The Rose Ensemble has announced a 2014-15 season that includes for the first time a collaboration with the Minnesota Orchestra.
The group, which specializes in vocal and instrumental music going back 1,000 years, will also commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War's conclusion and present a 15th-century Iberian requiem.
The season opens with a free concert at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis on Sept. 18. Then, the ensemble hits the road Oct. 2-14 for an eight-city tour of Minnesota with a program exploring the roots of bluegrass and gospel traditions. Included in the tour is a performance at Ted Mann Concert Hall at the University of Minnesota on Oct. 4.
The appearance with the orchestra will be Dec. 14, featuring 18th-century Cuban and Mexican Christmas music. The Rose Ensemble will present a second Christmas program of medieval music Dec. 18-20 in Duluth, St. Paul and Minneapolis.
February brings a historical re-creation of the "Requiem Mass of Pedro de Escobar," which features the early-winds ensemble Dark Horse Consort. Escobar was a 15th-century Portuguese composer who worked in the court of the Castilian queen, Isabella. The Rose Ensemble's performance, Feb. 26-28, is billed as a modern-day, North American premiere.
Perhaps the most ambitious program concludes the season, April 29-May 3, at the Minnesota History Center. "The Hutchinson Family Singers: Antislavery Reform in 19th-century America" is an original production focusing on the prominent antislavery family that founded Hutchinson, Minn. This will be a fully staged, costumed show with guest musician Dan Chouinard, who co-wrote the piece.
Information at roseensemble.org or 651-225-4340.
Graydon Royce • 612-673-7299
