Spotlight: Cantare concert features student choirs, Mexican music

Thursday: This annual concert staged by VocalEssence and choirs from Twin Cities area schools celebrates the choral traditions of Mexico. Cantaré features eight songs created by students in collaboration with Mexican composers Jean Angelus Pichardo and Julio Morales. Participants include St. Paul's Adams Spanish Immersion Elementary School, Blaine High School, Minnehaha Academy Lower School, Southwest High School of Minneapolis, the Youth Choir of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Richfield's Partnership Academy, Blaine High School and Park High School in Cottage Grove. (7 p.m. Thu. Free. Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 5th and Washington Sts., St. Paul. 612-547-1451, www.vocalessence.org.)