User:Celticfire1962/ Madrigal Society of Southern Illinois

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Madrigal Society of Southern Illinois
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Organized in 1986 under the direction of Eunice Seaman, this group was originally called the Perry County Madrigal Society. The purpose of the society was to offer people an opportunity of enjoy 15th and 16th century madrigal music.

Over the years members of the society have included teachers, nurses, investment brokers, homemakers, businessmen and women, office workers, coal miners and grocers, a mayor, coroner and a police chief.

The Madrigal Society heralded the Christmas season each year with a traditional madrigal dinner-concert, the first being held in December 1986. The concert was performed by 16 adult singers who made up the royal court. Other, non-singing roles included litter bearers, servers (wenches), jesters, a chamberlain and a brass ensemble.

The elaborate 15th and 16th century era costumes including head pieces and many of the props were handmade. One of the challenges, which is still so today, was learning an unfamilier style of music,  performed without musical accompaniment. All songs are memorized prior to performances.

The first Madrigal dinner concert consisted of 13 songs. A one course dinner/concert was held in December 1986 in Pinckneyville, Illinois. A second dinner-concert was held that same year in Du Quoin, Illinois. Original members of the group said both were well attended.

In 1996 the society, now named the Madrigal Society of Southern Illinois (MSSI), was invited to particiate in the inaugural National Madrigal Choral at Carnegie Hall in New York City, New York. The MSSI was joined by about 200 other madrigal singers from across the country under the direction of Dr. Paul Brandvic of Bemidji University in Minnesota.

In addition to the annual Christmas season performances, the MSSI has also performed patriotic selections at Memorial Day services.

The MSSI is a registered not-for-profit organization. Money received from performances goes to purchase costumes, backdrops, and other needs to put on a madrigal dinner. MSSI also gives out two $500 scholarships annually to a graduating high school senior in the area.