[L-R]: José Lemos, Mary Anne Ballard, Danny Mallon, Steve Rosenberg (Credit S. Croc Photography)
The College of Charleston's Department of Music will host a concert in celebration of former Music Department Chair Steve Rosenberg’s 80th birthday titled "Sol Y Sombra: Before Flamenco." Rosenberg, a dazzling recorder player, will be joined by the incredible Brio Ensemble to perform instrumental works — from the Renaissance, medieval and Baroque eras to the Sephardic songs and dances from early Spain.
After hearing ensembles play as a child, Rosenberg fell in love with the recorder. He later went on to study in Paris and tour with Les Menestriers, a popular French ensemble. In 1986, he joined the College of Charleston Department of Fine Arts as a faculty member, and when the Department of Music was formed, he was appointed as the Chair. While at the College, he directed the Monday Night Concert Series, organizing concerts every Monday night at the Recital Hall in the Simons Center for the Arts. Currently, he is working on his 40th season as director of the Piccolo Spoleto Early Music Series.
Performing alongside Rosenberg in the Brio Ensemble are three internationally renowned performers: Jose Lemos, a vocalist and College of Charleston music alumnus, has performed and recorded with major opera companies around the world; Mary Anne Ballard, a viola da Gamba player, is a member of the Baltimore Consort and a prominent figure in early music revival; and percussionist Danny Mallon who performs internationally with major ensembles. The Brio Ensemble was founded at the College in 2002 as an offshoot of the Charleston Pro Musica, and its main goal was to explore medieval and Renaissance repertoire. They recorded two albums for Dorian - Sono Luminus and have performed and toured internationally.
“This fresh repertoire explores the exotic rhythms, modes and sounds that were lost during the centuries. It certainly has connected to our audiences. Plus, the amazing singing of countertenor Jose Lemos has given us a singular identity,” says Rosenberg.
The Brio Ensemble will perform on Monday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m., at the Simons Center Recital Hall, 54 Saint Philip St. Charleston, S.C. 29401. Tickets start at $26 for general admission, $14 for CofC faculty/staff, and $9 for students. Tickets can be purchased online, by calling (843) 953-4726, by emailing gsbo@cofc.edu, or in person at the George Street Box Office (44 George St).
Event link with info and ticket links: https://calendar.