Mahomet-Seymour High School’s Madrigal Dinner Performance Brings Renaissance Magic to the Holidays
The Mahomet-Seymour High School Madrigal performances, an annual tradition cherished since 1977, return on December 14-15 with a weekend of festive celebration. With a combination of medieval music, Christmas spirit, and theatrical storytelling, this year’s event is set to transport audiences back to the Renaissance period, filling the air with music and mirth.
For nearly five decades, the Madrigal Dinner and Dessert performances have been a December highlight for the Mahomet-Seymour community, drawing audiences who savor the blend of tradition and seasonal charm. Originally launched by Janet Watkins, a former director who obtained the school’s charter for the event in 1983, the performances flourished under the direction of Jill Rinkel for 37 years. Since 2018, choral director Nicole Kuglich has carried the torch, and this year marks a triumphant return to the pre-pandemic scale, with Kuglich sharing her excitement about the fully immersive experience planned for attendees.
The cast for this season’s performances includes 17 dedicated singers, each committing to a rigorous practice schedule that spans the entire school year and includes summer sessions. This dedication has helped the group perfect their harmonies and artistry for the upcoming performances, where they’ll bring the unique Madrigal style to life. Traditionally, Madrigals are songs sung without instrumental accompaniment, often written for 4-8 voices, with lyrics covering themes of love, loss, and celebration. Attendees will recognize the hallmark “fa-la-la” refrains that add a lively touch to the ensemble’s renditions.
Set in a castle-inspired backdrop and framed by Renaissance-era decor, the Madrigal performances offer a feast for the senses. Ornate costumes, humor-filled skits, and Yoder’s Kitchen-catered meals add to the ambiance, making each performance feel like a gathering from centuries past. While the Dinner and Dessert performances differ slightly in the amount of food served, all guests can expect an assigned seat and a welcoming atmosphere filled with music. True to Renaissance tradition, the performers will sing both to each other and to the audience, creating an immersive experience that harkens back to historical banquet-style entertainment.
Alongside the choral performances, attendees will enjoy a short play where singers showcase their acting abilities, and the evening will close with traditional Christmas carols sung in Madrigal style. With tickets available for Saturday’s Dessert Performance at 2 p.m., Dinner Performance at 6 p.m., and Sunday’s Dinner Performance at 2 p.m., the Mahomet-Seymour Madrigal event promises a memorable start to the holiday season.
For those who enjoy history, holiday cheer, and enchanting vocal music, the Mahomet-Seymour High School Madrigal Dinner is a must-attend event, embodying the magic and mystery of Christmas through the beauty of the Renaissance.
Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.
