Trine to host madrigal dinner Nov. 20

Music students to kick off holidays with a renaissance-style affair

ANGOLA — A group of dedicated students, community members and faculty is bringing their talents together for an elaborate, renaissance-style affair to kick off the holiday season.

For the first year, the Trine University Music Department is hosting a madrigal dinner — a performance set in the Renaissance era featuring musicians performing traditional songs in period clothing while guests enjoy a catered meal.  The event will be Saturday, Nov. 20, at 6:15 p.m. in the university’s Ketner Sports Complex.

More than 50 student choir members will perform, and they will be accompanied by the university’s band, which is under the direction of Mark Kays.

Choral director Beth Stepp said multiple people have pitched in to help with the event. Stepp’s sister, Carol Dettmer of rural Auburn, is designing and making about 75 costumes for the performance. Dettmer is giving costumes — loaned by Fremont High School — some 15th century flair. She also has visited church rummage sales and second-hand shops for Renaissance inspiration.

 “She’s amazing,” Stepp said of her sister. “She rips apart, repairs, adds braids and ribbons. We could not put this show on without her.”

Donna Thrasher’s sewing class at Angola High School is making tunics for the characters in the madrigal.  

Greg Koomler of Ashley is donating his time to make old English-style herald banners, which will be used as decorations for the event.

A recorder consort group, led by Lynn Syler of Angola, also will perform at the event. Others in the group include Norm Adams, Carol Frymier, Jeri Mow, Jane Papsdorf, Jeanine Samuelson and David Syler.

Student performers include Kiera Baum, Shaleah Ellenberg, Allison Flock, Amanda Franklin, Hannah Gaisford, Lauren Hood, Katie Ivers, Natalie Johnson, Danielle Madden, Delaney Mosher, Nicole Orsborn, Paige Panelli, Alix Parrett, Nichole Potter, Jocelyn Ries, Jennifer Sir Louis, Liz Steinmetz, Sarah McFarland, Samantha Willmann, Alex Sabo, Brian Boes, Steve Elsner, Shane Hendrickson, Jordan Kohne, Joe Robinson, John Shue, Noah Veach, Rick Zugay, Matt Leonhardt, James Taylor, Daniel Ehinger, Bailey Showalter, Lantz Kulp, Sarah Darling, Jay Carey, Tabitha Cuffy, Aaron Teague, Meegan Curtis, Dan Rukes, Liz Hall, Nick Stephan, Katie Schelenski, Dan Wiehe, Ryan Davis, Brandon Cosby, Kenny Hansen, Hannah Alley, Krsteena Sarver, Aaron Stroup, Max Frame, Valerie Coulter, Brendan Baum, Wayne Mow, Claire Gilman, Kyle Grear, Shawn Grooms and Adam Tatlock.

Dinner will be catered by Bon Appetit and will consist of salad, roast beef, potatoes, green beans with almonds, rolls, bread pudding and soft beverages.

Tickets cost $25 and may be purchased at the T. Furth Center for the Performing Arts, the former Angola Christian Church, Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m. For more information about ordering tickets, contact Stepp at 665-8094.