint Paul’s Correctional School Programs, which includes Boys Totem Town School (a WITNESS Partner School), the Juvenile Detention School Program and Transitions for Success.

2011: Sharon Sayles Belton

The first woman to be elected mayor of Minneapolis, now Vice President of Community Relations and Government Affairs for Thomson Reuters.

2010: Laysha Ward

President of Community Relations and the Target Foundation, where she oversees domestic and international grant making, community sponsorships, cause marketing initiatives, volunteerism and other civic activities.

2009: Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan C. Page and Diane Sims Page

Co-founders of the Page Education Foundation, which assists minority and disadvantaged youth with post-secondary education.

2008: Patricia A. Harvey

Senior Fellow at the National Center on Education and the Economy/America’s Choice in Washington, D.C., and past Superintendent of Schools in Saint Paul.

2007: Ms. Ossie Brooks James

Principal at Lyndale Community School, a K-5 public school in Minneapolis.

WITNESS concert artists have included James Earl Jones, Rita Dove, Billy Taylor, Jubilant Sykes, Stephen Salters, Patrice Rushen, Paul Shaw, Marietta Simpson and Yolanda Williams, and ensembles Moore by Four, Sounds of Blackness, The Fairfield Four, the Leigh Morris Chorale, the Fisk Jubilee Singers and Sweet Honey In The Rock. Many featured artists have returned to appear on other VocalEssence concerts. WITNESS has made possible collaborations with African American artists in many disciplines.

A Minnesota State Arts Board Cultural Collaborations Grant supported our partnership with St. Paul visual artist Ta-coumba Aiken, whose art has become the visual representation of WITNESS. WITNESS is critical for many students who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend a professional event at a major concert hall. We believe that an education and performance experience like WITNESS gives students an opportunity to learn from exceptional role models, increasing their self-esteem and creating a desire to continue exploring ways to express themselves through the arts.

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THE WITNESS SCHOOL PROGRAM

WITNESS ARTIST WORKSHOPS

WITNESS is one of the nation’s premier initiatives celebrating the contributions of African Americans to our shared American cultural heritage through concerts, recordings and comprehensive educational programs.

VocalEssence offers WITNESS partner schools two free workshops that allow students to work with a WITNESS Teaching Artist. Teaching Artists explore the annual program theme through their artistic discipline, creating an integrative academic experience that combines the study of African American culture with art, music, social studies, literature, theater, character building and other areas of school curriculum.

WITNESS YOUNG PEOPLE’S CONCERTS WITNESS TEACHER RESOURCES All participating teachers in the WITNESS program attend a fall WITNESS Teacher Orientation Seminar. At this half-day seminar, teachers are introduced to the VocalEssence WITNESS School Program, have the opportunity to engage with WITNESS Teaching Artists and develop strategies for incorporating WITNESS materials into the school curricula.

Each school receives the WITNESS Teacher Resource Guide and Companion CD and DVD, which include activities and lessons that integrate into school curriculum and fulfill Minnesota Education Standards. See the box below for a glimpse into this year’s guide.

Turning Points with Jester Hairston One section of this year’s Teacher Resource Guide explores the life and legacy of noted choral conductor, actor and educator Jester Hairston, who arranged the spiritual “In Dat Great Gettin’ Up Mornin’,” a piece featured on tonight’s concert. Hairston is well known among musicians for championing the spiritual, conducting choirs in the singing of spirituals and sharing stories of slavery and spirituals with people all over the world; he conducted the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers in his arrangements of spirituals in 1996 at Ted Mann Concert Hall in Minneapolis.

Through a series of lessons, students learn about Hairston and identify key turning points in his life and in their own. They also learn about the history of spirituals, sing examples of calland-response songs, and sing and plan their own arrangement of “In Dat Great Gettin’ Up Mornin’.”

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An abbreviated version of the WITNESS public concert, The Young People’s Concert is geared toward students in grades 4-12.

Offering three 50-minute performances, we welcome 5,400 students to Orchestra Hall for a live performance with VocalEssence. For more information or to sign up for the 2016-2017 WITNESS School Program, contact Rob Graham at robert@vocalessence.org or 612-547-1458.

2015-2016 WITNESS PARTNER SCHOOLS Anoka Middle School for the Arts Aquila Elementary School Arcadia Charter School Burnside Elementary School Capitol Hill Gifted & Talented Magnet School Central Elementary School Champlin Park High School Como Park Senior High School Creative Arts Secondary School Echo Park Elementary School Epsilon - Hennepin County Home School Evergreen Park World Cultures Community School Field Middle School Folwell School, Performing Arts Magnet Gatewood Elementary School Glen Lake Elementary School Highland Elementary School Kenwood Community School Lake Nokomis Community School - Keewaydin Little Canada Elementary School

Marcy Open School Marine Elementary School Minnehaha Academy Nativity of Our Lord School North Community High School North Park Elementary School Northside Elementary School Oak Ridge Elementary School Parkview Elementary School Parkway Montessori Middle School Partnership Academy Rockford Elementary Arts Magnet School Rosemount High School Sanford Middle School South High School Southside Family Charter School St. Peter Catholic School St. Peter Claver Catholic School Valley View Elementary School Westview Elementary School Withrow Elementary School Woodland Elementary School

WITNESS TEACHING ARTISTS 2015-2016

Timothy Berry: Vocalist, Composer, and Percussionist · Eclectic performance appearances: Afro-Latin band, Grammy Award Winner Larnelle Harris, and Robert Robinson · Composing awards: Live Music for Dance, Cultural Community Partnership grant, and winner in the Essentially Choral Competition for emerging American composers sponsored by VocalEssence and the American Composers Forum · Assistant Professor at Minnesota State University, Mankato

Patricia Brown: Dance Instructor, Choreographer, and Performer · African-based movement styles · Primary and secondary schools, detention facilities, organizations and theaters including: Stepping Stone, Penumbra, Pillsbury House, Children’s and In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theaters · Teaches at Macalester College and the University of Minnesota, where she was awarded the College of Continuing Education Distinguished Teaching Award, and the Century Council Diverse Community Award

Brandon Commodore: Drummer, Musician, and Producer · Touring drummer with Mint Condition and the Grammy Award-winning Sounds of Blackness · Founder of the band #MPLS · Songwriter and producer, doing music production for television, radio and artists · Attended McNally Smith College of Music · Has taught drum and percussion at Walker West Music Academy and served as a mentor to many students

Ginger Commodore: Singer, Songwriter, and Actress · Performs jazz, blues, rhythm and blues, contemporary, and gospel · Acts and sings with Penumbra Theatre, Mixed Blood Theatre, Children’s Theatre Company, Minnesota Opera, Hey City, Chanhassen Dinner Theater · Sharing the stage with Rachelle Ferrell is her career highlight

Karla Nweje: Arts Educator, Performer, Choreographer, and Literary Artist · BFA in Dance Performance from Brooklyn College/CUNY · Performed and toured with several dance and theater companies · Former academic school teacher · Creates work and performs with her group, The Samimejon Movement · 2013 recipient of Ordway’s Excellence in Educational Service Award · Regular presenter at arts and education conferences and summits

T. Mychael Rambo: Actor and Vocalist · Performer with Penumbra Theatre, the Guthrie, Ordway, Illusion Theatre, Mixed Blood, Park Square, Children’s Theatre and Minnesota Opera · Affiliate professor in the College of Theatre Arts and Dance at the University of Minnesota · Honors and awards: singing national anthem for President Obama, 2008 Regional Emmy Award, 2009 Sally Award, 2010 Minnesota Black Music Award, Young Audience Artist of the Year, McKnight Theatre Artist Fellowship, Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Fellowship, Bush Finalist, the University of Minnesota Century Council Community Award and Outstanding Community Service Award

Anita Ruth: Musician · Works with over 300 students yearly in theatrical productions sponsored by Project SUCCESS · Music Director/Conductor for four mainstage productions at Bloomington Civic Theater each year · Music directed over 200 shows in the Twin Cities area · Co-presents with T. Mychael Rambo

Marciano Silva Dos Santos: Dancer and Choreographer · Native of Brazil; studied theater and dance at FAFI, a professional performing arts school in Vitória, Brazil · Founder, choreographer and artistic director of Contempo Physical Dance, as well as dancer at TU Dance and Stuart Pimsler Dance and Theater, and in Penumbra Theater’s Black Nativity. · Recognized by the American Folkloric Society in 2006 as a Brazilian folk artist of unique and exceptional ability and merit

Roxane Wallace: Performer, Dancer, Instructor, and Choreographer · McKnight Artist Fellow in Dance · Minnesota Sage Award for Outstanding Performer · Principal artist with Stuart Pimsler Dance and Theater for the past 15 years · Teaching artist for the Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts and instructor at Zenon Dance Studio

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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SPOTLIGHT

With Lullaby Project, VocalEssence ¡Cantaré! Breaks New Ground In 2014, Carnegie Hall invited VocalEssence to participate in the Lullaby Project, a program now being rolled out nationally that offers pregnant women and new mothers in challenging situations, their partners and extended family an opportunity to create and share a personal lullaby, with the help of artists working in communities across the country. VocalEssence is the first choral organization to lead the project in Minnesota and has partnered with Broadway High School, a district-wide alternative school program of the Minneapolis Public Schools and Teen Adolescent Pregnancy and Parenting Program. To make the Lullaby Project sustainable, we have tied it in with our already funded VocalEssence ¡Cantaré! program.

Throughout the 2015-2016 school year, six new/ expecting moms at Broadway have been working with ¡Cantaré! composer Francisco Zúñiga Olmos, VocalEssence Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III, and an octet of VocalEssence Ensemble Singers to write Spanish-language lullabies for their babies. The project promotes bonding with the baby, boosts development and attachment by encouraging moms to communicate with their children, and builds parental confidence by generating a sense of accomplishment in creating a song. The Lullaby Project has a three-part structure: • • •

Lullaby Creation Session: 4 - 5 hours led by artists, generally at the community venue Recording Session: 4 - 5 hours with help from artists; the new lullabies are recorded and uploaded to Carnegie Hall’s Lullaby SoundCloud site, soundcloud.com/carnegiehalllullaby Listening and Sharing Session: 2 hours of reflection and listening with participants and their children, artists and community venue staff

Carnegie Hall provides tools to help national partners successfully implement the program. In November 2015, they offered a three-day professional development workshop at Carnegie Hall, subsidizing airfare and hotel for one artist from each partner site. Francisco and Phillip attended, and appreciated how the workshop prepared them for the lullaby-writing sessions with students and training sessions with singers and school staff.

Because VocalEssence is implementing the Lullaby Project as part of our ¡Cantaré! program, Broadway High School benefits from additional activities that bring greater visibility and appreciation of Mexican music and culture. Francisco, Phillip, and the Ensemble Singers octet presented at an all-school assembly in October, teaching traditional Mexican lullabies and introducing the Lullaby Project. Students also toured the Mexican art collection at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and were engaged in activities from ¡Cantaré! Teacher Resources, providing a historical and cultural context of this important neighbor to the United States. Lastly, two of the lullabies will be featured at the free ¡Cantaré! Community Concert at the Ordway on May 23, 2016.

VocalEssence will evaluate the Lullaby Project utilizing tools and guidelines provided by Carnegie Hall and WolfBrown—a leader in evaluating arts programming. VocalEssence staff will participate in a celebration concert and network meeting in New York City in June, when our results will be shared with other participating organizations.

If the Lullaby Project is successful, VocalEssence plans to continue it and is researching additional funders. To help support this program, please contact Katrina Wallmeyer at katrina@vocalessence.org.

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2015-2016 47TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON SPECIAL THANKS Randall Davidson Carl Flink Goodale Family Foundation Andrew Ouderkirk, 3M

FOUR SAINTS IN THREE ACTS Saturday, March 19, 2016 at 8 pm Goodale Theater at The Cowles Center 528 Hennepin Avenue Minneapolis, MN Concert Conversation at 7 pm with director/choreographer Carl Flink and conductor Philip Brunelle

Claudia Wilkins

Sunday, March 20, 2016 at 4 pm Concert Conversation at 3 pm with director/choreographer Carl Flink and conductor Philip Brunelle VocalEssence Ensemble Singers Black Label Movement Philip Brunelle, conductor Carl Flink, director/choreographer Penelope Freeh, co-choreographer Paul Herwig, set designer Marcus Dilliard, lighting designer Joseph Bingham, production stage manager Rachel Lantow, assistant stage manager 2015-2016 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.

Wenger Foundation

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ARTS ADVOCACY SPOTLIGHT

VocalEssence Advocates for Choral Music Education in Saint Paul Middle Schools VocalEssence has a long history of advocating for the choral arts, as evidenced by our community engagement programs, awards, commissioning and relationship with Minnesota Citizens for the Arts. But we want to do more.

In the summer of 2013, a task force from the VocalEssence Board of Directors identified three core ideas that we can advocate for to ensure a strong choral legacy in Minnesota: • Choral Connections—Celebrating and deepening the richness of our choral community • Choral Music Education—Strengthening the field of choral music education • Cultural Competency—Bridging the growing cultural divide In 2014-2015, we delved deeper, exploring areas within our community that have the greatest need for support within choral music education. Through a partnership with Johnson Senior High School in Saint Paul and the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, we discovered that several middle schools in Saint Paul have limited or no opportunities for students to participate in choir. As a result, VocalEssence committed to advocate for Parkway Middle School and Creative Arts Secondary School during the 2015-2016 school year, lending our resources to help support their goals to increase the number of students in choir and to strengthen choral instruction with additional professional development opportunities for music teachers. Our partnerships with these schools have included:

· · ·

Access to professional artists through school assemblies with Voz en Punto and the Morehouse College Glee Club Providing teaching artists who engage students in choral singing through the WITNESS School Program Offering music teachers professional development with VocalEssence Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III

Join us in our advocacy efforts and raise your voice for choral music by visiting www.vocalesessence.org.

