season ENSEMBLE SINGERS ON TOUR 46 2014 - 2015
PRESENTS RIVER SONGS AND TALES WITH MARK TWAIN Every kid deserves a brush with inspiration. Mark Twain: by Mike by Krivit Twain: Mark ©2012 Target Brands, Inc. Target and the Bullseye Design are Target Inc. Brands, Target ©2012 722966 Inc. Brands, Target registered trademarks of
That’s why Target is on track to give Learn about the difference this support is making for $1 BILLION FOR EDUCATION kids nationwide. by the end of 2015. Target.com/Education G M T | NOVEMBER 13 16, 2014 G R M T | MAY 2, 2015 RIVER SONGS AND TALES WITH MARK TWAIN: GREATER MINNESOTA TOUR IS PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
2014-2015 OUR 46TH SEASON
RIVER SONGS AND TALES This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks WITH MARK TWAIN to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. GREATER MINNESOTA TOUR PRESENTERS Sean Dowse Sheldon Theatre Don Shelby, actor Red Wing VocalEssence Ensemble Singers Luanne Fondell Dawson-Boyd Arts Association Tesfa Wondemagegnehu, conductor Dawson Jon Cranney, production director Dick Kettering Shattuck-St. Mary’s School Molly Sue McDonald, fiddle Faribault Charles Kemper, piano Jennie Knoebel Paramount Theatre Austin Thursday, November 13, 2014 at 7:30 pm Newhall Auditorium MUSIC EDUCATORS AND Shattuck-St. Mary’s School COMMUNITY OUTREACH PARTNERS Faribault, Minnesota Melanie Benson Dawson-Boyd High School and Community Choir Friday, November 14, 2014 at 7 pm Dawson Austin High School Knowlton Auditorium Austin, Minnesota Mikkel Gardner Red Wing High School Red Wing Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 7 pm Brian Johnson Sheldon Theatre Austin High School Austin Red Wing, Minnesota Christina Viehauser St. Mark’s Senior Living/Ecumen Sunday, November 16, 2014 at 7 pm Austin Dawson-Boyd Memorial Auditorium Amy Williams Ecumen Dawson, Minnesota Alicia Vigness Faribault High School Faribault James Yao GATHER AT THE RIVER Shattuck-St. Mary’s School Faribault WITH MARK TWAIN FUNDRAISER SPECIAL THANKS Land O’Lakes Foundation Lydia Botham Saturday, May 2, 2015 at 3:30 pm and 7 pm AJ Graves Cindy Gehrig, Jerome Foundation The Minnesota Centennial Showboat David L. Mona Harriet Island Road, St. Paul, Minnesota 2014-2015 Board of Directors Artistic Staff Paul Pribbenow, Ph.D., President Philip Brunelle, Artistic Director SEASON SPONSORS Kathryn Roberts, Vice President Sigrid Johnson, Associate Conductor Jacob Wolkowitz, Treasurer Charles Kemper, Accompanist Susan J. Crockett, Ph.D., Secretary Kristine Aasheim Administrative Staff Mary Ann Aufderheide Mary Ann Aufderheide, Executive Director Ann Barkelew Robert Graham, Education Manager and Philip Brunelle Music Librarian Deane E. Bruner Bill Haugen, Interim Grants and Roma Calatayud-Stocks Special Events Manager Karen Charles Sharon Hodge, Communications Specialist Judith Drobeck Laura Holst, Development and Debbie Estes Marketing Associate Jamie Flaws Kimberly Meisten, Director of Art Kaemmer, M.D. Community Engagement Joseph Kalkman Patricia Starks-Faggétt, Fred Moore Accounting Manager David Myers Shelley Strohm, Interim Director Kristen H. O’Brien of Communications James M. Odland Joel Swearingen, Operations Manager and Cay Shea Hellervik Executive Assistant Don Shelby Katrina Wallmeyer, Director of Development Timothy Takach and Communications Jenny L. Wade Elissa Weller, Grants and Special Dorene Wernke Events Manager
Honorary Directors Dominick Argento William Bolcom Please Note This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Dave Brubeck* Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a Aaron Copland* • This concert may be recorded for legislative appropriation from the arts and broadcast — please help us keep cultural heritage fund, and a grant from the Håkan Hagegård Wells Fargo Foundation Minnesota. Louise Heffelfinger the performance space quiet. Take Eskil Hemberg* a moment now to check that all cell Betty Hulings* phones, paging devices, wristwatch James Earl Jones alarms and the like are turned off Garrison Keillor before the concert begins. Thank you Donald Mitchell for your cooperation. Helmuth Rilling John Rutter • Recording devices and cameras are Peter Schickele prohibited. No photography, video, Dr. André J. Thomas or audio recording is allowed in the Eric Whitacre concert hall. Please abstain from texting, tweeting or checking your *In remembrance email during the concert.
