Starting Thursday, March 23, the Rose Ensemble begins a weekend-long concert tour of four of the most exquisite buildings in Minnesota — perhaps, one could argue, among the most exquisite in the world: the Cathedral of Saint Paul in St. Paul, the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis, the Chapel of Thomas Aquinas at the University of St. Thomas, and St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson, Minn. View a photo gallery about Masqueray and his buildings
These four treasures were all designed by Franco-American architect Emmanuel Louis Masqueray, a designer in the Beaux Arts tradition who, while conceiving his edifices, likely had the visual in mind rather than the aural, but he still managed to bless singers and audiences with spiritually rich acoustical concert venues.
The Rose Ensemble's repertoire is from the French Baroque, a unique style that was both elegant and decorated, and provided singers a chance to show off their virtuosity. This was especially important during the forty days of Lent, when historically, all theaters and opera houses closed and music could only be heard in the churches. The result was a synthesis of deeply contemplative words married to highly ornamented music sung by the finest professionals who now could share their talents with the faithful.
The Rose Ensemble joined Classical MPR host Alison Young in the studio for performance and conversation.
Performers
Rose Ensemble
Jordan Sramek, Founder & Artistic Director
Bethany Battafarano, Natalie Campbell, Chelsie Propst (soprano)
Alyssa Anderson, Clara Osowski (alto)
Andrew Rader (counter-tenor) / Garrett Eucker (haute-contre)
Timothy Campbell, Bradley King (tenor)
Jake Endres, Jordan Sramek (baritone)
Mark Dietrich, (bass)
with guests
Patricia Halverson (viola da gamba)
Bruce Jacobs (organ)
Scott Pauley (theorbo)
Pieces Performed
HENRI DuMONT (1610 - 1684)
Media Vita in Morte Sumus (In the midst of life we are in death)
Choir and basso continuo
FRANCOIS COUPERIN (1668 - 1733)
Troisième leçon de ténèbres à 2 voix
Chelsie Propst, soprano; Clara Osowski, mezzo-soprano
MARC-ANTOINE CHARPENTIER (1643 - 1704)
Le reniément de Saint Pierre (The Denial of St. Peter), H. 424)
Bradley King, tenor (role of Jesus); Garrett Eucker, haute-contre (role of Peter)
PELHAM HUMFREY (1647 - 1674)
O Lord my God
Andrew Rader, counter-tenor; Jordan Sramek, tenor; Jake Endres, baritone
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