JOIN RESONATE — YOUNG PROFESSIONALS ENGAGING THE NEXT GENERATION IN CHORAL ART! Resonate unites 20- and 30-something choral music lovers who want to sing, socialize and savor good choral music, with events that include community sings, drinks with composers and choral concerts. Or more simply, join us for a musical theater sing-along potluck party!

To join, like Resonate on Facebook or email resonate@vocalessence.org. Membership is free.

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WELCOME TO FOUR SAINTS IN THREE ACTS

THE PROGRAM Four Saints in Three Acts

I have long been fascinated with the collaboration of Virgil Thomson and Gertrude Stein. During my years as music director at Minnesota Opera, I enjoyed the opportunity to present the Thomson/ Stein opera The Mother of Us All on several occasions, and once you get Stein’s words in your head they do not leave you—trust me! During those years we also gave a concert presentation of Four Saints in Three Acts, and ever since I have wanted to bring the opera to the stage.

Virgil Thomson’s music is deceptively simple, using the chords that are very much a part of folksongs and popular music. But beneath that simplicity there is a careful harmonic structure and a great feel for orchestral color. (How many operas can you name that have as two of the important instruments the accordion and the harmonium!) Thomson’s style allows the words to be heard in a clear, conversational way.

So, sit back and let the music and words flow over you. As Gertrude Stein once said, words have a meaning beyond their dictionary meaning. Enjoy the experience—I know you will!

– Philip Brunelle Artistic Director and Founder, VocalEssence

Virgil Thomson, libretto by Gertrude Stein (1927-28)

Prelude

A Narrative of Prepare for Saints

ACT I

Avila: St. Teresa half indoors and half out of doors

PAUSE ACT II

Might it be mountains if it were not Barcelona.

INTERMISSION ACT III

Barcelona: St. Ignatius and one of two literally.

ACT IV

The Sisters and Saints reassembled and reenacting why they went away to stay.

CAST OF CHARACTERS Commère: Compère:

Robin Joy Helgen Michael P. Schmidt

QUARTET St. Settlement: JoAnna Swantek St. Sarah: Anna George Meek St. Stephen: Anders Eckman St. Plan: Joseph Ellickson Teresa I: Teresa II:

Sophie Amelkin Carolyn M. Steele

St. Ignatius:

Nathan Petersen-Kindem

ORCHESTRA ROSTER Flute and piccolo: Jane Garvin Oboe and English horn: Sarah Carmak Clarinet: Paul Schimming Bassoon: Matt Bertrand Horn: Neal Bolter and Mike Alexander Trumpet: Sylvan Pineault Trombone: Richard Gaynor Percussion: Will Kemperman and Erik Bareness Accordion: Dee Langley Violin: Mike Sobieski, Brenda Mickens, Miriam Griffiths, Ian Sunder, Maureen Nielson, Alison Fay Viola: Tamas Strasser, Alastair Brown Cello: Jane O’Hara, Diane Tremaine Bass: Christopher Brown Contractor: Christopher Volpe

St. Cecilia: St. Celestine: St. Lawrence: St. Chavez:

Ann L. Schrooten Judith McClain Melander Ryan LaBoy William Pedersen

St. Genevieve: Margaret Sabin St. Anne: Marita J. Link St. Answers: Josh Conroy St. Sarah: St. Absalom: St. Eustace:

Sandra Schoenecker Jacob Watson AJ Lund

Tenor: St. Vincent:

Chase Daniel Burkhart Samuel J. Baker

CHORUS OF SAINTS SOPRANO Sophie Amelkin Jennifer Bevington Meghan Lowe Margaret Sabin Ann L. Schrooten Carolyn M. Steele JoAnna Swantek

TENOR Kevin L. Bailey Samuel J. Baker Chase Daniel Burkhart Anders Eckman Robert J. Graham Nicholas Mattsson William Pederson Jacob Watson

ALTO Sadie Josephine Klar Marita J. Link Anna George Meek Judith McClain Melander Erin Peters Kristina Rodel Sandra Schoenecker

BASS Josh Conroy Joseph Ellickson Ryan French Ryan LaBoy AJ Lund Eric G. Meyer Nathan Petersen- Kindem

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ABOUT FOUR SAINTS IN THREE ACTS “Why did Gertrude Stein and I decide to write an opera about saints?

Simply because we viewed a saint’s life as related to our own. In all times the consecrated artist has tended to live surrounded by younger artists and to guide them into the ways of spontaneity. And thus to characterize one’s gift is indeed to invite “inspiration” and just possibly, through art, make “miracles.” — Virgil Thomson While composer Virgil Thomson has answered why he and writer Gertrude Stein collaborated on Four Saints in Three Acts, the question of what they produced has been bandied about—with many and varied reactions—in the eight decades since this avant-garde, pivotal work of American musical theater was first performed in 1934, with the shock value that an all-black cast carried in Virgil Thomson and Gertrude Stein that era. There were those Courtesy of The Bancroft Library who declared, “It will finish University of California, Berkeley opera, just as Picasso has finished oil painting” (Mabel Weeks, friend of Gertrude Stein), while the New York Times observed, “To be sure, the spirit of inspired madness animates the whole piece … ” But there is no doubt that when the young composer Virgil Thomson in the late 1920s invited author Gertrude Stein to write a libretto he could set to music, the resulting opera helped usher Modernism into mainstream culture and brought Thomson and Stein to the fore. Thomson’s score celebrates the heart of American music in hymns and folk songs, and the zany libretto by Stein, who emphasized the sound of words over story, spurs listeners to an enjoyable embrace of the absurd.

Absurd indeed is this crescendo of camp, with not four saints but 21, and not three acts but four, in a free-wheeling tale of 16th-century saints who reminisce about their earthly lives and current heavenly pursuits—and memorable lines such as “Pigeons on the grass, alas,” from the centerpiece aria. As Robyn Wise wrote of Four Saints for the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art: “Some critics and audiences hailed it as a masterwork, others a prank. But all agreed on its indisputable newness in pushing the boundaries of art, music, and literature.”

DIRECTOR’S NOTE Instructions Not Included How to unpack and chart a new vision of a distinctly American opera created in 1934 with an innovative, non-narrative libretto by pioneering modernist writer Gertrude Stein, an original set that utilized massive of amounts of then “brand new” Saran Wrap, Page 26

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and Americana driven music by Virgil Thomson, a one-time bohemian artist who went on to become one of New York City’s primary music critics of his era? This is the wonderful task that VocalEssence Artistic Director Philip Brunelle asked me and the creative team to tackle when he invited us to collaborate with his Ensemble Singers on Four Saints In Three Acts.

Four Saints is rarely performed, particularly in its entirety. This is both a challenge and an opportunity. There is no definitive production to work from or against, particularly because the original production only lives on in black-and-white photographs that feature the Saran Wrap sets in all their glory. In the end, this lack of history offered a glorious blank canvas on which to create a new vision of the opera with VocalEssence.

It is Gertrude Stein’s libretto, or her approach to creating it, that finally provided our direction for this production. Stein did not worry much about the meaning of the words she wrote, but cared more about their sounds and combinations. She was at play with the language. It is her play, albeit serious play, that invited us to respond to the words, design and music of the opera from a spirit of embracing its history, innovation, and unfettered imagination.

For example, from the original production’s Saran Wrap-draped sets came the idea of reaching out to 3M corporate scientist Andrew Ouderkirk, who generously offered to make a variety of multilayer polymer optical films available to create a stage image in which light literally moves across and through these films to dazzling effect in Paul Herwig’s smart sets. Our goal was to play with the ideas, words and sounds that Four Saints offers to create a production that is theatrically compelling and musically delicious, while creating a new never before existing world for Four Saints. Add in the visceral movers of my company, Black Label Movement, and the soaring VocalEssence sound, and I invite you to play with us in our new Four Saints landscape.

– Carl Flink Artistic Director, Black Label Movement

BIOGRAPHIES Virgil Thomson, an American composer who worked in almost every genre of music and a longtime music critic, was born in Kansas City, Missouri in 1896. He studied at Harvard, and after a prolonged period in Paris—where he studied with Nadia Boulanger and met Cocteau, Stravinsky, Satie, and the artists of Les Six—he returned to the United States where he was chief music critic for the New York Herald Tribune from 1937 to 1951. Utilizing a musical style marked by sharp wit and overt playfulness, he produced a highly original body of work rooted in American speech rhythms and hymnbook harmony. His music was most influenced by Satie’s ideals of clarity, simplicity, irony, and humor. Thomson died in 1989.

Among his most famous works are the operas Four Saints in Three Acts and The Mother of Us All (both with texts by Gertrude Stein with whom he formed a legendary artistic collaboration), scores for the Pare Lorentz films The Plow That Broke the Plains and The

River, as well as Robert Flaherty’s Louisiana Story. In addition to his compositions, he was the author of eight books, including an autobiography. Among his many honors and awards are the Pulitzer Prize, a Brandeis Award, the gold medal for music from the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters, the National Book Circle Award, the Kennedy Center Honors, and 20 honorary doctorates.

Gertrude Stein, a writer of novels, poetry and plays, was born in 1874 and spent her early years in Europe before her family settled in Oakland, California. She graduated from Radcliffe College in 1898 with a degree in psychology and went on to study medicine at Johns Hopkins Medical School. In 1903 Stein moved to Paris, and with her brother began collecting postimpressionist paintings by artists such as Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso. Stein’s innovative works—among them Three Lives (1909), Tender Buttons: Objects, Food, Rooms (1914), and The Making of Americans: Being a History of a Family’s Progress (1925)—were intended to employ the techniques of abstraction and Cubism in prose.

She met Alice B. Toklas in 1909, and they became lifelong companions. Stein’s only commercial success, The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas (1933), was actually her own autobiography. After World War I, Stein, who is credited with coining the phrase “the lost generation,” maintained her famed Paris salon evenings and was hostess and inspiration to American expatriates including Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. In addition to her other novels and memoirs, she wrote librettos for two operas by Virgil Thomson, Four Saints in Three Acts (1927) and The Mother of Us All (1947). Stein died in 1946.

Carl Flink, a director, choreographer and performer, is the artistic director of Twin Cities-based Black Label Movement (BLM), and is the Nadine Jette Sween Professor of Dance at the University of Minnesota.

Carl’s dancemaking is recognized for its intense athleticism and daring and humanistic themes. He was the movement director for Guthrie Theater’s 2015 production of The Crucible and was commissioned for the 2014 American Dance Festival Footprints Series. During much of the 1990s, Carl was a company member of the New York City-based Limon Dance Company. He is a two-time McKnight Fellowship for Choreographers recipient (2008 and 2012) and was named the City Pages 2012 “Best Choreographer” as well as a 2012 City Pages Artist. He was the choreographer for two Minnesota Ivey Awardwinning productions in 2010 and 2012, and BLM received the 2014 Outstanding Dance Ensemble Sage Award. His work has been commissioned and presented across the United States, and beyond in India and Belgium. He and BLM have been featured in four TPT MN Original episodes and have created four TED Talks, including Dance v. Powerpoint: A Modest Proposal. Beyond the dance arena, Carl has a B.A. degree in political science and women’s studies from the University of Minnesota, and a J.D. from Stanford Law School. He was a staff attorney with Farmers’ Legal Action Group, Inc. in St. Paul from 2001 to 2004.

Black Label Movement Founded in 2006, Black Label Movement is the creative laboratory and performance platform for choreographer Carl Flink’s unique brand of visceral and ballistic contemporary dance making and unusual collaborations with scientists, theater artists, composers, musicians, scholars and journalists. Described by Dance Magazine as combining “intense physicality with sophisticated structuring,” BLM is one of Minnesota’s established contemporary dance companies, receiving the Minnesota Dance Community’s 2014 Sage Award for Outstanding Dance Ensemble and being named to the Star Tribune’s 2015 “Best of Minnesota” list. BLM has moved well beyond the borders of Minnesota with appearances at the National Center for Biological Sciences in Bangalore, India, TEDMED 2013 at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., 2012 TED in Long Beach, California, TEDx Brussels in Belgium, the 2011 Bates Dance Festival, the White Oak Plantation (the original home of Mikail Baryshnikov’s White Oak Project), the 2011 Chicago Humanities Festival and numerous college dance program residencies across the United States. BLM in collaboration with Science Magazine correspondent John Bohannon created A Modest Proposal: Dance v Powerpoint for the 2011 TEDx Brussels in Belgium. The video became a viral internet hit with estimated views topping well over 500,000.

For 30 years Paul Herwig has worked as a performer and scenic designer throughout the United States, Canada and France, creating interdisciplinary work that combines design with physical performance. Paul is the co-artistic director of the Ivey Award-winning dance and theater company Off-Leash Area, and along with his partner and co-director, Jennifer Ilse, has created 26 original productions in 16 years. Paul received a McKnight Theater Artist Fellowship in 2009, a 2010 Sage Award for Design in Dance, and State Arts Board Artist Initiative grants in 2007 and 2014. Awarded a Metropolitan Regional Arts Council Next Step grant in 2012 and a Jerome Travel and Study grant in 2013, Paul has been commissioned by Northern Spark, the Minnesota State Fair, and others.