• Latecomers will be seated at appropriate pauses in the concert according to the conductor’s wishes. Please plan plenty of time for locating VOCALESSENCE the concert venue and parking.
1900 Nicollet Avenue Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403 612-547-1451 www.vocalessence.org VocalEssence is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
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Page 2 2014-2015 Season 2014-2015 Season Page 3 THE PROGRAM WELCOME RIVER SONGS AND TALES WITH MARK TWAIN
A Mark Twain Appreciation Don Shelby as Mark Twain
Shall We Gather at the River Hymn Tune, adapted by Aaron Copland
Wade in the Water Spiritual, arr. Norman Luboff Minnesotans are proud to be the state that claims the headwaters of the Muddy Water (from Big River) Roger Miller, arr. Paul Gerike Mississippi, unarguably the most iconic Ensemble Singers men body of water in our country! Stories and songs have flowed from the river for generations, inspiring some of our River in the Rain (from Big River) Roger Miller, arr. Paul Gerike greatest writers and composers, most notably Mark Twain. VocalEssence is Shenandoah American Folksong, arr. James Erb proud to celebrate that inspiration with this program of “River Songs and Tales.” My River Runs to Thee * Michael Schachter Conceived by Jon Cranney, Don Shelby Poem by Emily Dickinson and Tesfa Wondemagegnehu, the program celebrates the Mississippi and many other Sicut Cervus G. P. da Palestrina rivers that are so important to the lives of Minnesotans. VocalEssence is grateful to the Minnesota State Arts Board, Land Roll, Jordan, Roll Traditional, arr. Brian Tate O’Lakes Foundation, and all the citizens of our state for the funding that makes Down to the River to Pray Traditional, arr. Cheryl Lynn Helm this tour possible. In addition to public Ensemble Singers women performances, we are committed to engaging students, singers, and community Mark Twain The Kingston Trio, arr. Paul Gerike members in every town we visit celebrating the uplifting spirit of the choral art form. Let the River Run Carly Simon, arr. Craig Hella Johnson —Philip Brunelle, Artistic Director —Mary Ann Aufderheide, Executive Director No tobacco products are used in this performance.
* Commission funded by the Jerome Foundation through the VocalEssence Essentially Choral Program ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Samuel Langhorne Clemens Hal Holbrook
Page 2 2014-2015 Season 2014-2015 Season Page 3 BIOGRAPHIES
Don Shelby is Tesfa Molly Sue McDonald considered the most Wondemagegnehu is familiar to audiences decorated local Conductor through her work at the journalist in the Guthrie, Chanhassen, country, having won all Conductor of the Cricket, Nautilus, five of the top national APM Radio Choir 10,000 Things, Frank, journalism awards and and Manager of the Park Square, Mixed several multiple times: Choral Works Initiative Blood, Old Log, History National Emmies, for American Public and Illusion Theaters. the Society of Professional Journalists Media, Tesfa Wondemagegnehu previously Other regional credits include the Arizona Distinguished Service Award, and twice served as Assistant Artistic Director of Theater Co., and Chicago’s Goodman and the recipient of the George Foster Peabody VocalEssence. As a high school teacher, he Marriott Lincolnshire Theaters. She has Award, the broadcast equivalent of the was named Orange County Public School’s sung with the Plymouth Music Series, Pulitzer Prize. Teacher of the Year (2013) and received the Ex Machina Baroque Theater, Dorian Macy’s National Magic of Teaching Award Opera and the Symphony Orchestras He has been a broadcaster for more than 45 (2013). Tesfa is widely in demand as a guest of Minnesota, Columbus, Kansas City, years and has reported from 22 countries conductor and lecturer. He has presented Duluth, South Dakota, South Bend, and and three war zones as a combat journalist. workshops and conducted honor choirs in others. Across the U.S., Canada, France Don has been named the Rev. Doctor Florida, Tennessee, Ohio, Minnesota, Iowa and Belgium, she has worked with such Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian and Costa Rica. As a tenor soloist, he has luminaries as Bobby McFerrin, Garrison of the Year, the Winner of the American performed both in the United States and Keillor and Maureen McGovern, and has Spirit Honor Medal, the Great American internationally in Germany, Austria, and enjoyed 10 seasons of Sopranorama! at the Traditions Award, is in the broadcast Hungary, and Costa Rica. Southern Theater. Her lullaby collection, Hall of Fame, the National Academy of Child of Mine, received the ALA Notable Television Arts and Sciences Silver Circle, Children’s Recording Award. Molly most and as an athlete was inducted into his recently appeared in the Guthrie Theater’s home county’s sport Hall of Fame. He was My Fair Lady. also honored by Minnesota’s High School Basketball Coaches Association with Jon Cranney has membership in that Hall of Fame. He is been a member of the the author of a book on basketball and the Twin Cities theatre lessons of life titled The Season Never Ends. community for over four decades. He was a Paul Gerike, of Chaska, Minnesota, An outdoorsman, survival specialist and member of the Guthrie keeps busy as a composer, arranger and mountain and ice climber, Don has been Theatre Company in its performer. He frequently has written married to Barbara Shelby for nearly 40 early years and served for VocalEssence and for the nationally years and they have three daughters and as the Artistic Director acclaimed A Prairie Home Companion three grandchildren. of the Tony Award-winning Children’s with Garrison Keillor. His arrangements Theatre Company in the 1980s and ’90s. He have been performed by major orchestras has directed for many Twin Cities theatres including the Minnesota Orchestra, the as well as others across the nation. Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Albany (New York) Symphony, and many others. 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 WITNESS program celebrating Michael P. Kittel (Lighting Designer) contralto Marian Anderson. is thrilled to be on tour with VocalEssence. Since 1990, Michael has Jon has also performed as an actor at the designed lighting for over 300 theatre, Guthrie Theater, the Children’s Theatre dance and music productions in the Twin Company, Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, Cities area. Credits include the Ordway Park Square Theatre and recently at Yellow Music Theatre, Park Square Theatre, Frank Tree Theatre. Theatre, Macalester College, the St. Olaf Christmas Festival, and many others.
Page 4 2014-2015 Season 2014-2015 Season Page 5 ABOUT VOCALESSENCE The Mission of VocalEssence Philip Brunelle As a leading Minnesota arts organization, VocalEssence uses the Artistic Director and Founder power of choral music to enhance our community by producing innovative vocal music events that stir people’s souls. Philip Brunelle, artistic director and founder Minneapolis-based VocalEssence has decades of history as of VocalEssence, is an internationally one of the world’s premier choral music organizations. But renowned conductor, choral scholar and despite its global influence, VocalEssence has kept its focus performer. Believing that listeners and local—consistently pioneering ways to strengthen Minnesota’s musicians alike must experience music community through thrilling musical experiences. We engage of many genres and styles, he has worked people of all ages and cultures through innovative, enticing choral enthusiastically—and tirelessly—to expand audiences for rarely music programming, such as performing ensembles, school heard works of the past and worthwhile new music. In addition, to curricula, elder learning initiatives and advocacy projects. date VocalEssence has commissioned more than 160 works. Philip has conducted symphonies (New York Philharmonic, Seattle Called “one of the irreplaceable music ensembles of our time” Symphony, and Minnesota Orchestra among others) as well as by Dana Gioia, past chairman of the National Endowment for choral festivals and operas on six continents. the Arts, our two performing groups—the Ensemble Singers (32 professionals) and the VocalEssence Chorus (100 volunteers)—are Over the past decade Philip has been deeply involved with the made up entirely of local residents. International Federation for Choral Music (IFCM). He served as president of the Sixth World Symposium on Choral Music held in VocalEssence is renowned for its innovative exploration of music Minneapolis (2002), was on the Artistic Committee for the Eighth for voices and instruments under the enthusiastic direction Symposium, held in Denmark (2008), and the Ninth Symposium, of Artistic Director and Founder Philip Brunelle. Each season, held in Argentina (2011). He is a Vice President of the IFCM Board VocalEssence presents an eclectic series of concerts featuring the and served as Executive Director for the 2014 World Symposium VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers and an array of guest on Choral Music held in Seoul, South Korea. soloists and instrumentalists. Philip holds five honorary doctorates, was invested as an Honorary VocalEssence was founded in 1969 as the Plymouth Music Series, Member of the Order from the British Empire (MBE) in 2005 for an arts outreach program of Plymouth Congregational Church in his services to music, and Commander of the Royal Norwegian Minneapolis and incorporated as a separate 501(c)(3) non-profit Order of Merit in 2007. The governments of Sweden, Hungary, and in 1979. In 2002, the Plymouth Music Series changed its name Mexico have also honored him. 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 160 world premieres Charles Kemper to date. The organization has received the ASCAP/Chorus America Accompanist Award for Adventurous Programming of Contemporary Music six times and has been honored with more Chorus America awards Charles Kemper, pianist, has taught at St. than any other ensemble nationwide, including the once-in-an- Olaf College, Northwestern College and organizational-lifetime Margaret Hillis Achievement Award for Bethel University, and is currently organist Choral Excellence. for Calvary Baptist Church in Roseville, MN. A native of Houston, Texas, Charles made VocalEssence reaches into the community with programs that his debut with the Houston Symphony at the impact thousands of students, singers and composers every year. age of 17, playing Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto. He has WITNESS celebrates the contributions of African Americans earned several degrees in piano performance, including a doctor and ¡Cantaré! brings the talents of composers from Mexico into of musical arts degree from Yale University. He has appeared as Minnesota classrooms. VocalEssence partners with American a soloist with the New Haven Symphony, University of Houston Composers Forum to offer the annualWelcome Christmas Orchestra, Yale Philharmonia, and the Jacksonville Symphony. Carol Contest. Charles has been the VocalEssence staff accompanist since 1993.
