Enjoy holidays with a taste of the Renaissance

Start your holiday season out by enjoying the music and singing of The Elizabethans as they present a musical program of the English Renaissance at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Dundee Township Public Library, 555 Barrington Ave. in East Dundee.

This group of women from all over the western and northern suburbs will recreate a time in English history when Queen Elizabeth I reigned.

The Elizabethans will present the dancing, madrigals, instruments and music of the Renaissance. Madrigals were a favorite form of entertainment during England's Renaissance, and were brought to that country from Italy in the 16th century.

The Elizabethans will perform in costume, dressed in beautiful and very elaborate, jewel-toned gowns designed after those that Queen Elizabeth I wore in her youth.

They also will perform music of other lands and times. Originally organized in 1970 to sing for a history club meeting, The Elizabethans have become a popular and professional entertainment program for businesses, clubs and organizations throughout the Chicago area, and are in special demand during the Christmas holidays. The Web site is www.theelizabethans.org.

It is free and open to the public. Reservations are suggested because seating is limited. Call (847) 428-3661, ext. 308, or register online at www.dundeelibrary.info.