Marcus Dilliard has designed for theatre, opera, and dance across North America and in Europe, including numerous productions for Théâtre de la Jeune Lune, the Guthrie Theater, Theater Latté Da, Minnesota Opera, Minnesota Orchestra, Children’s Theatre Company, Ordway Music Theater, Penumbra Theatre, Minnesota Dance Theatre, Black Label Movement, American Repertory Theatre, Intiman Theatre and Actors Theatre of Louisville. He has also designed for the Spoleto Festival (Italy); 2003 Athens Festival, Portland Opera, San Diego Opera, Flanders Opera, Opera Philadelphia, Opera Pacific, Pittsburgh Opera, Fort Worth Opera, Vancouver Opera, Le Opera de Montreal, Canadian Opera Company, Chicago Opera Theater and Boston Lyric Opera. The recipient of an Ivey Award, a Sage Award, and two McKnight Theater Artist Fellowships, Marcus is chair of the department of Theatre Arts and Dance at the University of Minnesota and is a graduate of Boston University’s School for the Arts.

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THE MOVERS OF BLACK LABEL MOVEMENT Lauren Baker has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance with a minor in mass communications from the University of Minnesota. In 2009, she performed José Limón’s masterwork Missa Brevis with the Limón Dance Company at the Northrop Theater. From St. Louis Park, Lauren is in her fifth season with Black Label Movement and her fourth with Shapiro & Smith Dance. In addition to her dance career, Lauren is also a talented dance instructor, choreographer, and portrait photographer.

Natalie Carr grew up in the Twin Cities and graduated from the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists. Natalie received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Minnesota. Upon graduation she danced with Breaking Boundaries Dance Company, and spent a year in New York City training and performing with artists such as Diego Funes, Benjamin Levy, and others. Since returning to Minnesota, she has been a company member with Black Label Movement, has danced with the Minnesota Orchestra, and performed in the Minnesota Opera’s production of Puccini’s Turandot. Natalie teaches in dance schools around the Twin Cities area.

Kelly Craig started dancing at North Carolina Dance Theater in Charlotte where she performed Salvatore Aiello’s The Nutcracker. She continued her dancing through high school at Northwest School of the Arts and went on to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) to study dance performance and choreography. She graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. While at UNCG she performed for graduate students and faculty including Janet Lilly and B.J. Sullivan.

After graduating, she joined Martha Connerton Kinetic Works Dance Company in Charlotte and performed at many different schools around the state. She has relocated to St. Paul to further pursue her dance career.

Jessica (“Jess E”) Ehlert grew up in Missouri where she cultivated a love for flying through space as a competitive gymnast. She graduated with honors and a B.F.A. in dance from the University of Minnesota in 2010, and first performed with Black Label Movement that same year.

Jessica was most recently seen moving with the company in Alleged Dances and An Unkindness of Ravens as part of BLM’s ninth Minnesota season. In addition to working with Black Label Movement, Jessica teaches young children how to flip at Kenwood Gymnastics Center, and teaches yoga at YogaFit in Minneapolis, where she is also the assistant manager. This is her fifth season with the company.

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Penelope Freeh, co-choreographer of Four Saints in Three Acts, is a two-time McKnight Artist Fellow for Choreographers and a SAGE Awardee for Outstanding Performer.

She has been commissioned by James Sewell Ballet, Minnesota Ballet, Gem City Ballet, Minnesota Orchestra, the Walker Art Center/Southern Theater’s Momentum, and Russia’s Link Vostok Dance Festival. She has created several works with composer Jocelyn Hagen, including Test Pilot, which won a SAGE for Outstanding Design and will tour the state next fall. Penelope danced for James Sewell Ballet for 17 years, serving as artistic associate from 2007 – 2011. She teaches at the University of Minnesota and Zenon.

Margaret Johnson, from Jefferson City, Missouri, has a B.F.A. in dance from the University of Minnesota. A company member with Black Label Movement, she has performed work by Joe Chvala and the Flying Foot Forum, Angharad Davies, Body Cartography, Deborah Jinza Thayer and Morgan Thorson. Her work with Kara Motta has been seen at Minneapolis venues, in Madison, Wisconsin, and in videos for Minneapolis-based hip-hop band Crunchy Kids. Margaret makes dances for stage and party venues with DaNCEBUMS, and sings with Eric Mayson’s Detail.

Cheng Xiong grew up St. Paul and started off as a street dancer, but recently received his Bachelor of Arts in dance from the University of Minnesota. He is in his third season with BLM and recently joined a new dance company, In New Company, which focuses on hip-hop dance making. He is also a sought-after hiphop/breakdance instructor.

Danielle Zuniga received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance with a minor in kinesiology from the University of North Texas (UNT). Her early training in Texas included competition dance, which took her to New York, Florida, Nashville, and Las Vegas.

While at UNT, Danielle choreographed and performed in several New Choreographer’s Concerts and Faculty Dance Concerts. Her senior choreography piece was showcased at the American College Dance Association Conference. Danielle lives in the Twin Cities experiencing professional dance before working toward her M.F.A.

VOCALESSENCE ENSEMBLE SINGERS See biographies on pages 35-38.

Sunday, May 1, 2016 at 4:30 p.m.

Radisson Blu Mall of America 2100 Killebrew Drive Bloomington, Minnesota

VocalEssence invites you to spring into song on May Day 2016 by attending Choralia—a singing celebration to benefit the VocalEssence Community Engagement Programs.

VocalEssence is an essential leading arts organization using the power of choral music as a catalyst for community building now and in the future. Celebrating our 47th year, we engage, inspire and entertain through choral performances and education for all ages and cultures. All proceeds from Choralia benefit VocalEssence Community Engagement Programs, which inspire people from all walks of life to explore their love of singing—together we sing! ~Cocktail to black tie admired~ RESERVE YOUR SEAT! Single tickets $175 | Bringing a group? Tables of 10 save $25 per ticket.

Table sponsorships available from $1,500 to $5,000 (call Katrina at 612-547-1472).

Register by April 1 online at vocalessence.org/Choralia2016.

Contact Laura at 612-547-1473 or Laura@vocalessence.org with questions.

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EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT ¡Cantaré! Continues to Engage and Enlighten in its Eighth Year Recognizing the vast cultural heritage of Mexico, the VocalEssence ¡Cantaré! program engages communities in the discovery, celebration and creation of music inspired by Mexican traditions.

Through school and community residencies and concerts, this initiative strives to bring greater visibility and appreciation of Mexican music and culture, nurtures creation of choral music, and instills cultural pride and awareness of Mexico’s heritage throughout Minnesota.

VocalEssence invited Mexican composers Francisco Zúñiga Olmos and Alephsus Valdés to work in residencies during the 2015-2016 school year, with elementary schools, high schools and ¡Cantaré! composer Alephsus Valdés at community organizations. Each composer visits Hiawatha Leadership Academy-Morris Park.

Minnesota three times—last October, in March and again in May—spending a total of four weeks with their choral groups, learning the singing abilities of each, and writing music specifically for them.

“When I listened to the singing of both VocalEssence choirs, I thought that they are almost from another planet because I haven’t heard this level of quality, even in Europe, so it is a big challenge to write some good music for them,” Francisco said of his experience.

Alephsus reflected: “It was such a great experience working with all these kids, who were so eager to learn about Mexico and its culture. All the teachers were engaged 100 percent and were very collaborative, which made the whole experience even better.”

In a new addition for this year, Broadway High School will participate as a pilot school in Carnegie Hall’s Lullaby Project, which offers pregnant women and new mothers in challenging situations an opportunity to create a personal lullaby, with the help of artists working in communities across the country. Francisco is working at this school, leading Spanish lullaby creation sessions, which will result in 6 to 10 lullabies, two of which will be performed by an octet from the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers at the ¡Cantaré! Community Concerts.

“I have enjoyed very much the interchange with teachers and pupils and it was a great pleasure for me to know the VocalEssence team and people around the project, you are very kind and excellent persons,” said Francisco. “I was fascinated and grateful.”

In addition to the lullabies, the program will culminate in the creation of at least eight compositions by the composers, which will be premiered at the ¡Cantaré! Community Concerts on May 23, 2016 at the Ordway Concert Hall. Selected works will be added to VocalEssence Music Press. We are thrilled to have the following partner schools this year: · · · · · · · Page 30

Hiawatha Leadership Academy-Morris Park (K-4), Minneapolis Northport Elementary School, Brooklyn Center Folwell School, Performing Arts Magnet, Minneapolis Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, Minneapolis Champlin Park High School, Champlin Central High School, St. Paul Broadway High School, Minneapolis

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2015-2016 47TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON SPECIAL THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT OF THIS CONCERT Katherine B. Andersen Fund of The Saint Paul Foundation

R C Lilly Foundation Piper Family Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation

SPECIAL THANKS Randall Davidson Brian Newhouse Tesfa Wondemagegnehu

LISTENERS’ CHOICE LIVE Friday, April 22, 2016 at 8 pm Ordway Concert Hall 345 Washington Street Saint Paul, MN Concert Conversation with G. Phillip Shoultz, III at 7 pm

Sunday, April 24, 2016 at 4 pm Ordway Concert Hall Concert Conversation with Tesfa Wondemagegnehu from Minnesota Public Radio’s Choral Stream at 3 pm VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers Philip Brunelle, conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III, conductor Mary Jo Gothmann, pianist

2015-2016 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.

Wenger Foundation

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LIVE GE NE ROU SLY For more information about Thrivent and how we help your community, visit Thrivent.com or call 800-847-4836.

Appleton, Wisconsin • Minneapolis, Minnesota Thrivent.com • 800-847-4836 • 28143 R7-15

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WELCOME TO LISTENERS’ CHOICE LIVE Here is a unique opportunity for lovers of choral music! Our friends at Classical Minnesota Public Radio’s Choral Stream suggested that we collaborate in a concert of your favorite choral pieces. With MPR’s nationwide outreach, listeners from all 50 states have sent in the names of their favorite choral pieces, and we look forward to presenting the top selections for you.

It is amazing to realize the hundreds of favorite choral pieces that exist, and fascinating to see which are the ones that rose to the top of the list. We look forward to sharing this great music with you—and perhaps surprising you with some of the choices!

I can say that there is nothing like choral music to lift your spirit and stir your soul, and that is why we are VocalEssence— since the Essence of what we present is Vocal!

Thanks for coming and for participating in this unique endeavor.

— Philip Brunelle Artistic Director and Founder, VocalEssence

ABOUT LISTENERS’ CHOICE LIVE My dear friend Philip sent me his own list of the Top 100 Choral Songs that a “traditional choral fan would love to hear.” I asked him to limit his list to a cappella works or pieces that could be performed just with piano accompaniment. We then turned to American Public Media’s nationwide classical listening audience and asked them to choose their top five choral works from the master list he provided. After a week of voting, we discovered our listeners’ Top 25 selections.

Today, we get to hear VocalEssence unveil the Top 15! I am thrilled about this performance and can’t wait for the rest of the greater choral community to hear them in our 2016 Choral Month Countdown Special. Now, as a favor to me, you have to keep what you heard today a secret. I know it will be hard not to rave about the glorious performances of VocalEssence, so when you do celebrate them, be sure not to name any songs. No spoilers, please!

Thanks for coming and for participating in this unique endeavor.

— Tesfa Wondemagegnehu Conductor of The Radio Choir from American Public Media and manager of APM’s Choral Works Initiative

BIOGRAPHY Tesfa Wondemagegnehu, conductor of The Radio Choir from American Public Media and manager of APM’s Choral Works Initiative, previously served as assistant artistic director of VocalEssence. As a high school teacher, he was named Orange County Public School’s Teacher of the Year and received the Macy’s National Magic of Teaching Award. He led his choirs in performances at state conventions of the American Choral Directors Association and the Florida Music Educators’ Association, and recently presented a clinic at the American Choral Directors Association National Conference. Tesfa is widely in demand as a guest conductor and lecturer. He has presented workshops and conducted honor choirs in Iowa, Florida, Tennessee, Ohio, Minnesota, Utah and Costa Rica. As a tenor soloist, he has performed in the United States and in Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Costa Rica under the batons of luminaries Krzysztof Penderecki, Dale Warland, André Thomas, Anton Armstrong, and Rodney Eichenberger. Tesfa has a Master of Music degree in choral conducting and vocal performance from Florida State University and a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance from the University of Memphis.

HAPPY HOUR

after Listeners’ Choice LIVE on Sunday, April 24, 2016

Great Waters Brewing Company 426 Saint Peter St., Saint Paul 2015-2016 Season

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ABOUT VOCALESSENCE The Mission of VocalEssence As a leading Minnesota arts organization, VocalEssence uses the power of choral music to enhance our community by producing innovative vocal music events that stir people’s souls.

Minneapolis-based VocalEssence has decades of history as one of the world’s premier choral music organizations.

Despite its global influence, VocalEssence has kept its focus local—consistently pioneering ways to strengthen Minnesota’s community through thrilling musical experiences. We engage people of all ages and cultures through innovative, enticing choral music programming, such as performing ensembles, school curricula, elder learning initiatives and advocacy projects.

