Singing for Freedom
Five performances: The Rose Ensemble brings in guest artists Dan Chouinard, T. Mychael Rambo and Maria Jette for this show, which features the work of the Hutchinson Family Singers. Founders of the McLeod County town of Hutchinson, this group achieved international fame in the 19th century with songs about social reform. This program highlights their anti-slavery work, in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War's conclusion. The performances will be costumed and semi-staged at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul. Historic figures depicted include Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass and Swedish soprano Jenny Lind. Jordan Sramek, Rose Ensemble's artistic director, called the Hutchinsons "a superstar family of musicians and social reformers whose songs had a profound impact on a range of issues." The Rose Ensemble ambitiously presents rarely heard repertoire from centuries past. Based in St. Paul, the group tours worldwide. (7:30 p.m. Wed.-Thu., 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. Sat., 3 p.m. Sun., Minnesota History Center, 345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul; $10-$27, 651-225-4340 or www. RoseEnsemble.org)
Graydon Royce
