This is just stunning. After an 8 hour drive from Autun thru ever changing landscape and vast vineyards and a brief stop in Cluny, we reached the ancient city of Vaison la Romaine. Taken over from the Celts by the Romans in the 2 BC, the city is one of 2 parts. The old medieval [...]
It’s Wednesday, and that means Market Day in Autun. After coffee with my friend Ginna, I wandered over to see what was for sale. Every Wednesday and Friday until about 1pm lots of vendors displaying their (uhm) wares. You can find everything from cheap jewelry to shoes to clothing and even French underwear. Yes, brassieres [...]
Welcome to Brion, France. A small village with an estimated population of about 200 in the Morvan outside of Autun. The Rose Ensemble had an extraordinary concert there last evening. Our bus arrived at this lovely little church for our pre-concert rehearsal. The priest is very conservative, so we were asked not to perform our [...]
I love France. I love the people, the villages, the churches we sing in, and oh yeah, can’t forget to give homage to the baguette. That lovely soft, slightly salty soft center with the golden brown crispy crust. Today is Sunday, a free day forus, and I just had coffees with Linda, Kris, Ginna and [...]
A medieval town in the Burgundy region of France. Wow – went for a lovely walk this morning after a breakfast of coffee and baguettes. I found out on my walk that Autun has probably the longest and best preserved walls in the Roman West still in existence and was begun at the end of [...]
The Rose Ensemble arrived safe and without issue at Charles DeGaulle Airport this morning. After retrieving our luggage, we met our guide, Dominique, for the first Festival in Autun. Wearily, we boarded our bus and headed south and east for the 5 hour journey. I love France. The countryside is so lovely – quaint villages [...]
It seems that I just got back from Legnano, Italy and here I am, preparing for another tour this time to France. The first festival that I will be performing in with The Rose Ensemble will be The Musique en Morvan 2008: Festival de l’Oratorio in Autun, France. We are one of six choirs invited [...]
A big week is about to happen in Minneapolis. The American Guild of Organists is holding their National Convention in our fair city with lots of events that will be open to the public (click here for the schedule). The opening celebration will the the church service at Central Lutheran Church in downtown Minneapolis. Musical [...]
The time is approaching! Just a few more days (June 3rd) and The Rose Ensemble embarks on its 3rd European tour. This time we will be at the La Fabbrica del Canto International Choral Festival in Legnano, Italy just outside of Milan. We are honored to be the only vocal ensemble representing the United States [...]
What a beautiful show last night. The ambiance couldn’t have been more perfect with the lights gently dimming from piece to piece. My wonderful comrades performed impeccably and the crowd couldn’t have been more gracious allowing us to sing without applause throughout the evening. Cell phones were also hushed thanks to opening remarks from our Board [...]
If you’re looking for something to do in St. Paul or Minneapolis, check out the next Rose Ensemble concert. Music from the Medieval Period featuring Perotin, Codex Calixtinus, and F Manuscript. Some background on the music in the Codex Calixtinus: The Codex Calixtinus was intended to be chanted aloud and is of great interest to [...]
News! Fantastic News, actually… I am so proud to announce that The Rose Ensemble has won 1st Prize in the Sacred Music Category and 2nd Prize (missed first by one point!) at the 39th Annual International Choral Festival in Tolosa Spain! Read the official press release and check out a video of our performance at the [...]
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