UCA’s Madrigal Feaste is back by popular demand.
After a one-year hiatus, an evening of Renaissance carols and food is scheduled for a nightly performance this Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 4 through 6, in the ballroom of McCastlain Hall.
This is the 33rd year for the Madrigal Feaste. Tickets for the candlelight dinner and performance by UCA’s Chamber Singers are $40 and may be purchased at UCA Ticket Central, (501) 450-3265 or www.uca.edu/tickets.
“So much time is required, but it is a lovely event,” said John Erwin, associate professor of music and director of choral music at UCA who brought the Feaste to UCA in 1975. “Our goal is to try to take people out of the 21st century and take them back to 400 years earlier when things were a little bit simpler.”
The singers will be dressed in Renaissance-period attire, including cloaks and gowns, and will serenade the audience with carols from the period. Renaissance poetry and a court jester will also add to the ambiance. Every year the feaste draws crowds from all over Arkansas and surrounding states. Erwin said he expected approximately 200 guests this year.”It’s packed every year,” Erwin said. “We have to turn people away.”
Trumpets will announce all guests. A processional will begin the festivities as the singers enter the hall. The dinner menu will include entrees of prime rib, chicken, or a vegetarian plate by former Chef of the Year Don Bingham. Following the feaste, guests will be treated to a seasonal dessert of flaming plum pudding.
The Madrigal Feaste will begin at 7 p.m. with seating starting at 6:30. For more information, call the Office of the Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication, at (501) 450-3293 or e-mail MCastens@uca.edu.
