THE ESSENTIALLY CHORAL CLASS OF 2003: (back row, l to r) Composers Charis Bean Duke, Kevin James, Anthony Joseph Lanman, Thomas Anthony Nazziola, and David Wolff, with (front row, l to r) Artistic Director Philip Brunelle and composer-mentor Sven-David Sandström.

(Sounding Board, March 2003) On January 17 and 18, five composers from New York, New Mexico, Minnesota, and Indiana took part in the second annual Essentially Choral reading sessions in Minneapolis. The program - sponsored by the Forum and VocalEssence - provides a unique opportunity for emerging composers to hear performances of their works for choral ensemble and instrumental accompaniment.

In rehearsal, Sven-David Sandström discusses a score with Philip Brunelle.

"Essentially Choral provides participating composers with a chance to not only hear their works performed by professional singers and instrumentalists but also to receive advice on a whole range of compositional matters: from what works vocally in setting a text, to writing text hyphenation correctly, to enharmonic practicalities for singers," says VocalEssence Artistic Director Philip Brunelle.

During the reading session, composer Anthony Joseph Lanman confers with violinist Troy Gardner.

Composers Charis Bean Duke, Kevin James, Anthony Joseph Lanman, Thomas Anthony Nazziola, and David Wolff spent three days working with Brunelle; the Ensemble Singers, VocalEssence's 26-voice chorus; and composer-mentor Sven-David Sandström. The weekend included a professional development session with Sandström, rehearsals with the vocalists, and the readings, which added professional orchestral musicians to the vocal ensemble. Composers also participated in a group discussion of the works and private mentoring sessions with Sandström.

"It was particularly enjoyable to facilitate the gathering together of five young composers who were so passionate about their work," says Faith Rynders, VocalEssence's director of education and community partnerships. "Essentially Choral gave them a unique opportunity to be with their peers, to share ideas and challenges, and to learn from each other as well as from Sven-David and Philip."