November 10, 2005 – Sylvia Bierschenk

Madrigal Dinner reinstated

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Great food, wonderful music and entertaining jesters reminiscent of merrie olde England are returning to the University Center as the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music reestablishes the Madrigal Dinner on Friday, Dec. 2, and Saturday, Dec. 3.

Attendees will gather at 6:30 p.m. in the Spirit Lounge of the University Center and be escorted to their tables in the Grand Ballroom at 6:45.

For 20 years the SFA Madrigal Singers and A Cappella Choir entertained East Texans by donning Elizabethan-style clothing and hosting a banquet, complete with live musical and dramatic entertainment.

"Due to so much community activity during the Christmas season, we cancelled the event six years ago," said Tim King, SFA director of choral activities. "We are reinstating the ever-popular event this year as a part of our fund-raising efforts for the A Cappella Choir's upcoming European tour."

The evening's meal features Cornish game hen, a variety of vegetables and breads, a flaming Christmas pudding and wassail for toasting.

Joel Bourdier, Orange senior, and Erin Roth, Lufkin graduate student, will portray the hosting queen and king. Ryan McDonald, Waco graduate student, and his brother Steven, a senior, will portray the Lord of Rule and Lord of Misrule, respectively, in the Jester's Test.

"We've had so much fun preparing for the Madrigal Dinner," said Bourdier. "We know the patrons will have a great evening!"

The Madrigal Dinner is a joint presentation of the SFA College of Fine Arts and the School of Music. It is sponsored in part by BancorpSouth.

Tickets range from $30 to $100, depending on seating preference, and may be purchased by calling the SFA Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS. The deadline for purchasing tickets is Monday, Nov. 28.