Called “one of the irreplaceable music ensembles of our time” by Dana Gioia, past chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, our two performing groups—the Ensemble Singers (32 professionals) and the VocalEssence Chorus (90 volunteers)— are made up entirely of local residents.

VocalEssence is renowned for its innovative exploration of music for voices and instruments under the enthusiastic direction of Artistic Director and Founder Philip Brunelle. Each season, VocalEssence presents an eclectic series of concerts featuring the VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers and an array of guest soloists and instrumentalists.

VocalEssence was founded in 1969 as the Plymouth Music Series, an arts outreach program of Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis and incorporated as a separate 501(c)(3) non-profit in 1979. In 2002, the Plymouth Music Series changed its name to VocalEssence, capturing the essence of its mission to explore music for the human voice.

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 250 world premieres to date. The organization has received the ASCAP/ Chorus America Award for Adventurous Programming of Contemporary Music six times and has been honored with more Chorus America awards than any other ensemble nationwide, including the oncePage 34

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in-an-organizational-lifetime Margaret Hillis Achievement Award for Choral Excellence.

VocalEssence reaches into the community with programs that impact thousands of students, singers and composers every year. VocalEssence WITNESS celebrates the contributions of African Americans and ¡Cantaré! brings the talents of composers from Mexico into Minnesota classrooms. VocalEssence partners with the American Composers Forum to offer the annual Welcome Christmas Carol Contest.

At VocalEssence, we believe when we sing together, we succeed together. We invite you to be a part of it.

Philip is the recipient of the Weston H. Noble Lifetime Achievement Award, given by the North Central American Choral Directors Association; the F. Melius Christiansen Lifetime Achievement Award, American Choral Directors Association-Minnesota Chapter’s highest honor, and the Michael Korn Founder’s Award for Development of the Professional Choral Art, Chorus America’s highest lifetime achievement award.

Philip holds five honorary doctorates and has been recognized for his commitment to choral music by Norway (Commander of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit), the United Kingdom (Honorary Member of the Order of the British Empire), Hungary (Kodály Medal), Sweden (Royal Order of the Polar Star) and Mexico (Ohtli Recognition Award).

Philip Brunelle

Artistic Director and Founder

Philip Brunelle, artistic director and founder of VocalEssence, is an internationallyrenowned conductor, choral scholar and visionary. He has made his lifelong mission the promotion of choral art in all its forms, especially rarely heard works of the past and worthwhile new music.

Under his leadership, VocalEssence has commissioned more than 200 works to date. Philip has conducted symphonies (New York Philharmonic, Seattle Symphony, and Minnesota Orchestra among others) as well as choral festivals and operas on six continents. He is editor of two choral series for Boosey & Hawkes and chairman of the review committee for Walton Music. Philip is also OrganistChoirmaster at Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis.

Over the past decade Philip has been deeply involved with the International Federation for Choral Music (IFCM).

He served as president of the Sixth World Symposium on Choral Music, held in Minneapolis in 2002. He is a Vice President of the IFCM Board and served as Executive Director for the 2014 World Symposium on Choral Music in Seoul, South Korea. In 2017 he will serve as Artistic Advisor for the 2017 World Symposium in Barcelona, Spain.

G. Phillip Shoultz, III

Associate Conductor As associate conductor of VocalEssence, G. Phillip Shoultz, III serves as artistic leader for the VocalEssence WITNESS and ¡Cantaré! programs, rehearses with the Chorus and Ensemble Singers, and will conduct the 2015-2016 River Songs and Tales tour. This year, Phillip will work with the group parttime as he finishes his doctorate.

The winner of the 2015 National American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Graduate Conducting Competition, Phillip is pursuing a doctorate degree in conducting at the University of Minnesota where he conducts two choral ensembles. He sings professionally, adjudicates vocal festivals, and frequently appears as a guest clinician and workshop leader. He was awarded an F. Melius Christiansen Graduate Study Scholarship by the Minnesota chapter of ACDA, participated in the inaugural Weimar Bach Cantata Academy with Helmuth Rilling, and was selected as one of six Conducting Fellows for the 2015 Oregon Bach Festival.

Phillip is also director of music, worship, and the arts at Good Samaritan United Methodist Church.

Phillip earned degrees with high honors from the University of Georgia (B.A. and

B.M.) and Georgia State University (M.M.).

In Atlanta he was artistic director to an adult community choir (Gwinnett Choral Guild) and a youth organization (Atlanta Institute for Musicianship and Singing); founding director of the Georgia Young Men’s Ensemble, a part of the Grammy Award–winning Gwinnett Young Singers, and assistant director for the professional chamber choir Coro Vocati. Phillip’s work in public schools garnered school- and county-level Teacher of the Year honors on three occasions by separate organizations.

Mary Jo Gothmann

Accompanist

Mary Jo Gothmann, pianist, enjoys a varied career as a chamber musician, soloist, opera coach and organist. She is the founder and artistic director of the JOYA chamber music series at Zion Lutheran Church in Anoka. She has performed with the Chamber Music Society of Minnesota, Bakken Trio, Hill House Chamber Players, Music at Trinity, Colonial Chamber Music Series, Lakes Area Music Festival, JOYA, and the Taos Chamber Music Group. Mary Jo performs frequently with The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Minnesota Orchestra, and has appeared with EOS Orchestra in New York City and as piano soloist with the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra and the St. Paul Civic Orchestra. She has worked for some of the most prestigious opera companies in the United States, including the Metropolitan Opera, Santa Fe Opera, and Minnesota Opera and has performed recitals with singers from the Metropolitan Opera as well as with instrumentalists from many of the country’s major symphony orchestras.

Mary Jo is a graduate of the Metropolitan Opera Lindemann Young Artist Program, the University of Minnesota, New England Conservatory, and St. Olaf College.

VOCALESSENCE ENSEMBLE SINGERS

SOPRANO Sophie Amelkin Jennifer Bevington Amanda Inhofer Meghan Lowe Margaret Sabin Ann L. Schrooten Carolyn M. Steele JoAnna Swantek

ALTO Robin Joy Helgen Sadie Josephine Klar Marita J. Link Anna George Meek Judith McClain Melander Anna Mooy Erin Peters Sandra Schoenecker

TENOR Kevin L. Bailey Samuel J. Baker Chase Daniel Burkhart Anders Eckman Robert J. Graham Nicholas Mattsson William Pederson Jacob Watson

BASS Josh Conroy Joseph Ellickson Ryan LaBoy AJ Lund Eric G. Meyer Nathan PetersenKindem Michael P. Schmidt Robert C. Smith** **Board liaison

Minnesota is home to one of the truly international gems in choral music—the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers. This 32-voice professional chorus is a beloved national treasure that has been enjoyed by millions in Minnesota, around the country, and around the world. On their August 2014 Asia Pacific Tour, the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers traveled to Seoul, South Korea, to perform at the 10th World Symposium on Choral Music, then continued on to Shanghai and Nanjing, China, for more concerts.

The Ensemble Singers serve as the core of the larger VocalEssence Chorus, and returning members of the Ensemble Singers audition every year. The Ensemble Singers are renowned internationally, nationally and locally. They were featured at the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota and at the National Conference of the American Choral Directors Association in Dallas, Texas, where they received standing ovations for their performances of music by Mexican composers. They have been featured on A Prairie Home Companion, and last season performed the Midwest premiere of Jake Heggie’s choral opera, The Radio Hour; they also were the headliner for the Organization of American Kodály Educators National Conference.

SOPRANO

Sophie Amelkin, Having grown up between the southern United States and London, Sophie began her musical studies as an eager young piano student. Musical studies led her to find her true passion in the art and study of singing and stage performance. She received a B.M. Voice Performance from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington under the tutelage of Nancy King. She recently completed a Master’s in Music degree from the University of Minnesota under the tutelage of Jean del Santo. During her Master’s studies, Sophie sang the roles of Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro and Lapak in The Cunning Little Vixen. She has recently performed roles with Skylark Opera Company, appeared as a featured soloist with the Minnesota Oratorio Society, and works as choir director at White Bear Lake United Methodist Church.

Jennifer Bevington grew up playing the violin, studying both classical music and various styles of fiddling. She earned a bachelor’s degree at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, where she studied voice with Peter Halverson, played in the Concordia 2015-2016 Season

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Orchestra and sang in the Concordia Choir under the direction of René Clausen.

When she is not singing, Jennifer is teaching English at Champlin Park High School, spending time with her family and friends, and reading through the never-ending pile of books on her bedside table. This is Jennifer’s fourth season with VocalEssence.

Amanda Inhofer attended Luther College where she studied with Dr. David Judisch to earn her Bachelor of Music degree, then earned her MFA from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities studying with Dr. Wendy Zaro-Mullins. At UMN, she performed in numerous opera productions including the title role in Stravinsky’s Le Rossignol and Lulu Bains in the Minnesota premiere of Elmer Gantry. In addition to her full-time position at CMGRP in Bloomington, Mandy conducts the Parish Children’s Choir at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Medina. This is Mandy’s sixth season with VocalEssence.

Meghan Lowe recently graduated from the University of St. Thomas (UST) with a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in Music and an emphasis in Vocal Performance. She sang in the UST Chamber Singers Choir and was a soloist in the 2014 UST performances of Mozart’s Coronation Mass in C, Festival Orchestra Honors Concerts, and the Minnesota Mormon Chorale’s performance of “Lamb of God.” This past spring, she was pleased to join the MN Opera chorus in the performances of The Elixir of Love and Carmen. Meghan is joining VocalEssence for her first season.

Margaret Sabin is a vocal music teacher at Champlin Park High School and directs numerous choirs and ensembles throughout the year. Her choirs have commissioned and premiered several works and have brought local composers in to work with students. Margaret has taught in public schools in Hopkins, Iowa City, Iowa, and White Cloud, Michigan. She received her M.A. in choral conducting, literature and pedagogy from the University of Iowa and a B.A. in music education from Western Michigan University. With VocalEssence she has performed in two operas, Loss of Eden by Cary John Franklin and Barnum’s Bird by Libby Larsen.

Ann L. Schrooten is part of the artistic team of Angelica Cantanti Youth Choirs Page 36

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in Bloomington as director of Cantabile, a choir invited to appear at the 2014 ACDA-MN Fall Convention. She also directs children’s, youth, and handbell ensembles at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Ann is chair of repertoire and standards for Community Children’s Choirs and Youth Community Choirs for the Minnesota chapter of the American Choral Directors Association and is president of the Twin Cities chapter of Choristers Guild. Ann graduated from St. Olaf College and the University of Minnesota with degrees in Vocal Performance and Choral Conducting, has served churches in Sioux Falls and Minneapolis and has held sabbatical replacement positions at the University of Wisconsin in La Crosse and the University of St. Thomas.

Carolyn M. Steele is Worship Minister at Brunswick United Methodist Church in Crystal and has a degree in music education from Millikin University.

Carolyn was Director of Choral Activities at Marquette High School in Chesterfield, Missouri, before moving back to Minnesota. She has also taught in the Anoka-Hennepin and Minneapolis Public School Districts. Carolyn has been a member and featured soloist with the Bach Society of Saint Louis, Missouri, and was heard on annual Live from the Garden radio broadcasts and world premiere works. Carolyn has conducted the VocalEssence ¡Cantaré! Latino Children’s Choir and First United Methodist Church in Stillwater. She is a Sigma Alpha Iota National Collegiate Treasurer of the Year recipient and a Wilna Moffet Performance Award Winner.

JoAnna Swantek pursued her college education at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, as a Palmar Scholar in Vocal Performance. JoAnna works full time as a property manager with Bigos Management, Inc., teaches private vocal lessons, and is currently contracted as a part time vocal coach at the International School of Minnesota in Eden Prairie. JoAnna has sung in numerous choirs throughout Minnesota.

At age 16, she sang with the Lincoln Choir and was a featured soloist on the album Butterfly Songs—music written

by Jeanie-Brindley Barnett featuring poetry written by Holocaust victims of Terezin. She has sung with various

churches including Wayzata Community Church and has been a soloist for the Christian Science Church of Excelsior and Minneapolis, MN. Her passion for music has included musical theater productions, opera, and playing the cello with the Bemidji and Grand Forks symphonies.

ALTO

Robin Joy Helgen has sung with the Minnesota Opera and the Oregon Bach Festival Chorus with Helmuth Rilling.

She has a Bachelor of Arts in music education from Bethel University and has studied toward a master’s degree in Vocal Performance at the New England Conservatory of Music. Robin teaches voice at a studio in her home and at St. Olaf College. This is her seventh season with VocalEssence.

Sadie Josephine Klar received her Bachelors degree in vocal performance from the University of Minnesota, Morris.

She participated in both the university’s choirs and served as a section leader in the UMM Concert Choir. In the summer of 2014, Sadie studied voice and opera in Novafeltria, Italy under the direction of several coaches and professors from New York’s Mannes College and Manhattan School of Music through the program La Lingua della Lirica. She placed 2nd in her division for the 2014 finals of Minnesota’s NATS competition and has recently sung in many concerts and recitals as a soloist.

She looks forward to continuing her graduate studies in voice next fall.

