Covenant College’s music department on December 9-10 will present its annual Madrigal Dinners, with dinner beginning each evening at 6:30 p.m. Begun in 1969 by Dr. John Hamm, the Madrigal Dinners have become a community tradition attracting hundreds of local attendees as well as parents and students of alumni from around the country.
The madrigal dinner was a 16th century celebration and feast the wealthy would give to their court and friends just before Christmas. Castle dining halls were transformed with the reds and greens of Christmas. Feasts were prepared and entertainment planned throughout the meal. Guests dined, enjoyed music, danced and “made merry” until the hosts declared it an evening. This historical court feast was hosted by a lord and lady, who presented the lavish evening as a way for friends to begin the Christmas season.
Some colleges follow the historical aspects closely, such as dining without utensils. Covenant provides eating utensils but remains close to the spirit of the feast by presenting the Christmas story in music and readings. The historical Great Hall is transformed into a castle-like atmosphere with wreaths, blossoms and hundreds of feet of garland decorated with fruit, herbs and ribbons. Nearly 1,000 candles are burned throughout the event. Lavish costumes promise to add an exquisite touch to the beauty of the evening.
The lord and lady preside over the feast and announce each course, giving instructions to all to begin and enjoy. Courses include soup, salad, meat, roasted vegetables, pudding, fruits, cheeses, wassail and all the trimmings. For nearly three hours, diners eat a meal prepared by guest chefs and served by servants dressed in authentic peasant costumes. These peasants dance and lavish each guest with attention throughout the evening.
The Madrigal Singers are a highly skilled choral group dressed in authentic Renaissance costumes that sing English carols, madrigals and traditional Christmas music. The costumed Renaissance Consort plays throughout the evening using harp, oboe, viola da gamba, mandolin, violins, percussion and a harpsichord. Guest director David Long is conducting the Madrigal Singers and Renaissance Consort this year. The event is a product of over 100 musicians, faculty and support staff. Throughout the evening, jugglers, solo singers, instrumentalists and other entertainment will provide distractions in the tradition of Renaissance court life.
“The beauty of the Madrigal Dinner is its presentation of the Christmas story and the birth of Christ in a setting that takes us back in time. It is an evening of great food, time with friends, the beauty of winter colors and smells, costumed cast and exquisite music. It is a true celebration of Christmas,” says Covenant spokesperson Jen Allen.
The dinner costs $60 per person. Reservations can be made until Nov. 30 by calling 706-419-1453 or emailing sarah.dewaters@covenant.edu. While most tables accommodate eight guests, a few tables seat four. A waiting list is available for those who call after all available seats are reserved.