CHRISTMAS IN ELIZABETHAN ENGLAND
Today: If you hunger for one more spot of Christmas cheer, consider this program by the Rose Ensemble. With lute, viola da gamba and voices, the highly regarded group goes beyond mere choral work (not that there is anything wrong with mere choral work!). Carols and motets by English Renaissance composers Thomas Tallis, Robert Parsons, William Byrd and Orlando Gibbons are on the program. You can hear samples on the website. The Rose Ensemble, based in St. Paul, won first place in the sacred-music category of the 2007 Tolosa International Choral Competition in Spain. (7 p.m. Sun., Church of St. Bartholomew, 630 E. Wayzata Blvd., Wayzata. $17-$35. 651-225-4340 or www.roseensemble.org.)
GRAYDON ROYCE
