Affirm Black joy and resilience
| MUSIC MOVES US 2021-2022 SEASON
VOCALESSENCE
CONTENTS
1900 Nicollet Avenue Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403 612-547-1451 vocalessence.org
CONCERT: WITNESS: REJOICE!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
VocalEssence is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
THANK YOU, VOCALESSENCE SUPPORTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
facebook.com/vocalessence twitter.com/vocalessencemn linkedin.com/company/vocalessence youtube.com/vocalessence instagram.com/vocalessencemn
PLEASE NOTE: • Concerts will be recorded for broadcast—please help us keep the performance space quiet. Take a moment now to check that all cell phones, paging devices, wristwatch alarms, and the like are turned off before the concert begins. Thank you. • Out of respect for the performers and the music creators, please refrain from using cameras or other recording devices during the performance. • VocalEssence documents its concerts and events through audio and video. As a ticket holder to this event, you consent to use your likeness, without compensation, in any or all media. Please contact info@vocalessence.org with questions. • Student and group discounts are available for most VocalEssence concerts. Half-price tickets are available to students (ages 6-18 and college) with a student ID. Groups of 10 or more save 15% on tickets. • Minimum age to attend VocalEssence concerts is six years, except for special concerts that are designated as open to all ages. • Accessible seating is available at all of our concert venues. However, some of our facilities do not have elevator access to the balcony level. Please make your needs known when you order tickets. • Not able to attend? Your tickets can be donated, exchanged, or refunded. If you decide to donate your tickets, VocalEssence is happy to send you a receipt for your tax-deductible contribution. (VocalEssence subscribers may call 612-371-5642 to request free ticket exchanges and lost ticket replacement.) • 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.
Page 2
2021-2022 Season
ABOUT VOCALESSENCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
LIFETIME DIRECTORS
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
David Myers President
Mary Ann Aufderheide Executive Director
Nancy F. Nelson Treasurer
Ann Barkelew Ann Buran Art Kaemmer Nikki Lewis Mike McCarthy Dave Mona Dorene Wernke
Daniel Fernelius Secretary
HONORARY DIRECTORS
Torrie Allen Vice President
Mary Ann Aufderheide Philip Brunelle Cassidy McCrea Burns Barbara Burwell Margaret Chutich Martha Driessen Cassie Garnett Carolina Gustafson R.J. Heckman Valton Henderson Daniel Kantor Lisa Lewis Paul McDonough Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed Fred Moore Richard Neuner Kristen Hoeschler O’Brien Jim Odland Joanne Reeck Don Shelby Jeff Smith Kristina Rodel Sorum Tim Takach Rabindra Tambyraja
Dominick Argento* William Bolcom Dave Brubeck* Aaron Copland* Håkan Hagegård Louise Heffelfinger* Eskil Hemberg* Betty Hulings* Sigrid Johnson James Earl Jones Garrison Keillor Donald Mitchell* Helmuth Rilling John Rutter Peter Schickele Dr. André J. Thomas Eric Whitacre *In remembrance
ARTISTIC STAFF Philip Brunelle Artistic Director and Founder G. Phillip Shoultz, III Associate Artistic Director Mary Jo Gothmann Accompanist
Azure Anderson Executive Assistant Jeff Bina Director of Finance and Operations Rhiannon Fiskradatz Learning and Engagement Manager | Social Media Storyteller Robert Graham Learning and Engagement Manager | Conductor, Vintage Voices Laura Holst Development and Marketing Associate Ethan Johnson Director of Artistic Operations Amanda Timmer Director of Marketing and Communications Elissa Weller Director of Development
2021-2022 SEASON SPECIAL THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT OF THIS CONCERT Madeline Betsch James and Mary Gilbert Lawrence Sue Shepard and Don Helgeson John and Mary Anne Mauriel Doug and Mary Platt
WITNESS: REJOICE! FEATURING: The Aeolians of Oakwood University VocalEssence Chorus VocalEssence Singers Of This Age Frankie McGinnis, Jr., piano Mary Jo Gothmann, piano Jason Max Ferdinand, conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III, conductor
SPECIAL THANKS Cheryl Saunders Joseph Osowski St. Michael Albertville High School Newtrax Southview Seventh Day Adventist Church Westwood Lutheran Church
2021-2022 SEASON SPONSORS
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
2021-2022 Season
Page 3
WELCOME
PROGRAM
Friends, we have “so many reasons to rejoice” as we celebrate thirty-two years of WITNESS. Welcome to you all! In 1991, when Artistic Director and Founder Philip Brunelle decided to honor Black History month with a concert dedicated to bringing greater visibility and awareness to the music of composers from the African diaspora, not even he could have predicted the profound and lasting impact that decision would have.