Marita J. Link has sung in the Ensemble Singers most years since 1994, with solo assignments ranging from “Jenny Lind” to “Cow (White and Red).” She is a cantor and Gregorian chant schola director at St. Louis Church. Marita teaches voice lessons at the St. Paul Conservatory of Music, and holds a voice degree from Indiana University where she studied with Martha Lipton, Paul Elliott and Thomas Binkley. She also studied at Westminster Choir College. Marita appears regularly with early music ensembles of her own and others’ creation, including Ensemble Polaris and Virgin Ground. She has recorded on Naxos and Focus Records. She is an alumnus of the Interlochen arts camp and academy.

Anna George Meek has performed with the Dale Warland Singers, Silver Swan,

Magpies & Ravens, First Readings Project, and the Saint Paul Cathedral Choir, where she was a section leader. She studied voice and violin at the Yale School of Music and Peabody Conservatory. Also a professor of English and a nationally known poet, Anna has written three award-winning books and has received a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship for her writing.

This is her tenth season with VocalEssence.

Judith McClain Melander’s performing career includes Minnesota Opera, solo appearances with the Oratorio Society of Minnesota, regular engagements with the Center City Opera Company, and frequent recitals and recording projects. Judith is director of music at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, where she conducts the choir, serves as cantor and soloist, and occasionally plays the hammered dulcimer. Judith enjoys working with young musicians and teaches singing for StageCoach Theater Arts School and StageTime Studios, and music directs theater productions for Stages Theater in Hopkins, Saint Paul Academy, and Wayzata High School.

Anna Mooy has performed with the Dale Warland Singers and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir as both choral member and soloist. Performances with other organizations include the Minnesota Orchestra, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the Utah Symphony. She has judged Metropolitan Opera district auditions in Utah and North Dakota, has performed widely throughout the Midwest, the Rockies, and Hawaii, and has been on the voice faculties of St. Olaf College, Bemidji State University, Brigham Young University, Provo, and BYU Hawaii. Anna received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in voice from Brigham Young University and pursued doctoral studies at the University of Minnesota.

Erin Peters is on the music faculty at the University of Wisconsin Barron County and is section leader at the Cathedral of Saint Paul. Recent solo engagements include recitals at the Chalice Stream Studio and performances with the Red Cedar Symphony Orchestra. Erin has performed at venues including the Music Center at Strathmore in Maryland, and Lincoln Center in New York. She earned a Bachelor of Music degree in choral/ general music education, and a B.A. in English and violin performance from the Lawrence Conservatory of Music. Erin

has a Master of Music degree in music education and choral conducting from Ithaca College.

Sandra Schoenecker, a native of the Twin Cities, has performed with many local organizations including the Mill City Opera, Minnesota Opera, North Star Opera (now Skylark Opera), Theatre de la Jeune Lune, and the Gilbert and Sullivan Very Light Opera Company.

Sandra is an alto section leader and soloist at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis. She is also a private vocal instructor at Armstrong and Tartan High Schools and maintains a home studio to the delight (and sometimes consternation) of her cats, Chester and Ferguson. This is Sandra’s sixth season with VocalEssence.

TENOR

Kevin L. Bailey has a Bachelor of Music degree from St. Olaf College where he sang with the St. Olaf Choir under the direction of Dr. Kenneth Jennings. Kevin is a Senior Engineer at Fair Isaac Corporation in Roseville. This is his 15th season with VocalEssence.

Samuel J. Baker is in his first season with VocalEssence; he also sings as a section leader at Westminster Presbyterian Church and performs regularly with the University of Minnesota Opera Theater. Sam is in the first year of a doctoral program in opera performance at the University of Minnesota, and has performed several operatic roles including Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni, Schoolmaster in Cunning Little Vixen, Basilio in Marriage of Figaro, and Sam Polk in Susannah.

Chase Daniel Burkhart is an educator and creative music professional. He teaches at Field Middle School in Minneapolis, where he runs a dual music program directing both choir and guitar ensembles. He is also praise band director for contemporary worship services at North Presbyterian Church in North Saint Paul. Chase earned a bachelor’s degree in vocal music education at North Dakota State University (NDSU), where he studied under Dr. Michael Weber. He taught grades 6-12 choir and band at Northern Cass Public School in Hunter, North Dakota, as well as private guitar lessons at the NDSU Music Academy.

Anders Eckman has a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Gustavus Adolphus College and sang with the Gustavus Choir under the direction of Dr. Gregory Aune.

Anders is a corporate recruiter at Ameriprise Financial in Minneapolis.

His favorite VocalEssence production was William Bolcom’s Songs of Innocence and of Experience in 2007, though a close second would be when he was featured as the Western Union Boy in Benjamin Britten’s Paul Bunyan, in which Anders was required to sing a solo and ride a bicycle onstage—simultaneously! This is his tenth season with VocalEssence.

Robert J. Graham, a native of Minneapolis, is an active singer and conductor in the Twin Cities. He holds a Master of Music degree in both vocal performance and choral conducting from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, and a B.A. in vocal performance from Xavier University of Louisiana. Robert is also the Education Manager at VocalEssence, overseeing the WITNESS School Program, the Talented Tenth Apprentice Program and Vintage Voices.

He is a cantor and section leader of the adult choir at the Church of St. Patrick in Edina.

Nicholas Mattsson is a musician and educator who enjoys living in Minneapolis. After graduating from St. Olaf College with Bachelor’s degrees in Music and Chemistry, he began a Master’s program at Hamline University where he is currently completing a degree in education. Nicholas performs regularly around the Twin Cities – this summer he spent his time working with Westminster Presbyterian Church as a section leader and studying and performing with the Twin City Vocal Academy, directed by Gary Wilson. This is his tenth year performing with VocalEssence.

William Pederson has a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance from the University of Minnesota, where he studied with Clifton Ware, Glenda Maurice, and Wendy Zaro-Mullins. Along with being cantor/section leader at the Church of St. Louis King of France in Saint Paul, William has performed with the Minnesota Chorale, the Minnesota Bach Society, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra Chorale, Consortium Carissimi, and Ensemble Polaris. A Bach performer, 2015-2016 Season

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he has performed numerous cantatas throughout the Midwest, and has been featured as the Evangelist in the St. John Passion. William is library supervisor for the music library at the University of Minnesota.

Jacob Watson earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music and Management from Luther College in 2012. He was a member of the Luther College Nordic Choir for three years under the direction of Dr. Craig Arnold and Dr. Allen Hightower. This is Jake’s first season with VocalEssence. He has sung with The Singers MCA and is a section leader at Wayzata Community Church. He currently works as a tour consultant for Gateway Music Festivals and Tours, specializing in planning international performance tours for musical ensembles.

BASS

Josh Conroy is a recent transplant from the Fargo-Moorhead area in his first season with VocalEssence. There, he sang with the Concordia Choir directed

by René Clausen and performed in productions with Fargo-Moorhead Opera.

He studied voice with baritone Peter Halverson. Josh grew up with a passion for music, cantoring and singing in several church youth choirs, as well as playing the cello. He has been heard in a variety of musical theatre roles and other ensembles, including a cello quartet, and a jugband.

Joseph Ellickson is in his fourth season with VocalEssence. He sings with several other ensembles throughout the twin cities, including Magpies & Ravens, Silver Swan, and the Lord of Life Canticle Choir.

During the summer months, Joseph is a voice faculty member at the Performing Arts Institute of Wyoming seminary, both teaching high school students and acting as a soloist. His stage credits include the roles of Masetto in Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Norton in Rossini’s The Marriage Contract, and Orazio Prospero in Donizetti’s Viva la Mamma. Joseph holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Iowa and studies voice with George Smith.

Ryan LaBoy is an active singer, conductor and teaching artist throughout the Twin Cities. He recently earned a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from

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the University of Minnesota under the tutelage of Kathy Saltzman Romey and Matthew Mehaffey. He previously earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ. He serves as Founding Music Director of ComMUSICation— an El Sistema-inspired choral youth development program in Frogtown, St. Paul—and as Director of Youth Music at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Beyond the podium, he sings with MPLS (inPulse) under the direction of Samuel Grace, and is thrilled to join the baritone roster of VocalEssence this season.

AJ Lund holds a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal music education from St. Olaf College, where he was a member and soloist with the St. Olaf Choir, touring both domestically and internationally.

His performing background includes choral, theatrical, and solo performances in the Twin Cities, with groups including Magnum Chorum and Eat Street Players.

He teaches private voice lessons and works as a section leader at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Roseville. This is his first season with VocalEssence.

Eric G. Meyer has a bachelor’s degree in vocal music and a master’s in advocacy and political leadership from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. He has performed with the Lyric Opera of the North, Minnesota Opera, Minnesota Orchestra, and the Washington-Idaho Symphony. In 2015 he won second place in the Schubert Club’s Graduate Voice category. His other passions include documentary filmmaking and clean energy activism. Most recently he has combined these passions by singing arias about climate change at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris.

Nathan Petersen-Kindem has been active in the Twin Cities since 2003. He has appeared in productions with the Minnesota Opera, Skylark Opera and Theatre de la Jeune Lune. Most recently, he appeared with the Minnesota Bach Ensemble as soloist and chorister, and in a Liederabend collaboration with pianist Andrew Fleser. Nathan regularly performs as a soloist with several local orchestras and ensembles, including Minnesota Orchestra, Rochester Symphony Orchestra, Mississippi Valley Orchestra,

and Minnesota Youth Symphonies. In the choral realm, he is a section leader with the Minnesota Chorale and at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis. This is his first season with the Ensemble Singers.

Michael P. Schmidt has performed with many of the finest opera companies and orchestras in North and South America and Europe. Returning this season to the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers after a 15-year hiatus, he has served as a section leader for the Minnesota Chorale, Consortium Carissimi, and The Dale Warland Singers. Oratorio appearances include Brahms’ Requiem, Orff’s Carmina Burana, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, and Haydn’s Creation. Dr. Schmidt, was a Voices of Vienna Scholarship winner and Fellows Scholar at the University of Minnesota where he completed his DMA in voice, studying with the late Barbara Kierig.

Robert C. Smith has instrumental and vocal music degrees from Yale University, the University of Texas at Austin, and St. Olaf College, where he has been a member of the faculty since 1995. He teaches voice and vocal literature, and has directed the Early Music Singers. Robert has served on the faculties of the University of New Mexico, the Berkshire Choral Festival and the University of Vermont. He has been featured at the Aspen Festival, Madeira Bach Festival, Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, and Covent Garden Festival.

Robert was a member of the Santa Fe Desert Chorale and Música Antigua de Albuquerque, and has sung with the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers since 1996.

VOCALESSENCE CHORUS The VocalEssence Chorus is an exceptional group of talented, committed singers from many walks of life: doctors, lawyers, nurses, educators, homemakers, business people, and others. Most have college level or higher training in classical music and voice. Chorus auditions are held every spring, and returning members of the Chorus re-audition every two years.

SOPRANO Amanda Allen AnnaLisa Anderson Barbara Anderson Elizabeth Ashantiva Ali Biatek Hannah B. Bolt Judy Drobeck** Abigail Goerdt Kristina M. Guiffre Kartra Kohl KatiLee M. Larson Joy MacArthur Gina Marchetti Hannah Miller Leeja Miller Laura Myers Sophia Pechaty Christina Pederson Shira Rabkin Leah Refuerzo Cheryl E. Roberts Saunders Susan Scofield Jasmine Scott LeAnn Stein Katie Tonn

Jennifer Vickerman* Katie Yanike  ALTO Akosua Obou Addo Jo Michelle Beld Rebecca Bellman Becky Gaunt Yvonne Grover* Autumn Gurgel Beth Gusenius Marjorie Hakala Abbey Hanson Dee Hein Kristin Howlett Sally Jaffray Kirkja Anna Janson Jennifer Kisner Eva Klug Jeenee Lee Marta Lewis Sheri Lieffring Anita McColley Rebecca Modert Kristi Mueller Sam Phillippe

Brandee Polson Marty Raymond Signe Reistad Coral Sampson Mary Schultz Marcelyn Smale Johanna Smith Sandra Swami Laura Tanner Naomi Taylor Ruth Torkelson Cassandra Warn Linda Zelig  TENOR Steve Aggergaard Andrew Alness Lloyd Clausen Reagan Lee Michael Maiorana Nicholas Mroczek* Nathan Olson Jonathan Posthuma Spencer Rudolf Luke Slivinski Rabindra Tambyraja

BASS Robert Atendido Tim Graham Steven Halloin John R. Henrich Thomas M. Hollenhorst* Ward Jacobson Stephen Kemp Philip Lowry Walker MacSwain Milo Oien-Rochat David Olson Jonathan Pinkerton Brian D. Ruhl Peter Scholtz Eric Seifert William B. Smale Connor Smith Christopher Southard Trent Stenoien Matthew Terhaar

*Section leader **Board liaison

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DONOR SPOTLIGHT: Board Member Ann Farrell Brings Marketing, Musical Expertise to Choralia Role

‘Close to You,’ at age 2. I sang nonstop as a child, and learned to harmonize early with both my parents’ families, who loved to sing together.”

When, after 20 years on the agency side of the marketing industry in the Twin Cities, Ann Farrell became an independent marketing consultant, “the flexibility of freelance work allowed me to say ‘yes’ to a lot more opportunities in music,” said Ann, who launched Funeralsinger.com about eight years ago and joined the VocalEssence Board of Directors in 2014.

