’Tis the season for song and merriment, and guests of King Martin and Queen Olivia will experience just that as the royal pair open the castle doors for Coal City High School’s annual Madrigal performances this week.
The Madrigal choir is a vocal ensemble composed of ninth to 12th grade students that performs during the winter holidays, sharing the songs of the season. No Madrigal performance is complete without storytelling and fellowship around a bountiful banquet table.
For nearly three decades, the school’s Madrigal choir has welcomed the community to join them in celebrating the holiday with song, laughter and good cheer. It’s been described as the event that will put you into the holiday spirit, the one that will leave you with a sense of community and goodwill.
The 22-members that make up this year’s choir invite the community—near and far—to join them for their performances on Saturday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 14 in the Coal City Performing Arts Center.
Madrigal selections made from the medieval to renaissance periods are sung a cappella, and are characterized by elaborate rhythms and melodies interwoven in a rich tapestry of skillfully combined voice parts. The performance will feature carols traditional to the performance such as “Wassail” and “Boars Head Carol.” Along with holiday favorites, “Silent Night,” Deck the Halls,” and many others.
A comedic performance is intertwined with the concert and this year’s play “A Loop in Time,” features a king who is a bit out of sorts and a queen, who like many others in her kingdom, despises one particular holiday guest.
The play, written by Jim and Jane Jeffries, is performed by choir members led by Martin Ramirez and Olivia Sage, this year’s Madrigal king and queen. The royals are selected by the choir directors with input from members. These leader roles go to students who exhibit leadership qualities and a commitment to the program. Ramirez is a two year member of the choir and Sage is in her fourth year with the group.
In keeping with the time period, the royal couple is served by a jester who serves up fun and witty moments throughout the program, and this year that duty falls on senior Sam Vota.
Lending their voices and acting talents to the choir are: Aubrey Grunwald, Gianna Savarino, Leo McCants, Jordan Olson, Evelyn Wills, Grace Heatherwick, Cora Armstong, Caroline Childers, Elizabeth Nadess, Isabella Palacios, Anastasia Papach, Brady Pierson, Oliva Vota, Emmaline Tibble, Wyatt Chase, Penny D’Arcy, Jaycee Chase, Ben Stalter, Jackson Hollis, and Owen Burla.
Leading up to the holiday season, the choir has performed at the annual high school winter choral concert, Coal City Festival of Trees, Village of Carbon Hill’s Santa in the Park, provided new music at the Coal City United Methodist Church and made its annual tour of Coal City Schools.
The season will wrap up with this weekend’s performances. All are general admission with a $12 per person ticket price that includes the concert, performance and pre-show reception featuring small bites [hot and cold hors d vores]and tasty desserts. Tickets will only be sold at the door—cash only.
Doors open at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13 for the reception and will continue with the concert and performance in the performing arts center at 7 p.m. On Sunday, Dec. 14, doors will open at 1 p.m. for the reception with the show beginning at 2 p.m. The Madrigal seniors will be recognized at the close of the final performance.
The royals and their loyal subjects encourage all in the community to join them for this festive holiday event, one sure to provide merriment and good cheer to all.