VocalEssence Chorus and Singers Of This Age
VocalEssence WITNESS celebrates the outstanding contributions the Black community makes to our shared cultural heritage through concerts, conversations, recitals, workshops, and programming in churches, community centers, and schools throughout the metropolitan region. Each year, with the help of our phenomenal roster of Teaching Artists, thousands of students participate in interactive workshops based on a curated theme which highlights Black brilliance, past and present, and illuminates our role in making today’s society more equitable for all. This is truly a reason to rejoice!
Come By Here
So Many Reasons to Rejoice
arr. Kyle Pederson
Eddie Robinson, arr. Brandon Waddles
VocalEssence Singers Of This Age
Avulekile Amasango (The Gates of Heaven)
Traditional South African
I Choose Love
Mark Miller
Veni Sancte Spiritus (Come, Holy Spirit) Stand Up from Harriet
Zanaida Robles
Cynthia Erivo and Joshuah Brian Campbell
The Aeolians of Oakwood University Zion’s Walls
When Memory Fades
arr. William L. Dawson arr. Eric Nelson
I’ve Got a Song No Color There Is a Balm in Gilead
Combined Choirs
I Sing Because I’m Happy
Colin Lett Shawn Kirchner and Stacey Gibbs arr. William L. Dawson Charles H. Gabriel, arr. Rollo Dilworth
Now, I invite you to sit back and soak in the joy-filled sounds of our community coming together in song. As you listen, I encourage you to follow the artist statement that is included with the texts and translations for a richer experience with our journey together. I trust that you will leave Orchestra Hall with the inspiration to bring more love, more equity, more cooperation, and more joy into our world! —G. Phillip Shoultz, III, Associate Artistic Director
Page 4
2021-2022 Season
Photo ©Adja Gildersleve
I’m thrilled that we have the privilege of sharing the stage with an ensemble that I’ve watched blossom into a transformational force over the past fourteen years. Under the direction of Jason Max Ferdinand, the Aeolians were named the “2017 Choir of the World” at the World Choir Games and we are delighted to host them for their first appearance in Minnesota! I’ve admired Jason’s work for many years and am so grateful for our friendship and this opportunity to make music together.
TEXTS AND ARTISTIC NOTES Artistic Notes written by G. Phillip Shoultz, III, with thanks to Kyle Pederson, Jason Max Ferdinand, Boosey and Hawkes, Hal Leonard, and MorningStar Music Publishing for information shared in these notes. After enduring the last two years of pandemic life, bringing so much anxiety, grief, loss, and trauma into our lives, I felt it was especially important that this year’s VocalEssence WITNESS concert be life-giving. Each of us needs opportunities to soak up beauty and goodness, ways to refill our reservoir so that healing can begin from within, thus affording us renewed capacity to share compassion, kindness, and understanding with our fellow human siblings. It is my sincere hope that in this concert, you will find both refuge and joy as we affirm the Black experience with powerful spirituals, toe-tapping gospel, and choral symphonic masterworks. Our concert opens with an invitation. Kum Ba Ya (also known as Come By Here) is a song of enslaved Africans with origins in the Sea Islands off the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina. In Kum Ba Ya, we call out—inviting the creative and life-giving force to meet us in our time of need. It’s an acknowledgement that life’s journey was meant to be traveled in community—that I AM because WE ARE— Ubuntu. I chose this particular arrangement of Come By Here by our dear friend Kyle Pederson because of the way he clearly articulates that in all our circumstances—joy, grief, rising, falling, living, and dying, God is there with us, working towards wholeness and healing. COME BY HERE arr. Kyle Pederson Come by here, my Lord, come by here. O Lord, come by here. Someone’s praying, Lord, come by here. O Lord, come by here. Someone’s crying, Lord, come by here. O Lord, come by here. In the morning, Lord, you are here. In the evening, Lord, you are here. In my waking, Lord, you are here. In my sleeping, Lord, you are here. In my pleading, Lord, you are here. In my waiting, caring, blessing, Lord, you are here. In my loving, hoping, grieving, you are here. In my longing, falling, hiding, rising, healing, aching, laughing, praising, seeking, finding, breathing, dying, Lord, you are here. Come by here, my Lord, come by here. O Lord, you are here. —African American spiritual with additional lyrics by Kyle Pederson
