It’s been a long time since I’ve posted to my blog. A lot has been going on in my personal life that has kept me from sharing what is happening in my musical life, and I apologize for that. However, I’m ready to begin blogging again! I have some exciting musical events coming up that [...]
The Rose Ensemble is launching its 15th anniversary season this Saturday evening, September 11th, with a free concert and wine reception. Enjoy a preview of what’s to come and mingle with the musicians after the show over a glass of wine at the reception. Featured in MetroMag’s 26 Excellent Cultural Adventures, “no group performs the [...]
What a treat is in store for the women of The Rose Ensemble. This week we will be working with one of the most revered men of medieval performance practice, Benjamin Bagby and he guides us, instructs us and coaches us on medieval repertoire of Spain and Hildegaard Von Bingin in preparation for our upcoming concerts in the [...]
Well maybe not tonight (depending on when you’re reading this) but on Tuesday evening, July 6th. I will be joined by local Twin Cities luminaries Maria Jette, Jim Bohn and Vern Sutton with Sonja Thompson on the piano as we present an evening of light operetta favorites. Composers featured will include Gilbert & Sullivan, Victor Herbert, Rudolf [...]
Glorious Revolution Baroque semi-staged a production of Dido & Aeneas last night to a sold out crowd in a small and intimate theater space in downtown St. Paul. No sets, no fancy lights, but a wonderful small early music orchestra and very talented singers. This was my first crack at The Sorceress and I loved [...]
Glorious Revolution Baroque presents this opera in an intimate setting at Studio Z in St. Paul, MN with David Douglass leading our esteemed instrumentalists. Join us for one night only, Friday May 16th for an evening of delightful music by some of the Twin Cities most talented musicians. Tickets are available online at Studio Z’s website [...]
One of the most asked questions is about rep. Where can I find music written for contralto and what do you recommend? Here is a list of the most popular pieces composed for contraltos: Arias – Opera & Oratorio: Lullaby from the opera “The Consul” by Gian Carlo Menotti (English) Voce di donna from the [...]
A very nice review on our last concert of the season. Thanks to David Hawley of the St. Paul Pioneer Press who also acknowledged the fact that he could not stay for the 2nd half of the performance due to a deadline. Legend has it that Palestrina, perhaps the most-recognized composer before Bach, dissuaded the [...]
ome to one of our four concerts this weekend to hear The Rose Ensemble and London’s Voces8 collaborating with some of the great music written for the Sistine Chapel.
St. Paul, Minn. — White sauce vs. tomato sauce.
Meat vs. fish.
Polenta vs. pasta.
Northern and southern Italy still retain distinct differences in cuisine and culture today.
The difference between the music of the two regions was even more pronounced four hundred years ago.
Let’s face it: History lessons aren’t always fun. Too often, an artistic event that strives toward historical accuracy leaves you feeling educated but not really entertained. Shoring up some cracks in your knowledge base can be worthwhile but seldom extremely enjoyable. However, one of those infrequent occurrences happened Sunday afternoon when St. Paul-based early-music group [...]
Thank you for supporting The Rose Ensemble! It’s not every day that an opportunity to benefit non-profits in Minnesota arises, but tomorrow is our opportunity. Give to the Max Day is from 8:00 a.m. on November 17, 2009 until 8:00 a.m. on November 18, 2009. Every donation made during Give to the Max Day will receive [...]
The Greater Minnesota Rose Ensemble Tour will soon be upon us and I could use your help to make this tour a success. Since these concerts are self-produced, we do not have the luxury of a presenter to market and publicize these concerts on our behalf. If you have family members, friends, or other contacts [...]
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