By using instruments and playing techniques appropriate to the various pieces we perform, we bring the musical riches of the past to life again. For the earliest viol music, from c. 1500, we use specially commissioned viols based on those in a 1497 painting by Lorenzo Costa in Bologna. We also have a set of instruments copied from originals from mid-sixteenth century Venice, and for later English music, viols based on Tudor and Stuart originals.

We have received awards for research and performance of specially devised programmes, and have also commissioned and performed new pieces for voices and viols by Judith Bingham, John Woolrich, and Ivan Moody. For many years the Consort appeared at Dartington International Summer School, giving concerts and coaching ensembles, activities it continues at Benslow Music in Hitchin.

Rose Consort programmes often include internationally renowned guest artists. These have included soprano Emma Kirkby, mezzo-soprano Clare Wilkinson, the vocal groups The Marian Consort, Gallicantus, I Fagiolini, Stile Antico, Red Byrd and the BBC Singers, lutenists Jacob Heringman, Jakob Lindberg, and keyboard player Timothy Roberts.

The Rose Consort can be heard on a series of more than 20 highly acclaimed recordings for the Delphian, Deux-Elles, Naxos and other labels, each representing a different aspect of the Consort’s wide-ranging repertory of music for viols, often with voices, lute or organ.