Madrigal Magic in Randolph Hall
The College of Charleston Madrigal Singers
THIS IS HOW we should dine every evening (well, most evenings): among friends in a sumptuous candle-lit room, with delicious food and plenty of wine, surrounded by a chorus of singers and the tonic sway of their songs. With, of course, a small troupe of actors to entertain us while we indulge our bounty.
That was the scene in Randolph Hall Thursday on opening night of the annual “Yuletide Madrigal Feast.” About 60 of us were guests of Lord Robert Taylor and the College of Charleston Madrigal Singers who, in Renaissance regalia and armed with British accents, treated us like royalty as they played the roles of waiters and actors as well as professional singers.
You have never seen the Grimm brothers’ fairy tales—Snow White, Cinderella, and Briar Rose—told like this. And I bet you’ve never seen such a hilarious, rapid-fire (unquestionably the world’s shortest) rendition of Rapunzel.
Renee Blankenship and Kori Miller
It was all part of an entertaining evening of comedy, toasts, and dramatizations that our hosts used to loosen us up—along with Wassail and a full-course dinner including wine, dessert, and coffee—before they enraptured us with their hauntingly beautiful a Capella songs. The combined effect created a relaxed, inspiring experience that ushered us perfectly into the holiday season.
The Madrigal Singers are a 16-voice ensemble from the College of Charleston Choir. The students are all voice majors and this particular ensemble specializes in chamber music from the Renaissance to the present. Their talent and smarts are at the highest level, and they all have a lot of experience on stage. In the case of those who acted out the skits (Kori Miller, Emmalee Hinson, Paul Runyon, and Jordan Boyd), they received additional coaching from the very talented script writer, Brandon Joyner. But it was also clear that these four love performing and have good instincts for acting, especially comedy.
Paul Runyon with fellow singers
Dr. (on this evening, Lord) Robert Taylor displayed his own theatrical skills as well. In addition to dramatically imploring his guests to “loosen up” and “drink as much as possible,” he read humorous toasts to some of the guests—watch out, you don’t know if you’re next!—swilled a tankard of Wassail as his troupe cheered him on, and gallantly patrolled the room with delight.
He also did what he always does: conduct his singers with a demure aplomb that belies his passionate perfectionism as an artist. What a pleasure it is to watch him lead his chorus on what seems like a special journey with each song.
Dr. Robert Taylor leading his chorus
I mentioned to him later that he, like many choral directors, seems to have a deep affection for the music; a tender devotion that is not apparent in most orchestral conductors. He replied that it was hard to explain, other than saying, “This music is a spiritual experience for me. I feel like music is the medium to the eternal.”
That’s certainly how I felt at the end of the evening, satiated with food and drink, as I luxuriated to the full in his melodious medium.
Now I can’t wait till next year’s Yuletide feast. And I’ve already justified the finances: that what may seem like a pricey ticket is actually a bargain because you get an elegant dinner, a theatrical performance, and a musical concert all in one—along with the priceless experience of being uplifted and revitalized.
Learn more about the College of Charleston Madrigal Singers and Dr. Robert Taylor.
Learn more about the Yuletide Madrigal Feast at the College.
Learn about upcoming performances of the Taylor Festival Choir.
