Camerata presents Madrigal Dinner Friday, Nov. 19

SHREVEPORT, La. (Centenary News Service) — With costumes, fanfare, and music, the spirit and splendor of the Renaissance comes alive when the Centenary Camerata presents Welcome Yule: A Madrigal Dinner Friday, Nov. 19 at the Scottish Rite Cathedral.

If you go

The event will send its audience into the past to the medieval world of court jesters and traditional music from the Renaissance era for a night filled with regal pageantry, entertainment, and traditional Christmas and secular songs of the period—all performed by the premier Chorale ensemble from the Hurley School of Music.

"This is going to be something completely different than Camerata has ever done in the past," said Dr. Julia Thorn, professor of music and director of the ensemble. "This event will not only showcase the musical talents of our students, but also tie in literature, acting and theater all into one event."

The madrigal dinner was a 16th century pre-Christmas celebration and feast given by the wealthy for their court and friends. Castle dining halls were transformed with the reds and greens of Christmas. Feasts were prepared and entertainment planned throughout the meal. Guests dined, enjoyed music, danced and "made merry" until the hosts declared it an evening. This historical court feast was hosted by a lord and lady who presented a lavish evening for friends to begin the Christmas season celebration.

According to Christine Linschoten, a senior music major and artistic director for the event, the evening will include everything associated with the royal court and the time period.

Cast

"There will be strolling entertainers, jugglers, fencing, a court jester, singers and of course, the royal court," she said. "It's a step back in time and will allow guests to feel like they are in the middle of a medieval castle in winter sitting down to an authentic meal and being treated like royalty by a consort, singers and jugglers."

Throughout the event, audience members will feast on a delicious meal while listening to a variety of Christmas carols and secular music presented by the singers of Camerata as well as the Chorale from Centenary College. There will also be solo singers, instrumentalists and other entertainment provide distractions in the tradition of Renaissance court life.

Open seating tickets are $45 per person or a reserved table for eight with a preferred view available for $500. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Hurley School of Music at 318.869.5235 or from any member of Chorale or Camerata. Valet parking and security will be provided.

Proceeds from the event will be used to benefit the Chorale program and specifically Chorale's appearance at the National Convention of the American Choral Directors Association, March 11, 2011 in Chicago, Ill.

About Centenary College of Louisiana

Centenary College is a private, four-year arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1825, it is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Centenary is one of 16 colleges and universities constituting the Associated Colleges of the South and has been recognized as "One of the Best 373 Colleges" by the Princeton Review and one of "America's Best Colleges" and one of "America's Best Private Colleges" by Forbes.com. In 2008 Centenary College celebrated 100 years in Shreveport and Bossier City.