At VocalEssence, we believe when we sing together, we succeed together. We invite you to be a part of it.
Page 4 2014-2015 Season 2014-2015 Season Page 5 VOCALESSENCE ENSEMBLE SINGERS
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 indeed, around the world. On their recent Asia Pacific Tour in August, 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. Recently, 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.
VOCALESSENCE ENSEMBLE SINGERS
SOPRANO Jennifer Bevington Angela Grundstad Margaret Sabin Ann L. Schrooten VocalEssence would like to thank Land O’Lakes for its Mari Scott generous support of River Songs and Tales with Mark Carolyn M. Steele Twain: Greater Minnesota Tour. JoAnna Swantek
ALTO ABOUT THE LAND O’LAKES FOUNDATION Robin Joy Helgen The Land O’Lakes Foundation was established in 1996 and Marita J. Link is made possible by support from Land O’Lakes, Inc. The Judith McClain Melander Foundation awards community grants to projects that develop Anna George Meek Anna Mooy and strengthen organizations dedicated to hunger relief, Clara Osowski education and the community. Erin Peters Sandra Schoenecker ABOUT LAND O’LAKES, INC. Land O’Lakes, Inc., one of America’s premier agribusiness and TENOR Kevin L. Bailey food companies, is a member-owned cooperative with industry- Chase Daniel Burkhart leading operations that span the spectrum from farm production Anders Eckman to consumer foods. With 2013 annual sales of more than $14 Robert J. Graham billion, Land O’Lakes is one of the nation’s largest cooperatives, Curtis Kettler ranking 199 on the Fortune 500. Building on a legacy of more James M. Marshall than 93 years of operation, Land O’Lakes today operates some of John H. Notermann the most respected brands in agribusiness and food production William Pederson including LAND O LAKES® Dairy Foods, Purina Animal BASS Nutrition and WinField. The company does business in all 50 Eric Bartlett states and more than 60 countries. Land O’Lakes, Inc. corporate Nicholas Budden headquarters are located in Arden Hills, Minn. Joseph Ellickson Seth Keeton Robert C. Smith Timothy C. Takach Josiah Telschow
Page 6 2014-2015 Season DONOR SPOTLIGHT: FRED AND ANN MOORE COUPLE FIND QUALITY, COMMUNITY AND STAYING POWER IN VOCALESSENCE
COUPLE HAD DIFFERENT of talented collaborators who listen INTRODUCTIONS TO MUSIC to one another.” Ann, who says she didn’t have much exposure to music during her public VOCALESSENCE DRAWS ARE education, came to her love of music and QUALITY, HEALTH AND INCLUSION singing through the church and Girl Scouts. “I picked up a lot through sing-alongs and There are several attributes that set in small church choirs, and have learned a VocalEssence apart from other performing lot more since attending the VocalEssence arts organizations, according to Fred. One series,” she said. is the quality of performances, he said. “The ensembles are superbly prepared and know Fred, on the other hand, had an aunt who the literature and how to present it. They was a skilled pianist and choir director. are incredibly focused on the time of the “I showed an interest in chorus and performance—in the moment—more than performed fairly well in choir and high many others.” Fred and Ann Moore aboard a ferry on their way school band,” he said, adding that between to Holly Loch, Scotland, where they would board his aunt’s influence and his music teachers Another is the health of the organization, a converted trawler for a week of sightseeing in school, “it was a pretty good introduction” said Fred. VocalEssence has a small staff and exploring. to music. He also credits his mother, a “who work hard and bring to the jobs the single parent, for her contribution: “She skills they need, and punch beyond their When Fred and Ann Moore lived in really liked classical music. Pittsburgh had weight.” This creates staying power, he Wisconsin, they were familiar with a classical station and she had it on a lot. said. “Others have come and gone, and VocalEssence, having attended several On Sunday afternoons we would go to local VocalEssence is not one of those.” In its holiday concerts over the years. “But our major concerts, and it just was always part 46th season, VocalEssence is here to stay. association began in earnest when we of my life as a kid,” Fred said. Ann appreciates what she terms the moved to Minnesota seven years ago and After