BHSU Madrigal Dinner and Opera
Date and Time
Thursday Nov 29, 2018 Sunday Dec 2, 2018
Description
The popular Madrigal Dinner and Opera musical event, a beloved tradition, returns to Black Hills State University Nov. 29-Dec. 2. Serving as a fundraiser for BHSU Music Department student scholarships, the Madrigal Dinner audience will be taken back to Renaissance times and invited to a Christmas feast in the castle’s great hall.
The scholarship fundraiser, which often sells out, provides theatrical entertainment, a Renaissance themed meal, and a medieval night for all who attend. A small ensemble of 18 BHSU student singers will take on their roles as 16th century King, Queen, Jester, and Court, performing a program of several traditional carols and Renaissance music.
A Christmas feast will be served: brie and cheddar apple beer soup will be the first course, along with maple cranberry glazed turkey breast with sausage and herb stuffing and green beans and salted caramel pumpkin cheesecake for dessert.
Rylann Olson, BHSU music education major from Dickinson, N.D., shares her excitement for the Madrigal Dinner. “This is my second year being part of the Madrigal Dinner, and I can’t wait for everyone to see what we’ve been preparing!”
After the impressive meal catered by A’viands, the court will perform a short one-act opera in English called “Amahl and the Night Visitors” by Gian-Carlo Menotti. In this miraculous story, the Three Kings stop for shelter at the home of Amahl, a poor disabled shepherd boy, and his widowed mother while following the star to Bethlehem.
“The Madrigal dinner is so unique because the audience is involved in the performance,” Olson says. “We are constantly interacting with them to make them feel like they’re at a genuine Renaissance dinner.”
Performances will take place Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night, Nov. 29-Dec. 2. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. and tickets are $45. If you wish to attend only the Opera, it will begin at 8 p.m. and tickets are $15.
Reservations are available at www.BHSU.edu/Madrigal or by calling Raena Martinez at 605.642.6420. Please notify us of any dietary needs such as vegetarian meals or nut allergies when making reservations.
The Madrigal Dinner typically sells out quickly, so make your reservations soon!
Students participating in the Madrigal Dinner include:
Alicia Absher, chemistry major from Belle Fourche
Cheyenne Black, political science major from Rapid City
Hayes Chohon, music education major from Ainsworth, Neb.
Carissa Deming, music education major from Newcastle, Wyo.
Dustin Fox, history major from Sturgis
Amy Hahn, music education major from Gillette, Wyo.
Hailey Hanzlik, English major from Spearfish
Chelsea Hiser, music education major from Glenrock, Wyo.
Mallary Hoffmann, psychology major from Brookings
Gwendolyn Hoops, music education major from Sturgis
Rylann Olson, music education major from Dickinson, N.D.
Claire Palmreuter, applied health sciences major from Rapid City
Micah Pennel, music education major from Hill City
Eric Quaschnick, music education major from Spearfish
Hannah Rehmeier, music education major from St. Onge
Gregory Roling, music education major from Piedmont
Dillon Smith, outdoor education major from Watford City, N.D.
Judd Stewart, political science major from Spearfish
Christina Walton, English major from Spearfish
Grace Wetrich, outdoor education major from Sioux Falls
About BHSU Music Department:
The Music Department strives to develop both student and community musicians and is constantly improving the musical culture of the area. The Music Department blends individual study, for refinement and creative expression, with group performance, for a comprehensive and cooperative educational environment. The BHSU Music program is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. A degree in music from BHSU benefits those planning on working in music related fields, becoming professional musicians, or pursuing a teaching career or graduate program to further their talent.