Both Artistic Director and Founder Philip Brunelle and Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III will be attending the national convention of ACDA (American Choral Directors Association) in Kansas City the last days of February. It is an important time for them to connect with colleagues and also to attend the premiere of Dr. André Thomas’ Mass: A Celebration of Love and Joy which will be part of our first WITNESS concert of the season, What a Mighty God, in November 2019.

For Philip, the month of March will be devoted to Candide, this marvelous piece that we are presenting with Theater Latté Da. Philip has long wanted to present it but waited until Peter Rothstein could be the director. His concept for this production is brilliant! All month long Philip will be in rehearsals preparing for opening night on March 21 and the 5 performances! Of course, after that we move on to our The Times They Are A-Changin’ concert, the final concert of the 50th anniversary concert series.

Phillip Shoultz just came off of a successful VocalEssence WITNESS collaboration! In March, he will be working with Philip Brunelle and Peter Rothstein preparing for a leading role of the Governor in Candide. In addition, he will be heading to Charlotte, NC March 8-10 to lead a Youth Choir Festival, and heading to Detroit Lakes, Minnesota on March 25-26 to lead an all-city choir festival for grades 6-12 – working with 6 choirs!

Phillip will also be working in schools throughout the state for our VocalEssence and Classical Minnesota Public Radio choral music collaboration. He will be continuing our work with Longfellow High School in Minneapolis with our Lullaby Project, and also putting the finishing touches on our next Family Series concert Tales & Tunes on March 30 at Plymouth Congregational Church with special guest children’s book author Nancy Carlson.