Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Hiram College Madrigals, Yuletide Revels

This weekend marks the 40th anniversary of Hiram College's Yuletide Revels.

If you've never experienced a Hiram Madrigal performance, let alone any Madrigal event, you must add the entire adventure to your calendar or bucket list!

The 'Madrigal,' first referred to as a type of Italian poetry originating in the 14th century, has evolved over the years.

After being set to music, Madrigals made their way to England and continued their travels to various destinations around the world.

They were and still are enchanting art forms involving music as well as drama acted out by a small ensemble. These performing troubadours tell the story dressed in authentic garb from the time period as they interact with their spectators.

The Madrigal also celebrates Elizabethan England's Christmastime equally mixing religious holiday music with secular music. Carols such as 'Fum, fum, fum,' 'Riu, riu, chiu,' 'The Coventry Carol,' and 'Silent Night' serenade the onlookers.

During an authentic Madrigal experience, the ensemble on stage and the patrons in the audience are treated to a genuine holiday meal consisting of the finest prime rib (the Boar's head), chicken, ham, green beans, red-skinned potatoes or potato cakes, fresh fruits, Yorkshire pudding, plum pudding with sauce, and wassail. Though fine-tuned over the years, this is how a Madrigal performance and feast may play out for both the performers and assembly.

The 1st fanfare ushers in the cherished guests.

The 2nd fanfare heralds the entry of the 'Lords and Ladyes' with a processional, the entry of the wassail bowl and a myriad of toasts. The entire room raise a glass at this time. 'Wassail' means 'be in good health.' The delicious English libation consists of cider and spices. Served warm, the aromatic, soothing beverage not only quenches the thirst but warms the 'taster' during the cold, winter months!

The 3rd fanfare involves the entry of the Boar's head with a prayer and a blessing.

The 4th fanfare delivers the entry of the flaming desserts.

And the final fanfare consists of the main concert entertainment with a recessional. Afterward, the performers greet their guests in the gallery and everyone sings Christmas carols.

The Boar's head signifies evil, yet when presented on a platter, symbolizes overcoming evil and death.

All guests are asked to make a wish as they taste the Christmas pudding.

Now let me give you a brief history of the Hiram College Madrigals. In the fall of 1968, Choral Director Larry DeWitt stepped inside the ballroom of the new Kennedy Center. His first thought, to use this venue as the backdrop for a well-crafted Christmas pageant. The Hiram College Madrigal Singers were born! In 1969, Elfleda Seelbach took the reins as Madrigal Director. After retiring in 1983, she passed the baton to one of Hiram College's most influential musical directors to date, Damaris Peters Pike. Her expertise, vision, and passion for her craft refined the Madrigal program to what it has become today.

Damaris Peters Pike passed on her legacy to yet another talented and dedicated faculty member, John Drotleff.

The Hiram College Madrigal Singers have performed all over Ohio and the United States. These talented performers must audition for this elite group, which is made up of students from varying majors and backgrounds. They have many other accolades to their rich history including recording a record album.

Besides the singers, various other artists entertain the crowd with their amazing feats. Musicians traipse about playing their recorders and trumpets....the harpist serenades the audience during their meal. 'Pun' the jester bewilders the masses with his magic and humor as he strolls the aisles.

This year's Yuletide Revels run from Friday, December 12th thru Sunday, December 14th.

Friday, December 12th --dinner at 615pm with Revels beginning at 730pm.

Saturday, December 13th --dinner at 615pm with Revels beginning at 730pm.

Sunday, December 14th --brunch at 1215pm with Revels beginning at 130pm.

For more details, please contact the Hiram College office of Special Events at 330.569.5900.

I hope one day you will have the esteemed honor of experiencing the magic of a genuine Hiram College Madrigal performance and then, you too, will see why Hiram College Madrigals, Yuletide Revels are this week's Hidden Gem!