VocalEssence

VocalEssence is a nonprofit organization based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Founded in 1969, the company has grown from its original iteration, the Plymouth Music Series, into a renowned organization dedicated to fostering new voices in choral music. VocalEssence employs 36 people and generates over $10,000 in annual revenue. VocalEssence offers a variety of programs and performances, including composer festivals, commissions, and presentations featuring choirs from around the world. They are committed to cross-cultural education through initiatives like VocalEssence WITNESS and ¡Cantaré!, and provide free tickets and programs to students and seniors through their Vintage Voices initiative. VocalEssence also boasts a youth choir, VocalEssence Singers Of This Age (VESOTA), comprised of 55 high school students. The organization's commitment to contemporary music is evident in its extensive commissioning and premiere record. VocalEssence has premiered over 550 pieces, with 300 commissions, more than half of which were written by composers of color. Their dedication to adventurous programming has earned them numerous awards, including the ASCAP/Chorus America Award for Adventurous Programming of Contemporary Music six times. VocalEssence can be reached through their website at vocalessence.org.