West Aurora High brings Medieval magic to the holidays

Posted December 18, 2024 3:41 pm

Submitted by Al Benson

Drummer Noah Fuller performs during the 37th annual madrigal concerts put on West Aurora High School students. Courtesy of Al Benson

Celebrating the holidays, West Aurora High School students staged its 37th annual madrigal concerts Dec. 14-15. A dinner concert Saturday evening was followed by a dessert concert Sunday afternoon.

Jester Graham Butler parades a mock boar's head during West Aurora High School's 37th annual madrigal concerts Dec. 14-15. At right is queen Julie Popplewell. Courtesy of Al Benson

Volunteers converted the student cafeteria to a Medieval-style great hall for the event.

Quincy Ivory and Julie Popplewell reigned as king and queen.

Cast members in period costumes included 25 Madrigal singers, 36 singing servers and a five-piece Royal Brass.

Vivian Fuller, left, is one of the singing servers at West Aurora High School's 37th annual madrigal concerts. Courtesy of Al Benson

West culinary arts students prepared the menus under direction of Linda Brennan, head royal chef.

Concert directors were Brian Smith, Madrigal singers; Lydia Walsh-Rock, Singing servers; and John Sierakowski, Madrigal Brass. Also, Sean Tait was castle manager and Emmy Winter was Wizard of Flashes and Booms.

King Quincy Ivory, left, shares a joke with jester Graham Butler during West Aurora High School's 37th annual madrigal concerts on Dec. 14-15. Courtesy of Al Benson