The Rose Ensemble: An Elizabethan Christmas

Airs Wednesday, December 6, 2017, at 11 a.m. Grand candlelit halls, lavish feasts, and stately dances. Escape to the regal elegance of the Elizabethan era. The time and culture of Elizabeth I also contained tension and intrigue; dark and light. And it's all evident in the music of their Christmas celebrations. The Rose Ensemble captures all of that in their popular holiday concert, as they reawaken the ancient with An Elizabethan Christmas. Treat yourself to medieval carols, motets, and anthems by the beloved English Renaissance composers, Robert Parsons, William Byrd, and Orlando Gibbons, accompanied by lute and viola da gamba. In a couple of pieces, The Rose Ensemble is joined by special guests Voces8, the vibrant young a cappella group from London, for a glorious soaring sound. You'll hear stratospheric soprano lines, surprising harmonies, spirited poetry, and tender carols. A brand new setting of a Tudor era carol text by acclaimed composer Abbie Betinis is also featured. Captured live in concert, An Elizabethan Christmas with The Rose Ensemble is hosted and produced by public radio veteran, Tom Crann with artistic director, Jordan Sramek.