Madrigal Delights: Knight, Knight, Knights

On December 4th and 5th, Friday and Saturday knight, over three hundred guests were swept away on a short excursion back to Renaissance culture. This yearly celebration of music and food was hosted by the Albany High Choral Department.

As with previous years, revelers dined in the multi-purpose room. Parent volunteers staffed the meal and donated the food. Madrigal performers mingled with the crowd. Due to the fact that this room is now the Cougar Café, the actual performance took place in the Little Theater. Guests were escorted to the main performance by a procession of trumpets, directed by Craig Bryant.

The Madrigal featured AHS Concert Choir as the peasantry and Advanced Chorale as the royal court. Julie Frost starred as the Jester on his knightly quest. After personal troubles, Merlin the wizard (Lin Su and Nelson Cheung) provided him with an answer: “IGLOO.” The Jester’s quest entailed seeking the parts of the question from a maid, Sally Forth (Corinne Russell), Allen-a-Dale (Eugene Yang), and Thursday/Friday Knight (Andrew An). After many trials and song parodies, he arrives at “What/ do you use to/ hold two igs together?” at which time the entire cast bursts into “Come Again, Sweet Love” as the final number.

Mary Low is the choral director for Albany High and orchestrated the performance. Gail Star volunteers her skills as a seamstress for the colorful costumes every year. The Madrigal was also a fundraiser for Advanced Chorale’s spring tour to Las Vegas.