Christmas Madrigal to be Nov. 29-30

COLUMBIA, Ky. -- The Lindsey Wilson College Christmas Madrigal Dinner will take guests back to the days, centuries ago, before computer games, shopping sprees and other distractions, when Christmas in the courts of Renaissance kings and queens was a time of lavish costumes, joyous music and memorable food.

The dinner will be performed at 6 p.m. CT on Tuesday, Nov. 29, and on Wednesday, Nov. 30, in the LWC Roberta D. Cranmer Dining & Conference Center. The cost is $20 per person or $35 per couple.

Actors in the Lindsey Wilson Players will join students from the Lindsey Wilson Singers and the LWC Concert Choir to reproduce Christmas sounds and skits from long-ago days.

"Christmas today is so often bombarded with commercialism," said LWC Assistant Professor of Theater Robert Brock. "Our madrigal dinner will put you in touch with colorful traditions going back for centuries."

Collaborating with Brock on the production is LWC Associate Professor of Music and Religion and Director of Choral Activities Gerald Chafin.

"The Lindsey Wilson Players will provide the storyline while the seasonal music will portray music of the era," Chafin said. "The Concert Choir will feature primarily a cappella music with a joyful and festive atmosphere. The Lindsey Wilson College Singers will provide selections from a masterwork of the Baroque era, Gloria, by Antonio Vivaldi. Our special guests will be the Commonwealth Strings to accompany the Vivaldi and to play other holiday music as well."

The Lindsey Wilson Christmas Madrigal Dinner will be at 6 p.m. CT on Nov. 29-30. Cost is $20 per person or $35 per couple. To make a reservation for the Christmas Madrigal Dinner, contact Brock at brockr@lindsey.edu or (270) 590-4803.