Classical MPR: With Mallets Aforethought (Marimba 2010 Conference and Festival)

by John Birge, Minnesota Public Radio April 28, 2010

St. Paul, Minn. — Marimba 2010 is a festival that brings the best marimba players to the Twin Cities for four days of concerts.

The VocalEssence "Mallets & Melodies" concert is a unique highlight: 120 singers and 30 marimba players surrounding the audience in the the resonant acoustic at the Cathedral of St. Paul. Stephen Paulus composed a new piece, "Visions," for the occasion.

John Birge spoke with Stephen Paulus, along with VocalEssence artistic director Philip Brunelle, and Fernando Meza, the organizer of Marimba 2010, for a sneak preview of the festival.