Ginna Watson (rebec) & Isacco Colombo (bagpipe)

Live in Concert at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix

During his lifetime, Francis pursued a life of simplicity and became known as il poverello, “the poor one.” The patron saint of animals and ecology, he is arguably one of the best known medieval saints. But beyond garden statues and the Prayer of St. Francis (which, by the way, he didn’t write), how much do we really know? This joyful program features centuries of hymns, dances and motets in honor of the “hippie saint,” as well as early Italian spiritual songs and light-hearted readings by and about Francis himself. Includes the full force of 12 voices plus harp, riqq, dumbek, hurdy gurdy, psaltery, and recorder. This program features special guest artist Isacco Colombo, joining us all the way from Italy to lend his sensational skills on medieval Italian bagpipes, shawm, fife and tabor.

“. . . ‘Il Poverello’ held the audience’s attention from beginning to end through the Rose Ensemble’s clever arrangement of materials and the near-perfection of their execution. Beautiful, in-tune and well-balanced singing was matched with astonishing instrumental playing. This show should tour widely and enchant many more audiences just as it did . . . Sunday afternoon.”
—ClevelandClassical.com

Technical information: Usually tours in October to coincide with St. Francis’ feast day, but available year-round. Almost any space can work for this performance. Venues with reverberant acoustics will give greater emphasis to the Renaissance choral works, while more intimate spaces will highlight the quicker tempi and percussion instruments. Readings from the stage are a part of this program and a microphone is usually needed.

Equipment needed: 3 chairs, 3 music stands, microphone (for narration)

View Sample Program

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