Madrigals from the 1980s and 90s recently gathered back on campus to reunite in song and fellowship.
The reunion weekend held July 12-14 was full of reminiscing about great moments in music-making, Madrigal Dinners, and recordings from the past, not to mention visiting “old” haunts and making new memories. Attendees made themselves at home in the Uptown Normal Marriott hotel, which was in easy walking distance of Medici for dinner Friday night and Pub II—yes, the one you remember—followed by ice cream at Emack and Bolio’s on the way back to the hotel.
On Saturday about 15 alumni rehearsed tunes from their Illinois State University days, such as “Lirum, Lirum”; “Twelve Days of Christmas”; “April Is in My Mistress’ Face”; “Little Pretty Bonnie Lass”; and “Weep, O Mine Eyes.” This was followed by a trek to Avanti’s on Main Street and a campus tour. The highlight of the weekend was the performance on the green at Ewing Manor for opening night of the Illinois Shakespeare Festival’s Macbeth. The weather was just as gorgeous as the memories!
Plans are being made to gather again next summer in cooperation with the opening weekend of the Illinois Shakespeare Festival. The exact date will be released in the future.
