Do you love Celtic or Balkan folk music and dance? Do you wonder what might happen if these traditions met and mingled? If so, then don’t miss “Thistle and Rose: A Celtic-Balkan Fusion”!

This first-of-its-kind production offers traditional Scottish and Bulgarian folk music and dance, separately (including with Highland and Bulgarian bagpipes) and in a unique fusion.

The Balkan-informed fusion tunes, composed by project leader Jim Johnson, will delight audiences with their unique aural textures, thanks to their unfamiliar time signatures such as 11/8 and 15/8 and being performed by a five-piece folk orchestra, Highland piper, and choir singing in Scottish Gaelic.

Complementing these tunes are a suite of dances choreographed by Doma Dance Theater’s Alexandra Bodnarchuk, which weave Celtic and Balkan folk motifs into a contemporary dance.

The performers – a “dream team” of local Celtic, Balkan, and contemporary musicians and dancers – are drawn from multiple premier ensembles, including Choro Borealis, Doma Dance Theater, Ethnic Dance Theater, Macalester College Pipe Band, Mila Vocal Ensemble, Orkestar Bez Ime, Traki, and Twin Cities Scottish Dance Association.

Mark this on your calendars, and prepare to be astonished and delighted!

Tickets – $45, 30, 20, free.