From here we move to the song which inspired tonight’s theme, So Many Reasons to Rejoice as arranged by Morehouse College alumnus Brandon Waddles. As we sing of all the ways God intercedes and makes a way out of no way, we are compelled to live in gratitude. And, for the first time of the evening, all of our singers—The Aeolians, VocalEssence Chorus and Singers Of This Age—share the stage together as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. SO MANY REASONS TO REJOICE Eddie A. Robinson, arr. Brandon Waddles Delivered out of darkness Into the Kingdom of his Son, Forgiven of my sins, and redeemed through his blood. Oh yes! I have so many reasons to rejoice! He woke me up this morning And he started me on my way; he gave me health and strength, let me see another day. Oh yes! I have so many reasons to rejoice! —Eddie A. Robinson The young artists of VocalEssence Singers Of This Age begin their set by sharing a rendition of Avulekile Amasango, a beautiful South African song sung at weddings, funerals, graduations… in celebration and in grief. Then we present our call to embrace the beloved community through an embodied presentation of Mark Miller’s I Choose Love, which was written in memory of the victims of the Mother Emmanuel AME mass murder. AVULEKILE AMASANGO (THE GATES OF HEAVEN) Traditional South African Sung in Zulu The gates of heaven have opened. We have come out of great tribulation. We have been set free. Amen. —Traditional South African I CHOOSE LOVE Mark Miller In the midst of pain, I choose love. In the midst of pain, sorrow falling down like rain, I await the sun again, I choose love. In the midst of war, I choose peace. In the midst of war, hate and anger keeping score, I will seek the good once more, I choose peace. When my world falls down, I will rise. When my world falls down, explanations can’t be found, I will climb to holy ground, I will rise. 2021-2022 Season
Page 5
In the midst of pain, I choose love. In the midst of pain, sorrow falling down like rain, I await the sun again, I choose love. —Lindy Thompson VENI SANCTE SPIRITUS (COME HOLY SPIRIT) Zanaida Robles Sung in Latin Come, thou Holy Spirit, come, And from thy celestial home Shed a ray of light divine; Come, thou Father of the poor, Come, thou source of all our store, Come, within our hearts to shine. Thou of comforters the best, Thou the soul’s most welcome guest, Sweet refreshment here below; In our labor rest most sweet, Grateful coolness in the heat, Solace in the midst of woe. Come, Holy Spirit. Send from heaven thy rays of light. O most blessèd Light divine, Shine within these hearts of thine, And our inmost being fill; Where thou art not, we hath naught, Nothing good in deed or thought, Nothing free from taint of ill. —poetic translation by Edward Caswall
Early in the mornin’ Before the sun begins to shine We’re gonna start movin’ Towards that separating line I’m wadin’ through muddy waters You know I got a made up mind And I don’t mind if I lose any blood on the way to salvation And I’ll fight with the strength that I got until I die Refrain: And I know what’s around the bend Might be hard to face ‘cause I’m alone And I just might fail But Lord knows I tried Sure as stars fill up the sky Refrain: I go to prepare a place for you —Cynthia Erivo and Joshuah Brian Campbell The Aeolians open their set with an iconic arrangement of Zion’s Walls by the legendary director of the Tuskegee Institute (now University) choirs. William Dawson’s settings of spirituals have been sung by choirs around the world for many years. When Memory Fades is based on Mary Louise Bringle’s comforting text that invites us to embrace the disruptions of dementia with love, patience, and gratitude. Colin Lett is a rising star in the choral and ministerial worlds, and his new rendition of I Got a Song is sure to have you singing along in your seats. No Color is an impassioned call to embrace difference, a unique collaboration between two well-established American composers, Stacey Gibbs and Shawn Kirchner, who identify with different cultural backgrounds. This set closes with Dawson’s soul stirring rendition of There is a Balm in Gilead that is sure to warm your heart.
STAND UP from Harriet Cynthia Erivo and Joshuah Brian Campbell
ZION’S WALLS arr. William L. Dawson
I been walkin’ with my face turned to the sun Weight on my shoulders a bullet in my gun Oh, I got eyes in the back of my head just in case I have to run I do what I can when I can while I can for my people While the clouds roll back and the stars fill the night
Refrain: Great day! Great day, the righteous marching; Great day! God’s going to build up Zion’s walls! Great day! Great day, the righteous marching; Great day! God’s going to build up Zion’s walls!
