For reservations complete the ticket order form call Lady Kelly at 618-650-3900
 

Tonight, as we lift our glasses in a toast to old friends and new, we will journey in time to Renaissance England, to the England of William Shakespeare and Ben Jonson;  a time of bawdy living, strolling troubadours, madrigal singing and dancing.

Madrigal singing brought to England from Italy in the 16th Century, was at first an informal type of private entertainment at the castle and country homes of the landed gentry.  Frequently, the lordes and ladyes performed the music themselves as they sat at dinner in the Great Hall.  Naturally, during the twelve days of the Christmas Season, there was much entertaining and singing of madrigals and carols.

Madrigals are songs written for small groups in which several voice parts are skillfully combined so that each part is interesting and independent, both melodically and rhythmically.  The madrigals are often sung without musical accompaniment, and they are frequently based on a secular text or fable of the times.  The first madrigals were quite spontaneous.  It wasn’t until the late 16th and early 17th Century that they were published in written form.

Madrigal singing continues to flourish in England, and the Madrigal society, founded in 1741, still meets regularly in London.25

As we raise our voices in song and merriment, we present this annual dinner for your pleasure at the Christmas season.  We wish you and your family a season filled with joy and happiness