Ann played piano, oboe, and bassoon in school, “but my true love has always been choral music,” she said. “My high school voice instructor armed me with several arias that leveraged me into a vocal scholarship” to Drury College.

While most people are curious about her specialization in funeral performances, Ann said, “for me, to sing for a family during their time of grief and loss, to provide something beautiful for them and to help them honor their loved one through the power of song is particularly satisfying.” She has accumulated a collection of service programs and resources to aid in the planning of musical selections and more, sharing poems, scriptures, readings and other ideas to personalize memorial services. “It’s become a bit of a ministry,” said Ann, “and families are always very grateful.”

Ann also provides vocal coaching for students in her home studio and sings with several choral groups including LeagueAires and her church choir.

Championing VocalEssence Choralia

Recently, both facets of Ann Farrell’s professional life—marketing and music—have dovetailed nicely in her role as co-chair for the VocalEssence Choralia planning committee.

“Ann is an incredibly dedicated supporter of VocalEssence. Her leadership as a co-chair for the Choralia planning committee has inspired and invigorated the committee to make this one of the best events we’ve ever done,” said Elissa Weller, grants and special events manager at VocalEssence. “We’re so fortunate to have her leading the charge!”

‘My true love has always been choral music’

Ann’s journey with VocalEssence began many years ago, as VocalEssence Artistic Director Philip Brunelle “had a way of always getting my family involved with attending his performances, galas and events. With my background and love for all music, I easily became hooked,” she admitted. Her favorite VocalEssence experience is one she sums up in two words, “Eric Whitacre,” referencing the sold-out Eric Whitacre Extravaganza concert in 2009 that included the VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers, the St. Olaf Choir and the Minnesota High School Honors Choir.

But long before that Ann had discovered her love of singing. “My mother still has a recording of my first song, The Carpenters’

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In sharing why choral music is important not just to her, but for everyone, Ann borrows a quote from John Rutter: “Choral music is not one of life’s frills. It’s something that goes to the very heart of our humanity, our sense of community, and our souls. You express, when you sing, your soul in song. And when you get together with a group of other singers, it becomes more than the sum of the parts. All of those people are pouring out their hearts and souls in perfect harmony, which is kind of an emblem for what we need in this world, when so much of the world is at odds with itself … that just to express, in symbolic terms, what it’s like when human beings are in harmony. That’s a lesson for our times and for all time. I profoundly believe that.”

‘VocalEssence has evolved and innovated’

The addition of new programs including VocalEssence Vintage Voices, which fosters the creation of choirs in assisted living communities and senior centers, along with programming that introduces the Twin Cities to first-rate artists from around the globe shows how VocalEssence continues to transform and transcend as a leading arts organization, says Ann.

“It’s impressive how VocalEssence has evolved and innovated over the years to address the needs of the community, engaging all ages and cultures,” said Ann. “It’s not just about entertainment and performance, it’s interactivity, education and advocacy. I support music in the Twin Cities because people need to be transported from their human condition from time to time. It’s healthy.”

DONORS THE ENDOWMENT HONOR ROLL VocalEssence salutes the individuals and corporate and private foundations whose generosity and leadership sparked the creation of the Endowment Fund.

This permanent fund was established in 1987 and is now valued at $3 million. Its interest income provides ongoing support to VocalEssence. We welcome new contributions to the Endowment Fund and extend our deepest appreciation to the following for their generous gifts.

Mrs. Fred C. Andersen* Athwin Foundation Carol A. Barnett Alice Baver* Ronald and Joyce Beauchane Warren and Donna Beck Judson Bemis Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Judy Blaseg and John Engelen Charlie Boone and Carol Heen William and Margee Bracken David Brink Lucile Brink Wayne and Marilyn* Brock Elise Brunelle and Jeremy Greeff Philip and Carolyn Brunelle Ann and David* Buran Norman R. Carpenter Cole Sewell Corporation Claire Colliander and Greg Steenson Colwell Industries Kip and Kathy Colwell Community Credit Company Dr. Susan and Dick Crockett Thomas Davies* Target Stores, Dayton’s and Mervyn’s by the Dayton Hudson Foundation Ernest and Mary Dorn Dan Dressen Katherine and Kent Eklund Exxon Corporation Jack and Cathy Farrell Robert B. Fering Gloria Freeman General Mills Foundation Robert* and Katherine Goodale Marion Goward Susan and Barry Graceman Shelley Greenwood Jane D. and James L.* Hall Margarette and Charles Hann Terrance* and Ruth* Hanold David and Mim Hanson Ann G. Harding Louise Heffelfinger Lowell and Cay Shea Hellervik Jack and Linda Hoeschler HRK Foundation A.D. (Bill)* and Betty* Hulings Douglas and Mary Jones William* and Suzanne Joyce Arthur and Martha Kaemmer Katherine B. Andersen Fund of The Saint Paul Foundation

Garrison Keillor James* and Jane Riley-Koll Daniel and Constance Kunin Libby Larsen and James Reece Helmer* and Christine Larson Laura Jane Musser Fund Mary Sue Lindsay* Jean and Kenneth Linwick Patricia Lund* Herb and Corrine Lundberg Thomas* and Patti* Maetzold The MAHADH Fund of HRK Foundation Marbrook Foundation Kay and Mike McCarthy Walt McCarthy and Clara Ueland Mancel* and Harriet* Mitchell Peter and Judy Mitchelson William and Julie Moyer Elizabeth Musser* Nash Foundation National Endowment for the Arts Glen and Marilyn Carlson Nelson Alice Park Newman* Jeanne and Richard Patterson Donald* and Helen* Pellowe The Pine Wood Trust Harry Piper Foundation Jill and Richard Ragatz Burt Ross* Shelly Ross* Thomas and Lois Sando Michael and Shirley Santoro Sandra and Ivan* Schloff Richard and Kit Schmoker Ellen* and George J. Schulte John* and Marion Etzwiler Shepherd Star Tribune/Cowles Media Company Richard* and Vivian Stuck Bill and Bryce* TenBroek Richard and Rosemary Thorsen Lynn and Carol Truesdell Jim Ulland Ruth and David Waterbury Doris A. Welty-Bury* Dorene and Alan Wernke Carl A. Weyerhaeuser Trust Frederick T. Weyerhaeuser Trust John Wheelihan E.M.* and Patricia* Whitacre Mrs. W. A. Wilson Bruce* and JoAnn* Winslow Karen and John Wolff

CONTRIBUTOR’S CIRCLE VocalEssence gratefully acknowledges all those who made gifts between July 1, 2014 and December 31, 2015. Although we make every effort to ensure that our Honor Roll list is accurate and complete, we are capable of error.

Please let us know if your name does not appear the way you prefer so we may correct it in the next program listing. Please call us at 612-547-1473 to make a correction.

Thank you!

±

+ *

Includes Matching Gift Contributions Includes In-Kind Donations In Remembrance

ENSEMBLE CLUB Gifts of $25,000 and more Katherine B. Andersen Fund of The Saint Paul Foundation Philip and Carolyn Brunelle Bush Foundation The Carlson Family Foundation Delta Air Lines, Inc. General Mills Foundation ± Louise Heffelfinger Jerome Foundation Art and Martha Kaemmer Fund of HRK Foundation MAHADH Fund of HRK Foundation Kay and Mike McCarthy The McKnight Foundation The Medtronic Foundation ± Minnesota Monthly + Minnesota State Arts Board National Endowment for the Arts Sit Investment Associates Inc. Target Corporation Travelers Foundation Gifts of $10,000-$24,999 Best Buy Foundation Brand Tool Box + Greg and Lisa Buck Jerome and Linda Carlson City of Saint Paul Cultural STAR Charles and Kathryn Cunningham Family Foundation Charles M. Denny, Jr. & Carol E. Denny* Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation Goodale Family Foundation Grotto Foundation Hellervik Fund of The Saint Paul Foundation Hognander Family Foundation of The Minneapolis Foundation The Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation Lucy R. Jones N. Judge* and Reatha Clark King Family Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Land O’Lakes Foundation Alfred P. & Ann M. Moore Piper Family Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Piper Jaffray & Co. ± Sons of Norway + Thrivent Financial ± Unisys + The Wallin Foundation Wenger Foundation Xcel Energy ± Gifts of $5,000-$9,999 Mary Ann Aufderheide Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation Warren and Donna Beck Will and Margee Bracken John and Cathy Farrell David and Margene Fox

Anna M. Heilmaier Foundation Jack & Linda Hoeschler Fund of The Saint Paul Foundation Charlie and Anne Leck The Mauriel Family Foundation Judy and Peter Mitchelson Philip and Katherine Nason Fund of The Saint Paul Foundation Paul and Abigail Pribbenow Lois Quam R C Lilly Foundation RBC Wealth Management George Reid Leland T. Lynch and Terry Saario Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Hervé and Jennifer Sarteau Thomson Reuters ± Twin Cities Opera Guild Alan and Dorene Wernke Gifts of $2,500-$4,999 Albrecht Family Foundation Baker Investments LLC + Ann Barkelew and Jim O’Hagan John and Sheila Bjorklund Roma Calatayud-Stocks and Thomas Stocks Dr. Susan and Dick Crockett Cy and Paula DeCosse Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation ExxonMobil Foundation ± Wayne and Meg Gisslen Ossie Brooks James Barbara Koch Ronald and Nicolai Lewis matched by Xcel Energy Philip and Madeleine Lowry Alvin and Mary Agnes McQuinn New Music USA James and Sonja Odland matched by Thrivent Financial Douglas and Mary Platt Kathryn Roberts and Jim Hiniker Rochester Area Foundation Roseville Area Community Foundation Sue Shepard and Don Helgeson Don Shelby Swedish Council of America Lynn and Carol Truesdell Virgil Thomson Foundation Ltd. Jenny Wade Cody and Jacob Wolkowitz Mike and Donna Wolsted Angus and Margaret Wurtele Gifts of $1,000-$2,499 Anonymous Kristine and Tor Aasheim Ameriprise Financial ± Quentin and Mary Anderson Arts Midwest Nancy Azzam Ronald and Joyce Beauchane Debra Sit* and Peter Berge Goeta Goetz Bird Thomas* and Nicky Carpenter Kenneth and Karen Charles Bruce and Ann Christensen John and Joan Colwell Kip and Kathy Colwell Tom and Phyllis Colwell Consulado de Mexico en Saint Paul +

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Jon Cranney and Katherine Ferrand Betty Jayne Dahlberg Dan Dressen and Elizabeth Comeaux Jamie Flaws Adriana Alvarez Vlasek and Rick Ford David and Rosemary Good Susan and Barry Graceman Jane Dayton Hall Charles and Margarette Hann Bill Hodder Bill Hueg and Hella Mears Hueg The John and Ruth Huss Fund of The Saint Paul Foundation Douglas and Mary Jones Vivian and Mary Jones Joe and Cathy Kalkman Margaret V. and E. Robert* Kinney John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Kohl’s Daniel and Constance Kunin Libby Larsen and James Reece Don and Joann Leavenworth Edward and Patricia Lindell Walt McCarthy and Clara Ueland Robert and Polly McCrea Minnesota Center China David and Linda Mona David E. and Judy L. Myers Glen and Marilyn Carlson Nelson Susan Nicol Kristen and Terry O’Brien Richard and Jeanne Patterson Peravid Foundation Remele Family Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Laura and Mike Robinson Robert and Sharon Ryan Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation Jim and Julia Samartini Estelle Quinn Sell Fred and Gloria Sewell Gale Sharpe Craig and Mariana Shulstad matched by General Mills Louis and Mary Kay Smith Family Foundation Arturo Steely Cherie Stofer Joanne Von Blon Andy and Katrina Wallmeyer Wells Fargo Foundation Minnesota Thomas Hunt and John Wheelihan Carl* and Barbara White David K. Whitney Gifts of $500-$999 Aajo Design + Steve Aggergaard and Lana Rosario Meredith B. Alden Woodbury and Cynthia Andrews Anton E. Armstrong, D.M.A. Jo Beld and Tim Delmont Madeline Betsch James Bohn and Linda Zelig Penny Bond and Chuck Grimsrud Elise G. Brunelle and Jeremy Greeff David* and Ann Buran Annabelle Bush Mary Lou Judd Carpenter Norman R. and Janet Carpenter Ted and Carol Cushmore Family Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Bill and Ruth Davini

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Dominick and Nancy Driano Steve and Judy Drobeck matched by Medtronic Milt and Jana Edgren Ralph and Debbie Estes Caron & Floyd Farmer Jerry* and Cathie Fischer Jack and Terry Forsythe Wini Hed H. Thomas and Mary Heller David O. and Kristine Henderson Tom and Christine Hermanson Walter and Judith Hinck Phil and Laura Holst Doug and Kerry Hoverson, Saint Thomas Academy matched by Ameriprise Financial Robert S. and Patricia A. Hoyt Robert and Sigrid Johnson Sharon A. Johnson Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies ± Michael Knoll Glenn and Kartra Kohl Chuck and Jill Koosmann Mark and Susan Larson J. Thomas and Helen Lockhart John Overton and Ann Lowry Malcolm and Patricia McDonald Joyce & Richard McFarland Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Patricia Mitchell Mary Morton Betty Myers Karla and Peter Myers Gerald and Andrea Nelson John Nuechterlein Glenn Olsen and Barbara HagerOlsen Alan Onberg Joan B. Parsons John and Barbara Rice The Richey Family Charitable Fund Bob and Barbara Ross David and Ann Smith Ruth Spiegel and Brad McNaught Brent Stahl and Ellen Engstrom LeAnn Stein and Jack Stamp Stinson Leonard Street LLP ± Frank Stubbs and Tom Lee matched by Blue Cross Blue Shield Richard* and Vivian Stuck Vern Sutton Gedney* and Emily Anne Tuttle Paul and Elissa Weller Dr. Preston & Sharon Williams Wilson and Gayle Graham Yates Zabin Charitable Fund at the Boston Foundation