Refrain That’s when I’m gonna stand up Take my people with me Together we are going To a brand new home Far across the river Can you hear freedom calling? Calling me to answer Gonna keep on keepin’ on I can feel it in my bones
This is the day of jubilee, God’s going to build up Zion’s walls! The Lord has set His people free, God’s going to build up Zion’s walls! Refrain:
Page 6
2021-2022 Season
I’m born of God, I know I am, God’s going to build up Zion’s walls! I’ve been redeemed by the dying lamb. God’s going to build up Zion’s walls! Refrain: —Traditional Negro spiritual
WHEN MEMORY FADES arr. Eric Nelson
NO COLOR Stacey V. Gibbs and Shawn Kirchner
When memory fades and recognition falters, When eyes we love grow dim, and minds, confused, Speak to our souls of love that never alters; Speak to our hearts by pain and fear abused.
No color can come between us, No shade to be thrown, No tone be taken to demean us, No hue of hate to shown, No color, no shade, no tone; Let me be transparent with you
O God of life and healing peace, empower us With patient courage, by your grace infused. As frailness grows and youthful strengths diminish In weary arms that worked their earnest fill, Your aging servants labor now to finish Their earthly tasks, as fits your mystery’s will. We grieve their waning, yet rejoice, believing Your arms, unwearied shall uphold us still. Within your Spirit, goodness lives unfading. The past and future mingle into one. All joys remain, unshadowed light pervading. No valued deed will ever be undone. Your mind enfolds all finite acts and offerings. Held in your heart, our deathless life is won! When memory fades and recognition falters, Your arms unwearied, shall uphold us still. —Mary Louise Bringle I’VE GOT A SONG Colin Lett I got a song that the angels can’t sing! God gave me a song that the angels can’t sing! Oh, I been washed in the blood of the Lamb! Well, now, if you don’t believe I been redeemed, Just follow me down to the Jordan stream. Well, it chilled my body, but not my soul. I am redeemed! Yes! Bought with a price! Oh yes, the blood has changed my whole life! And if anybody asks you just who I am, Just tell them that I am redeemed! —Colin Lett
Whose history is whose? Who’s walking in whose shoes? Who’s making whose rules? Who’s learning in whose schools? Whose history, whose shoes, whose rules? Let me be transparent with you. More love is our intention, Stop—did we forget to mention that We are more alike than we are different? United we take a stand, Ignited with hand in hand, To build a band of harmony. No time to wait, don’t hesitate! Within me there’s a love so strong, Within me there’s a hope to belong, Within me there’s a fire to right all wrongs. Within me there’s a love to share, Within me there’s a need to care, Within my heart is a risk to dare. —Stacey V. Gibbs and Shawn Kirchner THERE IS A BALM IN GILEAD arr. William L. Dawson Refrain: There is a Balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole, there is a Balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul. Sometimes I feel discouraged and think my work’s in vain, but then the Holy Spirit revives my soul again. Refrain: If you cannot sing like angels, if you cannot preach like Paul, you can tell the love of Jesus, and say, He died for all. Refrain: —Traditional Negro spiritual How do you close a concert like this? Well, I believe you bring all the singers on stage together to proudly proclaim “I’m so happy, yes I am! For His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.” Being from Georgia (the state of champions), I grew up listening to the Georgia Mass Choir and Kenneth Paden’s gospel interpretation of Charles Gabriel’s hymn, His eye is on the Sparrow, which has always resonated with me. I cannot think of a better way to go back into the world to affirm Black brilliance, Black joy, Black lives, and our many reasons to rejoice.
2021-2022 Season
Page 7
BIOGRAPHIES I SING BECAUSE I’M HAPPY Charles H. Gabriel, adapt. Rollo Dilworth I sing because I’m happy; I sing because I’m free. For His eye is on the sparrow And I know He watches me. I’m so happy, yes! I’m so happy, yes I am! —Civilla D. Martin
RHYTHM SECTION COMBO KEYBOARD Sam Reeves
THE AEOLIANS
BASS GUITAR Erik Yates DRUMS Brian Kendrick
WITNESS ADVISORY COUNCIL Martha Arradondo Torrie Allen Stanley Brown Tazha Buckner James Burroughs Eric Clark Ashley Dubose Jacob Gayle Valton Henderson, co-chair Tricia Kaufman Reatha Clark King Kevin Lindsey Laverne McCartney Knighton Rhoda Miriphiri-Reed Maria Mitchell Philomena Morrissey Satre Amanda Norman Jonathan Palmer Chadwick Phillips Joanne Reeck Sharon Smith-Akinsanya Lezlie Taylor George Thompson
Page 8
2021-2022 Season
The Aeolians of Oakwood University was originally organized in 1946 by the late Dr. Eva B. Dykes. Since its inception, the choir has traveled widely, touching the hearts of both young and old with their inspirational singing. Aeolian concerts present a repertoire of choral music which ranges from the Baroque era to the twentieth century. Moreover, the Aeolians is an authoritative exponent of Negro spirituals and work songs which express the yearnings of our forefathers to be free. They have won a host of awards including World Choir Games Spirituals Champions, Four-Peat Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Choir of the Year and Choir of the World Champions 2017.
