Storyteller Garrison Keillor and conductor Philip Brunelle lead a harmonious celebration of all things Thanksgiving with the melodious voices of the VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers and their special guests, singer Jearlyn Steele and pianist Richard Dworsky. Along the way we learn that Thanksgiving really isn't all about the turkey - it's actually all about the pie.

VocalEssence and the American Composers Forum have joined forces to offer an annual contest encouraging the composition of new carols. Over the years hundreds of worthy carols have been submitted. 'Behold This Heavenly Night' presents the world premiere of some of these contest-winning carols alongside outstanding arrangements of more familiar melodies. Also included is the U.S. premiere of John Rutter's new 'Carol of the Magi' and a unique arrangement of 'Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer' translated into Latin by Philip Brunelle and his son Christopher. 

Philip Brunelle, founder and artistic director, leads 24 mixed-voice, MN-based VocalEssence in the 'Witness' concert series-this one focused on African American spirituals and gospel music. Joining them are Moore by Four, an ensemble of Minneapolis-based jazz vocalists, and several accompanists on piano, drums and bass. 16 powerful, soulful tunes here: 'Witness,' 'Hush, Somebody's Callin' My Name,' 'Death Is Gonna Lay His Cold Icy Hands On Me,' the upbeat 'Walk Together, Children,' the powerful a cappella hymn 'Were You There,' the Moses Hogan-arranged 'Elijah Rock,' the Jester Hairston-arranged 'In Dat Great Gittin' Up Mornin',' 'Go Where I Send Thee,' 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot' and the Michael Abels-arranged title tune, 'What a Mighty God.' This is a wonderful collection of spirituals and Gospel tunes, authentic and sung with soul and spirit by one of the best Choruses (and jazz ensembles) on the planet. Great stuff!

Listen to In Dat Great Gittin' Up Mornin' in RealAudio.

In 1991 founder and artistic director Philip Brunelle and 24 mixed-voice VocalEssence presented 'Witness,' the first of an enduring series of concerts focused on the music of African American Composers. It was taken from 'Witness: Six Original Compositions in a Spiritual Style,' commissioned for Jubilant Sykes and VocalEssence. Visiting several area high schools while soloist Sykes was in Minneapolis for the premiere led VocalEssence to create an award-winning educational outreach program, bringing the talents of African Americans to thousands of Minnesota school students. A Woodwind Quintet and Jazz Ensemble perform with VocalEssence on the 18 pieces of 'Dance Like The Wind,' Undine Smith Moore's lovely 'Mother to Son,' 'We Shall Walk Through the Valley' and 'Tambourines to Glory,' the title tune--William Banfield's beautiful instrumental, 'My Soul Hath Found Refuge In Thee' (Psalm 91), by Evelyn Simpson-Curenton,' Adolphus Hailstork's soaring 'Nocturne,' two selections from Billy Childs' 'Piece for Stringed Orchestra' and David Baker's eclectic 'Images, Shadows and Dreams: Five Vignettes.' 'Dance Like the Wind' is thought-provoking and moving music by eight modern, cutting-edge African American composers.

Who knew a choir could be this funny? Garrison Keillor, Philip Brunelle and the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers dish up a generous helping of Potatoes a la Schubert, run away to Europe to indulge their 'Shenandoah' habit, and enlighten us on the T.U.L.I.P. doctrine. This two-CD set of the best choral skits and bits from 10 years on A Prairie Home Companion includes the often-requested 'Julia' (John Lennon) and a rare choral interpretation of 'Karma Chamelon' (Boy George).

On November 23, 2004, the Hopeful Gospel Quartet - Garrison Keillor, Mollie O'Brien and Robin & Linda Williams - traded musical moments with the VocalEssence Chorus and Ensemble Singers in a concert at Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis. The evening seamlessly blended American folk traditions with choral masterpieces old and new, from 'Will the Circle Be Unbroken' to 'Now Thank We All Our God.' Garrison Keillor shared his Thanksgiving memories in a hilarious yet poignant monologue. Thanks to Minnesota Public Radio, the evening was captured for posterity in this charming two-CD set.

VocalEssence WITNESS recordings showcase the music of trailblazing African American composers - the soul of American classical music. William Grant Still's music for chorus, orchestra and organ brings the blues into the concert hall, ragtime to the ballet stage and the Old World into a new era!

The world premiere recording of Conrad Susa's beloved Carols & Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest, plus a delightful collection of carols from around the world, tied together by their diversity and charm. Featuring the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers with woodwinds, cello, bass, harp, guitar and percussion under the direction of conductor Philip Brunelle.

Listen to Infant Holy, Infant Lowly in RealAudio.

Reflecting the shared American heritage like a patchwork quilt, this is a charming collection of folksongs performed by conductor Philip Brunelle and the 32-voice VocalEssence Ensemble Singers with guitar, harmonica, accordion, bass and piano. Whether passed along by tradition or composed by a known songwriter, all of these songs have a melody that you can hum, sing and remember! Thanks to Norman Luboff, Edwin Fissinger, Jack Halloran, and the dynamic team of Alice Parker & Robert Shaw, there are wonderful arrangements that capture the atmosphere of each in choral settings.

Listen to Dixie in RealAudio.

The world premiere recording of Carol Barnett and Marisha Chamberlain's bluegrass mass - a joyful affirmation of life expressed in sophisticated choral sound and jubilant bluegrass harmonies written especially for the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and bluegrass band Monroe Crossing. In addition ten American masterworks spanning the centuries, originally recorded for the national radio program Saint Paul Sunday, from Billings to Bolcom and beyond. The composers represented here display a passion for voices and what they can convey through song. Each is among the most respected in blending American song and text.