Greetings, good gentles and ladies! The holiday season has approached USI’s campus, and to help kick off the holiday spirit, USI’s Chamber Choir will present the 43rd annual Madrigal Feaste.
The Feaste will take place under the direction of Daniel Craig, director of music at USI. This holiday tradition, which is the longest-lasting one at USI, is anything but ordinary.
“The whole show is based upon an old traditional feast in an Irish manner,” Craig said. “The tradition of feasting goes all the way to the Middle Ages.”
As in a traditional feast, meals and entertainment are consistent throughout the evening. The meals are processed in, jesters are running about and holiday music stirs the air. Unlike the festive holiday music of the 21st century, the Madrigal Feaste will perform music reminiscing another era.
“I try to pick music that is reflective of the season – music that is celebratory and music that is also secular,” Craig said. “We have a balance between secular and sacred music, and call it a celebration. This is the very best way for anyone to begin their holiday celebrations.”
Freshman theater major Jacob Murphey, a member of the Chamber Choir, believes the Madrigal Feaste is an event that is unique in and of itself.
“The fact that it’s a concert that puts you in medieval times, uses traditional Irish music, and uses decorations to set the stage for an Irish Christmas is what makes this event so unique to USI,” Murphey said.
There is no doubt that this feast will be one of the most festive events at USI. It is an opportunity to change up the normal routine of the holidays and experience something new.
“There’s going to be good food, good music and even better memories to be made,” Murphey said. “It’s a good time for the whole family, which will really get you into the holiday spirit.”
The Madrigal Feaste will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 29 through Dec. 1, and 1 p.m. on Dec. 2.
