Schools
Royal A-Faire: This Weekend Brings Renaissance Feastin’ and Fun at Albany High
Madrigal Delights comes to Albany High School on Friday and Saturday.
Where can you find a humorous play, live music from more than 82 vocal music students dressed in realistic Renaissance garb, and an all-you-can-eat feast fit for any king (or queen)?
Why, at Albany High School's , of course!
Kick off the holiday season with our royal court, beautiful maidens and pleasant peasants as we invite you for a night of live singing, dancing, acting, dining, and more.
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Madrigal Delights has been a tradition at for more than 15 years. Each year, the high school choirs recreate the Renaissance feasts and gatherings of 16th-century England.
"It is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year, and it draws out our actors, costume designers, light and sound crews, vocal soloists, and others (students, parents, and community members) for a large group effort. We really build a solid foundation and community through this event," said Albany High's Vocal Music Director Mary Stocker.
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The night begins at 7 p.m. when our king and queen invite you into our magnificent castle (Albany High Multipurpose Room), fully decorated with banners, coats-of-arms and all the furnishings of the King's dining hall.
Feel free to choose from our delicious buffet table. Our court company eats only the best: pulled pork sandwiches, mini-quiches, chicken wings, Muffaletta/baguette sandwiches, baked potato complete with fixings, cheese and bread, and veggies and dip.
Wash it all down with sparkling cider and satisfy any sweet tooth with our array of cookies, bars, cakes and other homemade delights. Swoon to the pleasant live music from our harpist, lutist and viol de gamba players. Entertainment is provided by our entire costumed cast.
After dining to your heart's delight, follow our procession of trumpets to the Little Theater for the King and Queen's play. Jesters, royalty and peasants alike play a part in a fun-filled performance complete with jokes, carols, delightful madrigals, musical interludes and good ol' Renaissance frivolity.
"I love seeing everyone light up with the double-meanings of so many madrigals, and the reactions of the students really 'getting it' both as performers and as audience members," remarked Stocker.
Although it will be the last year of Madrigal for many seniors, Antonio Greenwood declared, "I still want to make it fun, exciting, and enjoyable."
Don't miss out on this fantastic a-faire! This year's performances are on Friday and Saturday nights, Dec. 3 and 4 at Albany High School.
Tickets are $17 for adults, $12 for seniors and students of all ages (just bring a student ID), and free for children under the age of 7.
Tickets can be purchased at the door or from any AHS choir student. All proceeds from the show support Albany Music Fund. Please e-mail galynl@yahoo.com or call 510-558-2575 with any questions.
Event Summary
- Who: All!
- What: Madrigal Delights- an evening of dancing, singing, feasting, acting, and all the festivities of a traditional Renaissance fair!
- When: 7 to 9:15 p.m.
- Where: , Multipurpose Room, 603 Key Route Blvd.
- Tickets: $17 for adults, $12 students/seniors, FREE for children under 7
