by Pamela Espeland

November 1, 2018: https://www.minnpost.com/artscape/2018/11/american-composers-forum-names-leader-prince-before-the-rain-book-release/

VocalEssence: Singing with the stars

VocalEssence – the choral music organization founded by Philip Brunelle, now celebrating its 50th anniversary year – is making friends in high places. First they sang with the Rolling Stones. Then they opened for Idina Menzel on Nicollet Mall during Super Bowl Live – in December, brrrr.

On Friday, they’ll sing four songs with Josh Groban at the Xcel as part of his Bridges tour, where Menzel will be a special guest. The songs will include Groban’s signature, “Raise Me Up.”

Singers of This Age includes students from all over the Twin Cities.

Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz III will lead singers from the VocalEssence Ensemble and VE’s new youth choir, Singers of This Age (SOTA). Still in its inaugural year, the diverse choir includes students from all over the Twin Cities.

The concert will begin at 8 p.m. FMI and tickets (start at $55).