Court jesters, colorful unicorns, bright costumes, and songs from the medieval era were only the beginning of  the entertainment at Academy’s first Madrigal Dinner, held on Friday evening, December 9.  On that evening the Quarter Notes took the dinner guests back through time to the medieval era with ladies of the royal court.

Songs included “Noel, Noel,” “Gloucestershire Wassail,”  “I Saw Three Ships,” and “The Boar’s Head Carol.”  Senior Katie  McCormick starred as the wandering troubadour and sophomore Daryl Sutphin- Garcia starred as the jester of the Royal Court. All members of Quarter Notes took on the persona of ladies of the court for this performance.

The guests were served four courses, starting off with a spinach salad, followed by mushroom soup, pork and mashed potatoes, and bread  pudding.  Prior to dinner,  guests had the opportunity to try an old medieval drink called wassail. The guests had the non-alcoholic version of the drink.

During intermission, the Quarter Notes mingled with the guests,  entertaining them with their courtly demeanor and speech.

Sister Mary Patricia Plumb, Campus Minister, praised Ms. Linda Ruescher and her talented students. “The Madrigal Dinner Friday evening was wonderful and, for a first time at AHN, the attendance was great.  We were treated to a lovely meal and a superb performance right out of the Middle Ages. Then, on Sunday, what a lovely treat and what a perfect Advent preparation for Christmas we experienced with the Taize Evening Prayer in the Chapel.”