In December, lords and ladies dined by candlelight on prime rib, flaming plum pudding and wassail while being serenaded by a choir dressed in Renaissance-period cloaks and gowns during the 31st annual Ye Old Christmas Madrigal Feaste.
The feast and carols, hosted by the University of Central Arkansas Foundation, was in thanks to members of the Foundation?s Presidents Club, UCA?s highest annual giving club. Members of the Presidents Club give at least $1,000 annually to the UCA Foundation.?Christmas is considered the season of giving and during this season we want to recognize those who support UCA by giving them something in return,? said Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Development Kelley Erstine. ?The Department of Music presents this wonderful program each year, and we are pleased we can share it with our loyal supporters.?
While the university has presented a Madrigal Feaste for 31 years, this year was a first for the location. The Madrigal Feaste was held in downtown Little Rock at the Woman?s City Club, a building that was constructed in 1908 and designed to represent a 20th century version of the Renaissance Revival. The building, which now houses the Junior League of Little Rock, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
UCA alumni and friends who attended the Madrigal Feaste were treated to a reception prior to the dinner and performance. After the reception, guests entered a candle-lit dining hall where each was announced as a lord or lady, then escorted to their seats. Once the nearly 200 guests were seated, the Madrigal Choir, led by Choral Director John Erwin, heralded the procession of the evening with the support of occasional narratives by a colorful jester.
Each attendee was presented with a keepsake scroll that had his or her name inscribed on the front and program and menu details on the inside.
The Foundation solicits and manages endowment funds for scholarships, University programs, and other University needs. It also solicits and distributes restricted funds for University programs, buildings, and funds for current operating needs of the Foundation and the University. Since Jan. 1, the UCA Foundation has raised more than $2.1 million.
