The Rose Ensemble

The Rose Ensemble was a Minnesota-based vocal group that carved out a unique niche by reviving rare historical music from around the globe. Founded in 1996 by artistic director Jordan Sramek, the ensemble blended scholarly rigor with heartfelt performances, specializing in everything from medieval European chants to Hawaiian hymns and Baroque Maltese treasures. Their eclectic discography—like *Slavic Holiday* (exploring Bohemian carols) or *Nā Mele Hawai'i* (showcasing Hawaiian vocal traditions)—reflects their passion for unearthing forgotten melodies and sharing cross-cultural stories. They weren’t just performers; they collaborated with historians, linguists, and musicians to ensure authenticity, even reconstructing centuries-old scores from dusty manuscripts.

Known for their lush harmonies and immersive storytelling, The Rose Ensemble toured widely and earned a Grammy nomination for *Il Poverello*, their album dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi. Their concerts often felt like time-travel adventures, whether they were channeling Renaissance Spain in *Rosa das rosas* or toasting Prohibition-era America with cheeky temperance tunes. Sadly, the group disbanded in 2017 after two decades, but their recordings and educational outreach left a lasting legacy, proving that “old” music could still spark curiosity and joy.

Genres

Medieval

Choral

Gregorian Chant

Latest Release

Treasures from Baroque Malta

The Rose Ensemble•

Jordan Sramek

Album - 18 Tracks - Released February 16, 2018