JASON MAX FERDINAND
Jason Max Ferdinand, Professor – Conductor – Composer – Speaker, is the founding artistic director of The Jason Max Ferdinand Singers: An Ensemble of Exceptional Talents, and is director of choral activities, chair of the music department, and a full professor at Oakwood University, where he conducts the Aeolians of Oakwood University. He is a published author and composer with GIA Publications, featuring the book Teaching with Heart: Tools for Addressing Societal Challenges Through Music, and The Jason Max Ferdinand Choral Series (Walton Music). He maintains an active schedule as a guest conductor and lecturer at schools, universities, churches, and choral festivals and conferences, domestic and international.
ABOUT VOCALESSENCE For more than five decades, VocalEssence has provided opportunities for singers from the Twin Cities area to create incredible music together and build connections as part of the vibrant arts community in Minnesota. VocalEssence is known for introducing audiences to music and artists who are not yet known, often welcoming guest artists, composers, and conductors who are emerging, have unknown works, or represent a variety of cultures. Welcoming all members of the greater community, VocalEssence embodies the motto: Together We Sing. PHILIP BRUNELLE Artistic Director and Founder Philip Brunelle, artistic director and founder of VocalEssence 53 years ago, is an internationally-renowned conductor, choral scholar, and visionary. Philip has conducted symphonies, choral festivals, and operas on six continents. He holds five honorary degrees, served 9 years as Vice President of IFCM (International Federation for Choral Music), and has been recognized for his commitment to choral music by the governments of Norway, Hungary, Sweden, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. In 2019, he was awarded the American Prize in Choral Conducting and, in 2020, was given the Honorary Member Award by the Society for American Music. Philip is also Organist-Choirmaster at Plymouth Congregational Church, Minneapolis. During the pandemic Philip recorded almost 300 “Musical Moments” which can be accessed at https://www.vocalessence.org/what-we-do/virtual-projects/musical-moments-with-philip-brunelle/ and his thoughts on music are at RenaissanceManpodcast.com. http://vocalessence.org/ philipbrunelle
G. PHILLIP SHOULTZ, III Associate Artistic Director G. Phillip Shoultz, III, associate artistic director, uses the power of the spoken word and song to foster community and inspire action among people of all ages and abilities. Phillip conducts festival choirs and leads workshops across the United States and beyond. He serves on the faculty of the University of St. Thomas and guides the ministries of worship, music, and the arts at Westwood Lutheran Church. The Minnesota Orchestra regularly engages Phillip to host their Young People’s Concerts and his online presence continues to grow as his pandemic livestream, Take 5 with GPS, rapidly approaches the 450 episode milestone. The winner of numerous honors, including the ACDA Graduate Conducting Competition and multiple Teacher of the Year awards, Phillip founded “Table for More” in the summer of 2020 to help organizations address issues related to innovation, equity, and belonging in the arts. Phillip lives in St. Louis Park with his wife, Michelle, and their two children (Malachi and Lydia Grace). MARY JO GOTHMANN Accompanist Mary Jo Gothmann joined VocalEssence as staff accompanist in 2015. She enjoys a varied career as a chamber musician, soloist, opera coach, and organist. Mary Jo performs frequently with the Minnesota Orchestra and Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and is a graduate of Metropolitan Opera Lindemann Young Artist Program, University of Minnesota, New England Conservatory, and St. Olaf College. Mary Jo is the founder and Artistic Director of the Joya Chamber Music Series at Zion Lutheran Church in Anoka.
THANK YOU FOR JOINING US! What did you think? Share your voice—scan the QR code to take our survey. 2021-2022 Season
Page 9
Photo © Bruce Silcox
VOCALESSENCE ENSEMBLE SINGERS
Photo © Bruce Silcox
VOCALESSENCE CHORUS
The VocalEssence Chorus is a group of talented and enthusiastic singers from many different walks of life, united by their love of singing and community. Performing a wide variety of musical styles, premiering new works, and sharing the stage with a diverse array of guest artists, the Chorus is a welcome home for singers who wish to continue making music throughout their adult lives.
