“Follow Me in Merry Measure:” a re-envisioned Madrigal Dinner

madrigal-rehearsal
Choral members rehearse for the Madrigal Dinner.

Heard too many Christmas carols? The Radford University Choral Ensemble thinks not! And to show their holiday exuberance they present a re-envisioned 30th Annual Madrigal Dinner the first weekend in December.

New Choral Director, Meredith Bowen, brings a fresh approach to the traditional program.

“The music will all be holiday selections,” she said. “The script is performed throughout instead of in one spot. All the choral ensemble singers (60) are participating. And it is all student led!”

“Follow Me in Merry Measure” is the name of the story. It features a queen who has heard one too many Christmas carols for her liking since the season began at Summer Solstice. Sadly at this time, the Baroque Chorale is need of funds for a show choir trip and as fate would have it, they sing carols to raise money. The Queen’s Steward, also not a fan of the Baroque Chorale, plots to destroy the group. He recruits a servant girl to join the choir and destroy it from within its organization.

Does she succeed or does she become a believer in all things show choir? Find out by attending the Madrigal Dinner Dec. 2 or Dec. 3. Both evenings begin at 6 p.m. in the Muse Banquet Hall. Tickets are $35 for the general public and $30 for those with Radford University student identification. Included in the ticket price are dinner and the show. Tickets are available online at radfordactitives.com or at the Hurlburt Hall Information Desk (540-831-5420).

“The audience can expect a nice meal, cheesy comedy, beautiful music and holiday cheer!” Bowen said.

And for those wish to be part of the choral ensemble, Bowen is opening this up to the community, as well as to students. The chorus rehearses Mondays from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Students receive one credit for participation. Community members just pay $10 for the score.

For students, auditions for the Radford Singers are Dec. 5- 7. Be prepared to sing, vocalizes, sight-read, and sing a section of Mozart's “Requiem.” There is a sign-up sheet for time slots on Bowen’s office door, Covington 107.

For more information, contact Bowen at mbowen16@radford.edu.

 

Nov 22, 2016
CVPA
540-831-6237
cvpa411@radford.edu