15 Dec The 50th Anniversary Year Performance Of Ye Olde Madrigal Feaste
Last week, those present were transported back in time and immersed in a wonderful tradition from the Renaissance period. The exceptional 50th Anniversary Year Performance of Westminster Academy’s Christmas Madrigal Feaste was a sold-out dinner and performance to remember. The Great Hall was elegantly decorated and filled with a beautifully costumed Royal Court, the King and Queen, and a profusion of cast members, including lords and ladies, court jesters, wandering minstrels, dancers, and singers! To see a list of cast, characters, performers, and singers, you may view/download the Madrigal Program.
Madrigal singing—brought to England from Italy in the 16th century—was first an informal type of private entertainment at the castle and country homes of the landed gentry. Frequently, the lords and ladies performed the music themselves as they sat at dinner in the Great Hall. So, naturally, during the twelve days of the Christmas season, there was much entertaining and singing of Madrigals.