Although the group’s principal focus is music from before 1750, The Rose Ensemble also connects the ancient with the contemporary by regularly commissioning exciting, new vocal works complimentary in both form and content to its early music repertoire.

Founded in 1996 by Artistic Director Jordan Sramek, The Rose Ensemble has enjoyed a prestigious artist residency at The Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis since 1997, and maintains an active schedule filled with performances and educational programs nationwide. Called "daring and inventive" by the Saint Paul Pioneer Press, the musicians of The Rose Ensemble have received critical acclaim for their ability to sing both as an ensemble and as individual soloists, while director Jordan Sramek has been lauded for his diverse programming and groundbreaking research.

A recipient of a Rockefeller "Arts & Religion in the Twin Cities" award and nominated in 2000-2003 for a Minnesota Music Award for "Best Classical Artist," The Rose Ensemble has made five independently produced recordings. The Rose Ensemble is an organizational member of Chamber Music America, Early Music America and Chorus America.