New Canaan Advertiser
NCHS Madrigals to perform music from South African tour March 30
Mar 24, 2008

Pictured with two girls in native dress at the Lesedi Multicultural Village near Pretoria, South Africa, are Madrigal Ensemble members (from left) Corinne Littlefield, Frances Sisson, Olivia Costigan and Charlotte Fager.

The New Canaan High School Madrigal Ensemble, under the direction of Arthur Sjogren, will give a concert at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 30, at the First Presbyterian Church of New Canaan, 178 Oenoke Ridge.

The concert will feature music performed on the Madrgials’ recent trip to South Africa. The 28-member auditioned ensemble gave concerts in Pretoria, Port Elizabeth and Capetown during its two-week tour. The repertoire includes Renaissance Madrigals, African-American spirituals, excerpts from Mozart operas and South African songs sung in native languages accompanied by drums and dancing.

The South African Tour was Mr. Sjogren’s last tour with the Madrigals, as he is retiring in June as choral conductor at New Canaan High School after 34 years. The concert March 30 will be the last post-tour concert he conducts, and all are welcome. Many members of the community have supported the Madrigal Ensemble over the years by buying grapefruit and having the Madrigals perform at concerts in their homes.

A reunion of alumni Madrigals is planned for May 30 and June 1. More information can be found at nchsmadrigals.org.

Admission to the concert is free. A reception will follow in the Common Room of the Presbyterian Church.

© Copyright 2008 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers