Rosemary Hodgson was born in Melbourne, Australia,
A Graduate of Melbourne University studying with Professor John Griffiths, Rosemary completed her post graduate studies in Early Music at the Royal College of Music London, with Jakob Lindberg. In 2004 she made her self-released solo debut album rosa and in 2008 Forlorn Hope Fancy–renaissance dances and fantasies for lute was her solo debut on ABC Classics – both receiving exceptional reviews.
With a passion for lute song being a major part of her musical life, Rosemary has formed rich musical relationships with vocalists Sophia Brumfitt (UK) Justin Burwood (Canada), Stephen Grant, Vivien Hamilton and Siobhan Stagg (Australia). In 2004 she created Project 1600, an ensemble collective that she directs to perform music on its 400th anniversary exclusively from original manuscripts and facsimiles. In 2001, she formed a duo called Rosa Mundi with UK soprano, Sophia Brumfitt. They have toured Australia and the UK performing in the Norfolk and Norwich festival, St David’s Festival, Salisbury International Arts Festival and in September 2012, Rosemary and Sophia will be Artists in Residence for Bundanon Trust and tour NSW and Victoria.
Rosemary is a founding member of the renaissance band, La Compania. Together they have played in festivals and Concert series across Australia and in May made their European debut at the Tage Alter Musik- Regensburg , 2012. Rosemary can be heard on recordings with La Compania such as, Music of the Spanish Renaissance (Move) El Fuego (ABC Classics) and Ay Portugal (ABC Classics)
Rosemary has enjoyed continuo performances with many of Australia’s leading orchestra’s and ensembles including the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, Opera Australia, Western Australian Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Victoria, E21, Consort Eclectus and The Consort of Melbourne, among others. With support of major Australian festivals and as solo artist for Musica Viva, Rosemary continues to create fascinating programmes featuring solo early plucked string music and has enjoyed fruitful collaborations with many of the nation’s most revered actors such as Charles “Bud” Tingwell, Rhys McConnachie and Helen Morse.
All Photography on site by Nicholas Purcell. http://www.nicholaspurcell.com.au/