Sing in the Holidays With VocalEssence!

As the holiday season approaches, the beloved tradition of VocalEssence: Welcome Christmas returns to Northrop, bringing celebration and community to audiences of all ages. Renowned for their stunning vocal performances and dedication to community engagement, VocalEssence sets the stage for an unforgettable holiday experience. This year’s program promises a mix of timeless carols and contemporary compositions, perfect for welcoming the festive spirit. “The magic of living traditions like our Welcome Christmas concerts is that they maintain their vitality by change and growth,” said associate artistic director G. Phillip Shoultz, III. “The sense of celebration and community has exploded since we’ve been able to have our older adult singers in the Vintage Voices choir and our vivacious teenage choir, VocalEssence Singers Of This Age, add their spirit and soul into the program.”

Founded in 1969, VocalEssence is one of the world’s premier choral music organizations while staying deeply rooted in the Minnesota community. Known for its innovative programming and inclusive spirit, VocalEssence strives to connect people through the power of music. Welcome Christmas, one of their signature annual events, features all four VocalEssence ensembles–including the 120-voice VocalEssence Chorus, the professional VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, senior singers from VocalEssence Vintage Voices, and the dynamic teenage group Singers Of This Age. Add in live music from a spirited mix of harp, brass, piano, and percussion, directed by the indefatigable Philip Brunelle and G. Phillip Shoultz, III, a few audience singalongs, and it will begin to sound a lot like Christmas!

Adding to the magic of the performances, Aaron David Miller will fill the theater with music from Northrop’s organ beginning at 3:30 pm each day and the diverse teenage choir Singers Of This Age (SOTA) will carol in the lobby before the main performance begins. Miller, a gifted organist and composer, is celebrated for his ability to bring music to life with depth and emotion. Arriving early ensures you will experience this special prelude, setting the tone for an evening of holiday joy and wonder.

Reflecting on his journey, Phillip Brunelle shared, “I’ve always just felt very positive about what life gives you” MPR News. This optimism has been the driving force behind the enduring success of VocalEssence. Under Brunelle’s leadership, the organization has commissioned over 300 works, continually enriching the choral repertoire. The annual Welcome Christmas performance, a cherished tradition for more than four decades, exemplifies their commitment to blending innovation with timeless holiday music. Since 2022, the collaboration with Northrop has elevated this event, uniting all VocalEssence ensembles on one stage and offering audiences a rousing start of the holiday season!

Known for creating experiences that go beyond the stage and creating a welcoming tone for all ages, VocalEssence and Northrop’s pre-show activities are no exception. In addition to the cheerful voices of singing children as you enter, families will especially love the hands-on fun in the lobby, such as holiday-themed coloring stations, designed to spark creativity and holiday cheer. Arrive early to connect with others and create lasting memories.