Rose Ensemble back by popular demand at Paramount

Published 7:00 am Tuesday, March 22, 2011

A good old time is brewing at the Paramount Theatre tonight.

The Rose Ensemble, a St. Paul-based musical group which focuses on historical music, is coming back to Austin. The group will be performing selections from their widely-renowned “And Glory Shone Around,” which features music from the United States’ early history.

“It’s been a wonderful journey for us to bring American music into our repertoire,” said Jordan Sramek, musical director and Rose Ensemble performer.

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While the Rose Ensemble is known for performing medieval music and gregorian chant, it’s their early American music program that’s garnered attention by incorporating pre-bluegrass melodies, Shaker hymns, and 19th century spiritual harmonies into musical programs unlike anything people have heard.

“You can expect to hear music you’ve never heard before, done at a high professional level,” said Ann Hokanson, Austin Public Library’s director. The library is bringing in the Rose Ensemble as part of the Smithsonian Institute-created “New Harmonies,” exhibit, which is currently on display at the library and made possible through Legacy funding.

The Rose Ensemble performed in Austin last October, where they received praise and a standing ovation. The group enjoyed their performance so much that they made an “audio postcard” from Piggy Blues BBQ as part of their Minnesota tour updates broadcast on Minnesota Public Radio, where they praised the Paramount and Austin residents.

“They loved their experience in Austin, so it’s nice to welcome back folks that enjoyed playing in Austin,” said Scott Anderson, Paramount’s manager.

The Rose Ensemble plays tonight at 7 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre. The event is free, family friendly and open to the public. It is expected to last less than an hour.