The Elizabethan Madrigal Singers

The Elizabethan Madrigal Singers is a choir that was founded by Walter Ryan in 1950 at Aberystwyth University.[1]

The Elizabethan Madrigal Singers
OriginAberystwyth, Ceredigion, Wales
GenresClassical
Years active1950 (1950)–present (present)
Past membersWilliam Mathias
Aneirin Hughes
Sophie Dobedoe
Fiona Deane
Frances Lovell
Tamsin Ratcliff
Emily Waide
Ray Evans
Lizzie Cunningham
Lisa Haufler
Baylee Schutte
Leah Plank
Owen Watts
Sam Davenport
Fraser Brown
Morgan Lang
Jacob Hunt
Angharad Nicol
Websitehttp://www.abermads.co.uk

History

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The history of 'The Mads' (as the choir is often known) has been chronicled recently in a book by Dale Webb,[2] and an online archive has been created paying homage to the past 60 years. This[3] brings together pictures, newspaper articles and sound files that have been found in both private collections and at the National Library of Wales. While the Mads have appeared in local newspapers, and continue to do so.[4] They have also appeared on BBC programmes (Songs for the Asking) and on radio.[according to whom?]

The choir has a rich history of concerts in and around the Aberystwyth area. The Elizabethan Madrigal Singers also continue to tour regularly. Having in the past visited Russia, Iceland, the US, the Seychelles and most of Europe. In November 2010 the choir had the privilege of singing on the pitch in Cardiff's Millennium Stadium at the start of the Wales vs South Africa rugby game.[5]

Notable past members and associates

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Recent performances

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Haydn James has been Musical Director at the Welsh Rugby Union and asked the Mads and ex-members to perform at the Millennium Stadium for the Wales v. South Africa Rugby Union match on 13 November 2010. The Elizabethan Madrigal Singers regularly take their music overseas, recently travelling to Kraków, Poland, in June 2015. Previous tours include Martin, Slovakia in 2014, Burgos, Spain in 2013, Friedrichshafen, Germany, in 2012 and Ireland in 2011. In addition to annual tours, in 2012 'The Mads' were invited to perform at Aberystwyth University's graduation ceremonies every year, continuing a tradition that was established in the choir's infancy. Their most recent tour took them to Prague, Czech Republic 2016 and they are currently planning a tour to Germany 2018.

References

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  1. ^ "Aberystwyth University - Elizabethan Madrigal Singers". www.aber.ac.uk.
  2. ^ Elizabethan Madrigal Singers Cantorion Madrigalau Elisabethaidd 1950 - 2010. 12 October 2010.
  3. ^ "Croeso / Welcome - Cantorion Madrigal Elisabethaidd / Elizabethan Madrigal Singers - 1950-2010". mads.org.uk.
  4. ^ "Lifestyle". Archived from the original on 11 September 2011. Retrieved 15 November 2010.
  5. ^ "Aberystwyth University's 'Mads' at the Millenium Stadium - Welsh Icons News". 27 July 2011. Archived from the original on 27 July 2011.