drifting away from performance “welcoming” nature of VocalEssence started going to almost every concert,” said in college, he came back to it in church programming, including music the couple Fred, who recently joined the VocalEssence at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral in Des would not otherwise be aware from outside board of directors. Moines, Iowa. There Fred became part of their social circles and cultural experience. With such faithful attendance at VocalEssence an association that eventually included a “It isn’t the same old same old, supporting events, it isn’t difficult for the Moores to choral residency in Salisbury, England. existing prejudices and outlooks; it think of a favorite experience or two. One that encourages us to go beyond our borders and “really popped out” for Fred was Musique de find the commonality. … Music can help us France at the Cathedral of Saint Paul several WHY CHORAL MUSIC? in that regard, get us all in the same register.” years ago. “It truly was a memorable night—a IT CREATES COMMUNITY dozen harps arrayed across the altar space, Choral music “is something you do together. “MORE THAN THE TICKET PRICE” French music on a very large scale, the St. Olaf It brings people together,” Fred said. “You choir. … It was a splendid night, and I can still share an artistic experience with a broad Fred has done a lot of recruiting for hear it. One of the crowning moments was in range of people who not only perform business, and many of those recruits the Berlioz Te Deum, with all the choirs and but listen as well. Sometimes it’s deeply want to know what’s available in the arts. orchestra performing—to say the music filled spiritual, sometimes raucous fun, but it’s all “VocalEssence adds a lot to our community up the space would be a huge understatement,” a function of the atmosphere and culture … and belongs at the top of the list,” he he reflected. that is created.” said. “I thoroughly enjoy what they deliver from the stage, and for me, supporting that Ann said she especially enjoys the Ann finds that choral music “encourages VocalEssence spring concerts “where they quality of performance has to be more than a lot of proactive listening, not just the ticket price.” bring together a lot of American composers.” among chorus members but from the She also finds theWITNESS programs, audience—listening for the different parts He encourages others to support which celebrate the contributions of and what that means.” She also noted the VocalEssence because without that African Americans, very illuminating. community-building aspect: “People are external support beyond ticket revenue, “They demonstrate so clearly how people coming together to work in a cooperative “performing arts organizations can’t be on dealt with trials and tribulations,” said Ann. manner and are making something bigger sound footing. Anyone who cares about The brief introduction by Philip Brunelle, than themselves.” them has to know that and has to be willing VocalEssence artistic director and founder, to pitch in.” “is so helpful on what to listen for and why it Fred sums it up this way: “It’s not just a was included in that grouping.” collection of soloists but is a collection
Page 7 2014-2015 Season PRESENTS GATHER AT THE RIVER WITH MARK TWAIN
FUNDRAISER Enjoy river songs and tales with Mark Twain aboard the historic Minnesota Centennial Showboat. Step into the past to support the future of choral music education programs at VocalEssence.
Don Shelby, actor VocalEssence Ensemble Singers Tesfa Wondemagegnehu, conductor Jon Cranney, production director Molly Sue McDonald, fiddle Charles Kemper, piano
Join the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and guest artist Don Shelby as Mark Twain for a celebration of the Mississippi on the river itself. Sip cocktails and enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres on the showboat’s Victorian deck, then head to the auditorium, where listeners will be taken on a musical journey of the past and present—choral masterpieces, favorite folksongs, traditional spirituals, and Americana.
MORE INFORMATION AT vocalessence.org
Mark Twain: by Mike by Riverrides Krivit by / Showboat: Twain: Mark Saturday, May 2, 2015 at 3:30 pm and 7 pm The Minnesota Centennial Showboat Page 8 2014-2015 Season Harriet Island Road, Saint Paul, MN 55107 2014-2015 Season Page PB