CHORUS CLUB Gifts of $250-$499 Anonymous 3M Foundation ± American Composers Forum William* and Suzanne Ammerman Baillon Family Foundation, Inc. Michael Barone Mary K. Baumann and Will Hopkins Blue Cross Blue Shield ± Jane and Gene Borochoff

Carol Brandenburg Family Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Traci V. Bransford Christopher Brunelle and Serena Zabin Dorene J. Bruns Steve and Karen Burger Russ Bursch and Lee Mauk David and Wendy Coggins Ernest and Mary Dorn Joe and Lois West Duffy The Gabriel Foundation, Byron Egeland Kent and Katherine Eklund Jerry and Kathleen Erickson Marion Etzwiler Gerald Foley Gloria Freeman Ryan and Jenny French Dr. Stanley M. & Luella G. Goldberg Robert Graham Yvonne Grover Ken and Suanne Hallberg Jim and Elaine Halls Dee and Wilfried Hein matched by U.S.Bancorp John and Robin Helgen Katie Henrichsen Thomas Hollenhorst Thelma Hunter* Harry and Lila Jacob Michael and Bonnie Jorgensen Jan and Tom Kilton Diana Lee Lucker Sarah Lutman and Robert Rudolph Ray and Elsie Martin Jan Mattox Kimberly D. Meisten Barbara Moore Kristi Mueller Nick Nash and Karen Lundholm Fran and Patti Neir Robert Davidian and Rick Nelson Lois Nyman Dr. & Mrs. Ahmad Orandi Michael and Margaret O’Sullivan Sandra Overland Phyllis Palmer Paul* and Virginia Pfeiffer Jackie Prince Marty and David Raymond Lisa Reed John Haugen and Alicia Reeves matched by Johnson & Johnson Gary and Pam Reierson Brian D. and Barbara Ruhl David and Patricia Runkle Robert L. Lee and Mary E. Schaffner Paul and Camille Schroeder Bryan and Jennie Smith Carol Christine Southward Patricia Starks-Faggétt Bill and Sara Stout Susan Stuart and David Nelson* Rob Tambyraja Parker and Albert Trostel U.S. Bancorp Foundation ± Jennifer Vickerman and Ramala Shelton matched by Thrivent Financial Clifton and Bettye Ware RADM & Mrs. Ray C. Witter Gifts of $100-$249 Anonymous

Mary Adair and Gerald Jorgenson matched by General Mills Akosua Addo Christian and Barbara Anderson Joyce L. Anderson Kathryn Hagen and Tom Anderson Rolan and Muriel* Anderson Scott Appelwick and Ed Sootsman Jen Arkema Max and Stacey Athorn Kay and Ron Bach Walter and Ginger Bailey Dick and Debbie Bancroft Carol Barnett and John Tartaglia Janet Bartels and Phillip Bohl Bruce W. and Paula M. Becker Carol and Jeff Belz Vera Benzel Roy and Nadine Berg Scott Berger Yaroslav Billy Steven and Pam Bjoraker David and Diane Blake Judy Blaseg and John Engelen Gary Surdel and Karen Bohn Dr. Max and Jane Boller Paul and Mayva Boranian Lynn Bowe and Charles Kuivinen Mary Bowman Norlin and Carole Boyum Ardell F. Brede Lucile Adams Brink Henry A. Bromelkamp Company Thomas and Barbara Brown Paul and Jane Brunelle Mike and Susan Burnett Uri and Melissa Camarena Norman and Brenda Canedy Mary Kaye Carlson Chris and Julie Causey Judith A. Christensen David and Joan Ciminski Jack and Ann Cole Janet Colliton David Colwell Douglas and Julie Craven Ed and Betsy Cussler Catherine Davies W. Brooks Donald and Karen MacKenzie Byron Douglass Thomas and Elizabeth Drought Elizabeth and Larry Drumm Stephen Dunn and Vickie Sanders Dunn Reg and Janet Dupre Dave Durenberger and Susan Foote Anders Eckman matched by Ameriprise Financial Linda Eckman Ray Elwell Hope Esparolini Jason and Jessica Etten Roger and Roxanne Ezell Norma Jean Falink and Henry Smith Frank Fallon Brian and Ann Farrell Randall Ferguson John and Priscilla Folin Paul Folin Sarah Garis Thomas Gifford Tom and Carol Gilkey John* and Lynn Goodwyne

Alan and Stephanie Gordon Jerald Graetz Kathleen Grammer Autumn Gurgel Mike and Jane Hagedorn Richard and Sandra Haines Rodney and Mary Hale Ann Hansen A. Stuart and Gail Hanson Dob and Janis Hardy Jack and Grace Harkness William Heier John and Sarah Henrich Lee and Liz Hickerson Arthur and Donna Hogenson Dr. Spencer and Nancy Holmes John and Carole Humphrey Karen A. and Charles W. Humphrey David Hunter IBM Corporation ± Mandy Inhofer Sally Jaffray Dave and Kara Johnson Lowell and Andrea Johnson Mary Johnson Ted and Amy Johnson matched by Ameriprise Financial Bill* and Suzanne Joyce Robert and Jeanne Koller Claire Kolmodin and John Carstens Ben and Alanna Kucera Joni Kurland Paul A. Laederach Richard Langer Mark and Susan Le Feber Jeenee Lee Tom and Jeanne LeFevere LeRoy Lehr and Veronica Reed Diana J. Leland Jeffrey and Ingrid LeMunyon Michael and Diane Levy Marta Lewis Sheri Lieffring Cotty Lowry and Laurie Jacobi Bob and Jan Lubar Christine Lund Tom and Margie Lundberg Charles and Hertha Lutz Michael MacDougal Gary and Renee Macomber Shirley Maier Ben Manning James Mansfield and Carol Epp Abby and Donald Marier Jim and Sally Martineau Tim and Louise Matson Hubert and Midge McCloy Mary Bigelow McMillan Thomas and Judith McClain Melander Joseph and Joy Michel David and Karen Minge Michael and Rosanne Monten Susan Moores Elizabeth Murray Mason and Gwen Myers David and Karen Nasby Penny Needham Richard and Nancy Nelson Paul and Deb Nevin Terence and Caroll Niewolny Donald and Gerda Nightingale Bruce and Diane Nimmer Sarah and Tim O’Brien Kevin Odegard

Milo Oien-Rochat Michael and Kathleen O’Keefe matched by Medtronic Daniel and Vicki Olson Jim and Karen Olson Paul Olson and Mark Baumgartner Marston Ronald Opel and Karen Newstrom Joseph and Clara Osowski Nancy Pajunen Thomas and Janet Payne Victor and Dinorah Pechaty Bill Pederson Nicholas Peter matched by the Pohlad Family Foundation Lois and DeWayne Petersen Pohlad Family Foundation ± Brandee Polson Joseph and Ann Pugliese Brad and Linda Quarderer Sharon Radman James and Susan Ramlet Tim and Molly Rancourt Lois Rand William and Barbara Read Marc and Mary Ann Renner Russ and Kathy Rhode Keith Rodli and Katharine Grant Bonnie Rolstad Jack and Marilyn Rossmann Margaret and Matthew Sabin Kay and Peter Sammond Kathryn Sandahl Michael and Shirley Santoro Randall Sayers Stephen and Sharli Schaitberger Sandra Schoenecker Raymond and Leola Schreurs Ann Schrooten and Dawn Wieczorek Jeff Rabkin and Susan Scofield Roger and Carol Sheldon Phillip and Michelle Shoultz Mark and Mary Sigmond Janice Sigmund and Michael Jereczek Ella Slade William and Marcelyn Smale Joan Smith Lowery and Mary Ann Smith Robert C. Smith Terry and Cynthia Smith Ronald Sorensen Curt and Louise Speller Charles Stanhope Glenn and Mary Steinke Judy Orr Stinson Glenda and Richard Struthers William H. Stump Dick and Sally Sundberg Marilyn J. Sundberg Thomas and Arlene* Swain Timothy C. Takach and Jocelyn Hagen Judy Takkunen Laura and Matt Tanner Missy Thompson and Gar Hargens John H. Sandbo and D. Jean Thomson Ruth Torkelson Dianne Tuff Charles and Holly Ulrich Kurtis and Cindy Ulrich Martin and Kathryn Urberg

Ben and Deb Vander Kooi Ronald and Carol Vantine Helen Ver Hoeven Dale and Ruth Warland David and Ruth Waterbury William and Jo Ellen Waterman Jim Waters and Jackie Henning Steve and Kathy Wellington John Westrom Ted and Nancy Weyerhaeuser Kathryn Williamson Craig and Linda Wilson Kent and Missy Wilson John and Theresa Wise William and Judy Wise Patricia Hable Zastrow Phil and Susan Zietlow Gifts up to $99 Anonymous Andrew Alness Amazon Smile AnnaLisa Anderson Gordon and Dorothea Anderson Mark and Judi Anderson Richard O. Anderson, MD Linda Aronson Robert Atendido Valeska Bachauer Dolores and Donald Badger Kevin Bailey and Ken Kieffer Warren Turner and Carla Bailey Scott and Martha Baron Karen Barstad Rebecca Bellman Barbara Braman Bentson Linda Bergherr Barb Berquam Jennifer Bevington Tom Blanck and Linda Bjorklund Steve Blank Chadburn Blomquist James E. Bobb Hannah Bolt and Levi Comstock Brian and Claudia Boysen Karen Boyum Mark and Jo Brekken Jones Adkins and Julie Brown David and Patti Bruflodt Tim Brunelle John Shepard and Suzanne Brust Nicholas Budden Ginny Buran and Dwayne Cody Terry Burford Robert and Bridget Burke Nancy and Michael Carr Claudia Carson Rick and Sarah Cedergren Mary Anne Chalkley Barbara Chase Kent and Marilyn Christensen Karen Christenson Larry Christiansen matched by The Saint Paul Foundation Thomas and Susan Christiansen Lloyd Clausen Dick and Val Cohn Marion Colliander Lori Jo and Mike Colwell Katryn Conlin Thomas Crampton Susan G. Crawford David and Sue Crockett

Junette Dale Gerald and Frances Davis Catherine Day Jennifer DesLauriers Knop Janelle Disrud Elizabeth Dokken Lauren Donley Len and Susan Druskin Donald Eddy Richard and Carol Eick Ed* and Judy Eilertsen Susan Eilertsen Joseph Ellickson Lavonne Ellingson Michelle Eng Karen Esbjornson Geneva S. Eschweiler Jerry Eyler Myron Ferris Mark and Sarah Fincham Pamela Flenniken Brendan Foote matched by Ameriprise Financial Rick and Katie Fournier Sally French Roger and Michele Frisch Becky Gaunt Pat and Heidi George Paul and Mona Gerike Kristina M. Guiffre Curt and Elizabeth Gumbrell James and Laurie Hacking Marjorie Hakala Loretta Hansen Tor and Sunny Hansen Abbey Hanson William and Lydia Haugen Alex and Kiel Hausler Lisa Svac Hawks Michelle Hayes Norton and Mary Hintz Sandra K. Hirsh Sharon L. Hodge Mark and Ellie Hodkinson Theodore and Linda Holsten Susan Holt David and Meredith Homans April Horne Bill and Julie Howard Dr. Gordon and Nita Howell Jean Howell Kristin Howlett Laura Hoyt Lisa Hughes Ward Jacobson and Stephanie Johnson Allison Jensen Dean Jensen David and Karen Johnson Gary Johnson and Joan Hershbell Hannah Johnson James P. Johnson JoAnn Johnson and Abby Brogden Josie R. Johnson Lauren Johnson Mark Johnson Susan Johnson Kenneth and Patricia Kangas Jeanne Kavanaugh Mayland Neil and Micki Kay Tracey Kayoum Richard* and Connie Keller Stephen Kemp Charles Kemper

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Jean Kennedy Karen and Clinton Kennedy Anika Kildegaard Tim Killeen Bill and Jan Kimes Anthony Kiorpes and Farrel Rich Ted and Jenny Kisner Sandra Klapperich Eva Klug Natalia Kojanova and Igor Kozhanov John Kulstad and Elizabeth Mayotte Margaret B. LaFleur Laurel Lapore Heidi Larson John and Laurie Larson Elaine H. Lee Reagan Lee Theodore and Kathryn Lee Benta LeMunyon Elaine Leonard Harry Lerner and Sandra Davis Jon and Lisa Lewis Marita and Brian Link Allan and Jackie Lotsberg AJ Lund Judy Lund Richard Lussky Joy MacArthur and Sarah Cohn Gustavo Mancilla Robert Margolis Char and Paul Mason Mary Lou Mathison Pete Mattson Pamela Raquel Mayorga Tellez Thomas and Barbara McClellan Eleanor Mears Anna George Meek and Matt Gladue Velia Melrose Pat Mentone Laurie Merz Bob Metzger Carol J. Miller Marion Dwyer Miller Carl and Luana Mitchell Rebecca and Keith Modert Judith Morgan Nick Mroczek Thomas Murray Jim and Merilu Narum Ruth Ann Norrick Donald* and Beverly Norris Susan O. Nyhammer Sheridan and Holly O’Keefe David Olson Laura Olson Marri M. Oskam Katherine Panciera Warren and Patty Park Raymond and Judith Pascoe Eric and Christina Pederson Karin Perry Erin and Kevin Peters Nathan Peterson-Kindem Samantha Phillippe Felix and Ann Phillips Jonathan Pinkerton and Julia Rice Philip Plumbo Sally B. Polk John and Anne Polta Julie and Leslie Prahl Virginia Puzak Quality Bicycle Products ± Wayne and Deanna Qualley Siegfried and Ann Rabie

