Inside Iowa State

Dec. 7, 2007

You're invited to join the king and queen for dinner

by Erin Rosacker

The music department will stage its 43rd annual madrigal dinner Jan. 18 and 19 in the newly renovated Memorial Union Great Hall. The event -- a Renaissance-era feast featuring music, dance and theater -- begins with a 5:30 p.m. social hour followed by a trumpeted "fanfare" procession to dinner at 6:30 p.m.

Guests will be seated at candlelit banquet tables surrounding a raised center performance stage. The king, queen and royal court will be at the head table, and fully costumed actors, singers and musicians will perform on stage and interactively as they wander throughout the audience.

ISU's Musica Antiqua -- an ensemble of area musicians, singers and dancers -- will recreate Middle Ages song and dance, using replicas of instruments from the era. The Music Men, a quintet of ISU alumni, will perform period songs.

A pair of student groups also will provide entertainment, including vocals from the 71-member Iowa State Singers mixed chorus and dancing by the Orchesis II group.

"Each year it's a joy to be transported back to 'Merrie Ole England' through the music of the singers and instrumentalists, the pageantry, the dances and the antics of the performers," said Jim Rodde, music professor and co-producer of the annual event. "A fine meal, along with interacting with some of Iowa State's finest students, can make for a very special night."

A three-course meal features roast pork (vegetarian meal available by request), with a cash bar during the social hour and wine available at dinner.

Tickets are $36 ($30 for ISU students, senior citizens or groups of at least 10) and can be purchased at the MU box office (10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday), by phone (4-8349) or by mail. Order forms are available online. For more information, call 4-2810.

"A fine meal, along with interacting with some of Iowa State's finest students, can make for a very special night."

Jim Rodde, co-producer of Madrigal Dinner