The 'magical combination' of VOCES8 comes to St. Paul

"They already had an amazing amount of polish," Brian Newhouse says, recalling the first time he saw London-based choral ensemble VOCES8 perform early in its career. VOCES8 is now established as one of the most versatile and best-loved singing groups. Touring extensively throughout Europe, North America and Asia, the ensemble performs a repertory from Renaissance polyphony to contemporary commissions and arrangements. "They love to perform, they love the audience, they have great stage presence and they're really, really fine singers as well," Newhouse says. "That's a magical combination when you get that put together."

VOCES8 performs at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, Minn., on Tuesday, Feb. 16. Newhouse says audience members can expect to hear a wide array of repertoire. "Another thing I love about them is their fearlessness about redefining what's classical music," he notes. "They are great performers in 'the classics' — so the Western canon of choral music — but also in pop covers done superbly well, not taking a backseat to any of their vocal technique. They do that really, really well."

What won't be onstage at the Fitz is VOCES8's commitment to education. The ensemble leads an innovative series of music education workshops that reach 20,000 people around the world each year, all with the aim of inspiring creativity and excellence through music. When VOCES8 visits St. Paul on Feb. 16, the ensemble will offer workshops to Twin Cities high school singers and university music-education students. "VOCES8 are innovating their own method about getting kids to sing and trying to show its potential for learning outcomes," Newhouse explains. "It's a significant part of what they do."

On the night of Feb. 16, VOCES8 will take the stage at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul to perform a show that will appeal to choral-music appreciators and participants as well as to music generalists. Newhouse explains: "The attention to detail is what the choral geek hones in on, and they'll be singing in a variety of languages with mastery. And their blend — it's a really elegant sound they have, and that's achieved through tireless rehearsal; living and breathing and making music together.

"But this is not a show just for choral geeks," Newhouse continues. "It's really for anyone who wants a fun night out hearing and witnessing really strong performers onstage — who just happen to be doing choral music!"

VOCES8 will perform at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, Minn., on Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 7:30 p.m.; find ticket information on the Fitzgerald Theater's website.