December 4, 2002

Madrigal feast for the senses

West Senior High vocal students present sixth annual medieval festival

By LISA PERKINS
Herald staff writer

In what has become a local medieval tradition, Traverse City West Senior High School's vocal music department will present their sixth annual Elizabethan Madrigal Feaste featuring entertainment by the Choral-Aires, Bella Voce, Westmen and Chorale.
A six-course feast, featuring gourmet hors d'ouvres and Cornish game hens will be served in the school's Commons Banquet Hall, transformed into a magical medieval festival.
"You get to go back in time. The elaborate gowns, the language, the food, the music, it brings the culture to life. It all just fits together," said senior Chelsea Kramer.
Musicians from the local group Heartsease will play ancient instruments, including bagpipes, recorders and Renaissance guitars, to accompany the students. Members of the West High School band will perform in the program as Royale Herald Trumpeters.
Vocal performances of "For Unto Us a Child is Born," from Handel's Messiah, "Personet Hodie" by John Ruffer, "O Magnum Mysterium" by Morten Lauridsen as well as traditional favorites "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and "Deck the Halls" have been rehearsed for weeks.
"We write the program fresh every year," said choral director, Russ Larimer. "It is always a real challenge to be on top of all of the details, but the details are what make it."
The sixth annual madrigal feaste will be held at 6:30 p.m., December 14 and 15 and January 4 and 5 in the West Senior High commons banquet hall. Tickets are $20. For reservations, call 933-7509