By Greg Morgan

Take a trip to the time of the Renaissance.
The Mesa State Chamber Choir and Opera Scenes presents a “Madrigal Evening” the nights of April 6 and 7, directed by Dr. Jake Delmore and Dr. Mont Atkinson with choreography by Ann Sanders. Audience members can join the performers as they travel into the past to the court to entertain the king and queen.
“It’s not just chorus music; there are solos, duets, and little trios,” said Alena Ruiz, one of the performers and soloists.
The show is set up as a typical night of entertainment for the king and queen.
“Singing and dancing was their idea of a good time,” Ruiz said.
The first act of the show is traditional music from the time period, but the second act has an added twist.
“It’s more contemporary music but with classical text,” Ruiz said. “We have this really cool rhythmic Spanish piece.”
Even the instruments for the show are authentic to the time period.
“All of it is live music and as far as accompaniment there is a harpsichord, an organ, recorders and a flute,” Ruiz said.
If the costumes, music, and instruments weren’t enough to transport the audience back to the days of knighthood and chivalry, then certainly the cast performing amongst the audience will do the trick.
“There are parts we sing from the audience,” Ruiz said. “It’s really interactive”.
While singing and music combine to make up the bulk of the show, dance also plays a vital role. Audra Atkinson, a senior dance major, performs a solo choreographed for her by Ann Sanders. Atkinson performs her solo as the character “Lady Elizabeth York.”
“It involves fun and bright footwork,” said Atkinson.
Atkinson also said that the movement was very reminiscent of movement from that time period, which mostly revolved around court dances. There is even a group dance section in the second act, performed between several dances that were choreographed with court dances in mind.
The Madrigal Evening will prove to be a magical evening as well.
“The experience of escaping this busy modern-day world,” Ruiz said, “and entering into the life of simple pleasures like singing and dancing is amazing. It’s pretty exciting.”
While the show itself contains no direct plot, the collection of pieces being presented as a unified work is sure to entertain its audience.
“It’s a lively, upbeat chorus filled with dancing and entertaining characters,” Atkinson said.
The Madrigal Evening begins April 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the Recital Hall located in the Moss Performing Arts Center, and then again the next day at the same time. Tickets for the show can be purchased at the door or in advance at the Mesa State Box Office in the Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $5 for students. The box office will be open an hour before each performance, and seating is general admission. For tickets and further information you can contact the box office at 970-248-1604.