Northwestern to present madrigal dinners Jan. 24-25

The Northwestern College Heritage Singers will present madrigal dinners Jan. 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Allen Black Box Theatre.

The dinners, representing a 16th-century medieval feast, will feature a traditional English masque, “Chaos in the Banquet Hall.” A wealthy mayor has prepared a banquet for his friends and townspeople, but just as the festivities begin, chaos ensues. First a villager challenges a knight to a duel, and then one of the head servants suddenly resigns, leaving a gap in leadership that must be filled before the banquet can continue.

 “The audience will enjoy the storytelling and a night of fun entertainment,” says Dr. Thomas Holm, who directs the Heritage Singers and chairs the music department. “There will be great choral singing and outstanding food. We present this every four years, and it’s always a highlight for the students and the audience.”

The masque will be followed by a concert of madrigal pieces presented by the 24-member chamber choir. The dinner will include chicken leg quarters, tossed salad, rolls and crème brûlée.

Professor emeritus of theatre Dr. Keith Allen will direct the drama.

Reservations are required; tickets are $40 per person. Tickets may be reserved by emailing Lisa Koerselman at lisa.koerselman@nwciowa.edu by Jan. 15. They can also be purchased at nwciowa.edu/music/tickets or in person in DeWitt Music Hall. If you wish to buy group tickets (tables seat eight guests), please make one purchase for the entire group.

Northwestern’s music department has a tradition of dynamic performances, outstanding faculty and standout educational experiences in an environment committed to glorifying God. Students can audition for one or more of 10 ensembles, having the opportunity to tour around the world and perform in the award-winning Christ Chapel.