SU Hosts Renaissance Madrigal Dinner December 5-6

SALISBURY, MD---Lord Merrick of Salisbury invites the community to join him during Salisbury University’s Renaissance Madrigal Dinner 6:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, December 5-6, in the Bistro of the Commons.
Jesters, musicians, dancers and more entertain guests during the seven-course dinner, recreating a traditional Renaissance holiday feast.

Featured entertainers include SU Chamber Choir conducted by Dr. William Folger, director of choral studies at SU; the Herald Brass, conducted by Lee Knier; a recorder consort, a string ensemble and some 40 SU dance and theatre students portraying Lord and Lady Merrick and their court under the direction of SU senior Emily Jablonski.

Other entertainers include commedia dell’Arte troupe members directed by Robert Smith of the Theatre and Dance Department, dancing ladies, wandering minstrels and jugglers. Dr. Victoria Hutchinson, chair of the Theatre and Dance Department, provides choreography. Traditional Renaissance decorations are also a part of the feast, including candelabras, garland and a real boar’s head.

Menu items include roasted butternut squash bisque with candied pecans, salmon with fruit topping and wild rice, peacock pie (half a Cornish game hen with cranberry nut dressing), English marinated roast beast with slaw sauté, assorted breads and gingerbread slices, winter salad, fruits of the forest pie and wassail (a non-alcoholic spiced beverage). Courses are announced with fanfare and presented by royal servants in fanciful serving vessels.

Tickets are $35, available in advance at the Information Desk of the Guerrieri University Center. Seating is limited to 150 each evening.

The Cultural Affairs Office, departments of Music and Theatre and Dance, and University Dining Services sponsor the event. For more information call 410-543-6271 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.