The Mahomet-Seymour High School Madrigal Singers will continue a tradition in the Community of Mahomet with the 39th annual Madrigal performances on Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and on Dec. 12 at 2 p.m.
The Mahomet-Seymour Madrigals, directed by Nicole Kuglich, and assisted by Brian Lonergan, is the premiere ensemble of the Mahomet-Seymour High School Choral Program.
Initiated in 1983 by former director Janet Watkins, this extra-curricular group rehearses two afternoons per week to prepare for three Madrigal Dinner performances. In addition to the dinner performances, the Madrigals entertain many other groups and participate in Solo and Ensemble Contest.
The word “madrigal” refers to a particular type of song that is sung without accompaniment and is written for 4-8 voices. The texts of madrigals sometimes deal with the subjects of animals or food, many madrigals talk about “love”– love from afar, unrequited love, or mourning the loss of love. Madrigal songs can also tell stories. A fa-la- la refrain often accompanies true madrigals; you will hear some of these during the dinner.
In addition to singing madrigal songs, this group also performs Christmas songs in “madrigal style”—singing to one another in addition to the audience. It was customary, after a large celebration in a banquet hall, to sit around the table and sing to one another as entertainment rather than watch someone else perform. The songs we present are designed to bring about the spirit of the Christmas season as well as to bring you pleasure.
Another highlight of the evening is the presentation of a short play or “masque” by the singers who also act.
Due to current restrictions, the Madrigals are unable to serve a full dinner this holiday season, however, after not being able to perform in 2020, the group is extremely excited to welcome back an audience for a live presentation, which will occur in the MSHS Auditorium this year.
Guests will enjoy a cup of wassail and a small Christmas goody bag as they depart.
Tickets are now on sale to the public and are available online at www.mshsdrama.booktix.com. All tickets are $12 and MUST be purchased in advance. No tickets for any performance are sold at the door. This year, guests may select their own seats on our ticketing website with tickets available for purchase until midnight on Wednesday, December 8 . No tickets will be sold after the December 8th deadline.
The 2021-2022 Madrigal singers include Lord Maxwell Bartlett, Lord Gianluca Bellini, Lady Isabelle Difanis, Lord Michael Frerichs, Lord John Grygiel IV, Lady Elizabeth Hanson, Lord Liam Henry , Lady Delaney King, Lady Kara Kinnamon, Lady Abigail Loven, Lady Miranda Morrissette, Lady Noelle Ramaly, Lady Averhy Sanborn, Lady Ella Scott, Lady Katherine Turner, Lord Ty Zindars, Wench Leah Nykaza and Jester Lukas Nykaza.
The Madrigal Brass are directed by Evan Bossenbroek and the Madrigal Recorder Consort is directed by Sue Keeble. Additional special roles, filled by members of the MSHS Choirs within the dinners include Pages, Serving Wenches, Litter Bearers, Stage Managers, Town Crier and Servers.