The VocalEssence Ensemble Singers have established an international reputation because of their extensive catalog of recordings and broad range of unique repertoire. This chamber choir, whose members hail from a wide variety of professions, is bound together by their skilled artistry to create what The Times of London has described as a “flawless” sound.
SOPRANO AnnaLisa Anderson Madison Asher Jessica Belt Corey Cellurale Lorinda Chagnon Cassidy Coats Jennica Date Judy Drobeck Kristina Guiffre Becca Hovsepian Sally Jaffray Sara Jane Koste Joy MacArthur Lisa Moncur Ashley Nicksic Christina Pederson Sigrid Redpath Alexa Rosenbaum Cheryl Saunders Emma Schlabach Susan Scofield LeAnn Stein Abbie Sulik Dana Terres Melanie Tlusty Amanda Troolin Jen Vickerman Laura Walket Jacobsen Carole Whitney Laura Williams Dannika Wright
VOCALESSENCE VINTAGE VOICES
ALTO Akosua Addo Johanna Beaupre
Page 10
Jo Beld Katelyn Belden Marjorie Hakala Johanna Hamilton Meg Hanna Dee Hein Grace Herbertz Jessica Laven Johnson Jeenee Lee Kristi Mueller Elizabeth Neuenfeldt Ana Lucía Piedrahita Fernandez Marty Raymond Miriam Sahouani Katie Sandsmark Erin Sandsmark Lisa Schalla Sydney Schoeberle Forrest Schrader Sandra Swami Cassidy Sykes Laura Tanner Cat Terres Allie Wigley TENOR Steve Aggergaard Jason Bendezu Larry Brandts Justin Clark Ryan Coopergard Ben Demaree Charlie Hill Luke Holifield Reagan Lee
2021-2022 Season
Owen Metzger Kurtis Parlin Thomas Sasdi Rabindra Tambyraja† Barry Tikalsky Justin Vanni BASS Robert Atendido Haskel Black David Erickson Evan Kelly Jordan Kiffmeyer Jacob Koshiol Ben Kucera Mike LaFleur Daniel Lightfoot Noah Lucas William Marrujo Ken McGurran Nick Mroczek Declan O’Higgins Milo Oien-Rochat David Olson Ron Pearson Brian Ruhl Anthony Sims Trent Stenoien Matthew Terhaar Dave Toht Will Wiedenhoeft † Board liaison
VocalEssence Vintage Voices is an exciting choral program that integrates the arts into the everyday lives of older adults. Guided by a desire to create a welcoming atmosphere and remove barriers for participation, these choirs sing to build community, combat loneliness and isolation, and improve physical and emotional wellbeing.
Photo © Kyndell Harkness
VOCALESSENCE SINGERS OF THIS AGE
The VocalEssence Singers Of This Age (VESOTA) is a community of Twin Cities high schoolers engaged in expanding what it means to be a choir and encouraging a wider circle of participation in the artform. Presenting music ranging from classical to hip-hop, they use creativity and collaboration to build an accepting community, equipped with the skills to lead social change in our society. Acacia Johnstone Anna Olivarez Dani Bickham Dede Jones Drew Fischer Ella Wright Emi Sisson Erin Tetter Ethan Cheng
Guadalupe Dimayuga Isa Benegas Izzie Bogie Jadesola (Ghost) Olatunde Jerilyn Moya-Hypolite Joshua Hoffman Josh Sabin Kaija Halvorson Kayla Gibson
Kim Parkinson Krista Hines Lamawn Saul Lela Sabin Liana Whitlock Lotus Deuel Ma’Kiala Moore Maree Lasala Molly Sabin
Ricquelle Miles Skylar Bandelin Soliyana Woldu Stephon Marcus Sylvia Morris Ursula Beitz Yee Choua Thao Zaya Bates
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SERVING AS AN AMBASSADOR FOR A VIBRANT ARTS ORGANIZATION? For information about the VocalEssence Board of Directors scan this QR code.
THANK YOU, VOCALESSENCE SUPPORTERS VocalEssence has a large group of committed supporters and is honored by the many gifts received in memory, appreciation, and celebration of friends and family that are too many to list in this concert program. Please visit our website to see a full list of supporters and special tributes. 2021-2022 Season
Page 11
vocalessence.org | 612-547-1451