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Paul Ramsour David and Judy Ranheim Cherie Reiter Kathleen Richards Carol Richter Jane Riley-Koll Brian Roberts Stuart Ronkainen Laurel Rose Gary and Denise Rudolf Jake Runestad Susan Runge Karen Ryss Mel and Irene Sahyun The Saint Paul Foundation ± Coral Sampson Karen Sandberg Nadine Sanders Thomas and Lois Sando Ann M. Sather and Jeffrey Stone Georgie Saumweber Cheryl Saunders Julie Schlueter Rachel Schmidt Peter Scholtz Eric and Mary Claire Schultz Mary Schultz Jasmine Scott Craig Seacotte Gary Seim and Lee Pfannmuller Frank and Lynda Sharbrough Lacy Shelby Luke and Jennifer Slivinski Daniel Sola and Lucie Paynick Carolyn J. Steele Suzanne Stennes-Rogness Jim and Sharon Stoebner Annie Sundberg Ward Green and Sandra Swami Evelyn Swanson and Marjorie Ramgren JoAnna Swantek Naomi Taylor Josiah and Heidi Telschow Bill and Bryce* TenBroek Bob Thacker Dianne A. Thompson Kenneth and Barbara Tiede Eileen M. Troseth Jonathan Tschiggfrie Paul and Bette Vandersteen Elaine B. Walker Jennifer Wallis Michael Walsh and Maureen Kucera-Walsh Cassandra Warn James Leslie and Lynnanne Warren Sally Waterman Mary Sue Weir Joe and Jennifer Weismann Kenneth and Barbara Weldon Robert Wetzler Dwight S. Williams Alex and Marguerite Wilson Michael Winikoff John and Sylvia Winkelman Mary J. Wise Tesfa Wondemagegnehu M. Wycoff Katie Yanike Larry and Katherine Youngblood Cameron and Ellen Zebrun Reid Mortensen and Sue Zemlin Christian Zepeda Donna Zitur

SPECIAL TRIBUTES VocalEssence is honored by the many gifts received in remembrance, appreciation and celebration of friends and family.

The following tributes were made between July 1, 2014 and December 31, 2015. If you wish to make a gift in tribute, please call 612-547-1473.

In honor of Bill and Sue Ammerman Glenn and Kartra Kohl In honor of Ella and Ruby Anderson Karen Barstad In memory of Muriel Anderson Mark and Susan Larson In honor of the marriage of Kevin Bailey and Ken Kieffer Maggie and Matt Sabin In honor of Ann Barkelew Dominick and Nancy Driano In honor of Ann Barkelew’s 80th Birthday Dick and Debbie Bancroft Gary Surdel and Karen Bohn Ann Buran Douglas and Julie Craven Dominick and Nancy Driano Judy Eilertsen Ron Weiss and Susan Eilertsen Sally French Theodore and Linda Holsten Sue and Dave Lee Lisa Hawks Susan Moores S. Walter and Paula Richey Craig and Mariana Shulstad Susan Stuart Thomas Swain Bob Thacker Dianne Thompson Missy Thompson and Gar Hargens Michael Walsh and Maureen Kucera-Walsh In memory of Gerald M. Baumann and Catherine E. Baumann Mary K. Baumann and Will Hopkins In memory of Wolodymyr Billy Yaroslav Billy In memory of Ralph E. Black James Bobb In honor of Philip Brunelle Carolyn Brunelle Alan and Stephanie Gordon Peter and Kay Sammond Robert Wetzler In honor of Philip Brunelle’s birthday John and Joan Colwell

In honor of Philip & Carolyn Brunelle’s 50th wedding anniversary John and Joan Colwell In remembrance of David Buran Mary Adair and Gerald Jorgenson Mark and Judi Anderson Woody and Cynthia Andrews Mary Ann Aufderheide Nancy Azzam Ann Barkelew and Jim O’Hagan Carol Barnett and John Tartaglia John and Sheila Bjorklund Max and Jane Boller Will and Margee Bracken Paul and Jane Brunelle Philip and Carolyn Brunelle Ginny Buran and Dwayne Cody Russ Bursch and Lee Mauk Uri and Melissa Camarena Norman and Brenda Canedy Mary Lou Judd Carpenter Norm and Janet Carpenter Chris and Julie Causey Kent and Marilyn Christensen Thomas and Susan Christiansen Jack and Ann Cole John and Joan Colwell Dick and Suzie Crockett Charles and Kathy Cunningham Catherine Davies Thomas and Elizabeth Drought Len and Susan Druskin Cathie Fischer Paul Folin Tom and Carol Gilkey Stanley and Luella Goldberg Alan and Stephanie Gordon Kathleen Grammer Tom Anderson and Kathryn Hagen Ken and Suanne Hallberg Margarette and Charles Hann A. Stuart and Gail Hanson Dob and Janis Hardy Norton and Mary Hintz Bill Hodder Spencer and Nancy Holmes Gordon and Nita Howell Pat and Bob Hoyt Thomas Hunt and John Wheelihan Bob and Sig Johnson Doug and Mary Jones Vivian and Mary Jones Suzanne Joyce Neil and Micki Kay Sandra Klapperich Robert and Jeanne Koller Claire Kolmodin and John Carstens Paul Laederach Mark and Susan Larson LeRoy Lehr and Veronica Reed Harry Lerner and Sandra Davis James Leslie and Lynnanne Warren Michael and Diane Levy Allan and Jackie Lotsberg Bob and Jan Lubar Donald and Diana Lee Lucker Michael MacDougal Mary Lou Mathison Tim and Louise Matson Kay and Mike McCarthy Bob and Polly McCrea Dick and Joyce McFarland Laurie Merz

David and Karen Minge Mary Morton David and Judy Myers Mason and Gwen Myers Penny Needham Robert Davidian and Rick Nelson Susan Nicol Beverly Norris Susan and Herbie Nyhammer Paul Olson and Mark Baumgartner Phyllis Palmer Joan Parsons Dick and Jeanne Patterson Felix and Ann Phillips Sally Polk John and Anne Polta David and Judy Ranheim Dennis and Ellen Rau Lisa Reed John Haugen and Alicia Reeves Johanna Robles Jim and Julia Samartini Peter and Kay Sammond Coral Sampson Michael and Shirley Santoro Hervé and Jennifer Sarteau Eric and Mary Claire Schultz Estelle Quinn Sell Fred and Gloria Sewell Gale Sharpe Mark and Mary Sigmond Jan Sigmund and Michael Jereczek Arturo Steely Cherie Stofer Bill and Sara Stout Vivian Stuck Vern Sutton Bill TenBroek Jean Thomson and John Sandbo Ken and Barbara Tiede Elaine Walker Dale and Ruth Warland Steve and Kathy Wellington Dorene and Alan Wernke Barbara White Kent and Missy Wilson Wilson and Gayle Graham Yates Larry and Katherine Youngblood Al and Judy Zabin In remembrance of Cynthia Colwell Connie Keller Karin Perry Vivian Stuck Donna Zitur In remembrance of Thurston H. Davini Bill and Ruth Davini In honor of Fr. Henry Doyle Kathleen Richards In honor of Mary Moore Easter Sue Shepard and Don Helgeson In remembrance of Edwin Eilertsen Ann Barkelew and Jim O’Hagan In memory of Dagny Hofslund Feil Roger and Michele Frisch In remembrance of Gerald B. Fischer Philip and Carolyn Brunelle Ann Buran

Cathie Fischer Bob and Sig Johnson In honor of Marlene and Tom Frankson Anonymous In memory of Melvin Gay Gerald and Frances Davis In remembrance of Elsie H. Goetz Goeta Goetz Bird In remembrance of Dr. Robert Goodale Ann Buran In remembrance of Lauretta Graetz Jerald Graetz In honor of Rhianda Gregg Brian and Barbara Ruhl In remembrance of Joyce Gustafson Philip and Carolyn Brunelle Ann Buran John and Joan Colwell Susan Nicol In honor of David and Beverley Heggen John and Robin Helgen In honor of John R. Henrich Sarah Henrich In memory of Sue Doran Herber Doug and Mary Jones In honor of Benjamin L. Hooks Tesfa Wondemagegnehu In memory of Martha Hughes Karen Ryss In remembrance of Thelma Hunter Philip and Carolyn Brunelle Ann Buran In honor of the marriage of Jerry Johnson and Larry Montan Mary Ann Aufderheide Kevin Bailey and Ken Kieffer Scott and Martha Baron Jim Bohn and Linda Zelig Chris Brunelle and Serena Zabin Steve and Karen Burger Steve and Judy Drobeck Sarah Garis Paul and Mona Gerike Mary Johnson Susan Johnson Karen and Clinton Kennedy Jennifer DesLauriers Knop Glen and Marilyn Carlson Nelson Brian Roberts Maggie and Matt Sabin Kathryn Sandahl Carolyn and Mike Steele Frank Stubbs and Tom Lee Paul and Elissa Weller Dr. Preston and Sharon Williams A tip of our “collective” hats to thank Sigrid Johnson for her dedication and special attention to our chorus!

AnnaLisa Anderson

Kartra Kohl Philip Lowry David Olson Brian Ruhl Ann Schrooten LeAnn Stein In memory of George Jonaitis Rachel Schmidt In honor of Vivian and Mary Jones Nancy Azzam In honor of Art and Martha Kaemmer Bob Lee and Mary Schaffner In remembrance of N. Judge King Reatha Clark King In honor of Helen Klink Glenn and Kartra Kohl In honor of Annaka and Emily Larson John and Laurie Larson

In memory of Violet T. Ramsour Paul Ramsour In remembrance of Jud Reaney John and Carole Humphrey Tom and Jeanne LeFevere W. Brooks Donald and Karen MacKenzie In memory of Joyce Reed, Choral Director William and Barbara Read In memory of Ruth Saurwein Ruth Ann Norrick In memory of June Scofield Jeff Rabkin and Susan Scofield In honor of G. Phillip Shoultz, III Jennifer Vickerman In remembrance of Debra Ann Sit Pete and Judy Mitchelson

In memory of Margaret Larson John and Joan Colwell

In honor of Gransons Quintin Smidzik and Corbin Smidzik David and Ann Smith

In remembrance of Claire Leeds Cameron and Ellen Zebrun

In honor of Henry Charles Smith Norma Jean Falink

In remembrance of Audrey MacArthur David and Patti Bruflodt Joy MacArthur and Sarah Cohn

In honor of LeAnn Stein Jack Stamp

In honor of Michael John Mauriel’s 50th John and Mary Anne Mauriel In honor of Kimberly Meisten Paul D. Olson Congratulations to Nick Nash and Karen Lundholm on their marriage Philip and Carolyn Brunelle In remembrance of Irene Nelson Philip and Carolyn Brunelle Dale and Ruth Warland

In memory of Alta Stoebner Jim and Sharon Stoebner In remembrance of Bryce TenBroek Ann Buran In honor of Tommy, Ethan, Tyler and Benni Brian and Barbara Ruhl In memory of Delephene Troseth Eileen Troseth In honor of the VocalEssence Staff Kimberly D. Meisten

In remembrance of Judy Nelson Ann Buran John and Joan Colwell Bob and Sig Johnson Mark and Susan Larson

In memory of Clifford Thomas Weir Mary Sue Weir

In remembrance of Barbara P. Odegard Kevin Odegard

In remembrance of Carl W. White Alan and Stephanie Gordon Barbara White

In remembrance of Bonnevieve M. Opel Ron Opel and Karen Newstrom

In remembrance of Lyle and LaVerne Zastrow Jim Bohn and Linda Zelig Steve and Judy Drobeck David and Karen Johnson Patricia Zastrow

In memory of Miriam Lindeman Parsons Janet Colliton

In memory of Mary and Doug Wendler Lauren Johnson

In remembrance of Stephen Paulus Allan and Jackie Lotsberg Michael Winikoff In honor of Marianne Protzner Pat and Heidi George

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Our new Senior Minister Carla J. Bailey

Plymouth Church in Minneapolis Worship with us Sundays—9:50 First Service especially for families & 10:30 Sanctuary Service Plymouth Congregational ChurCh Philip Brunelle, Organist and Choirmaster Proud to be the home of VocalEssence 1900 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis 612/871-7400 www.plymouth.org Find us on Facebook and Twitter

Tune in to Classical Minnesota Public Radio or stream online at classicalmpr.org, where you can also listen to our 24/7 choral-music stream.

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MAKE A SPECIAL TRIBUTE!

Looking for the perfect birthday/holiday/memorial gift?

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For more information, contact: info@vocalessence.org 612-547-1451

2015-2016 Season

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