It's amazing to look back on the many highlights this group of people has shared since its inception in 1977. We have had great adventures - such as riding camels in Jordan's Petra, singing in the exalted spaces of Salisbury Cathedral, and shooting the rapids in the St. Lawrence River.
We have had towering musical experiences with masterpieces such as Bach's B Minor Mass, Vaughan Williams' Dona Nobis Pacem, Durufle's Requiem, Handel's Israel in Egypt and Mendelssohn's powerful Elijah. We have had the great fun and camaraderie of creating a new, original Madrigal Feaste every year for 30 years.
For special events, we have cooked up all sorts of multi-media performances such as Patchworks, a rollicking country music fest with a professional string band; or Milestones, which presented the historical events of Frederick in costumed vignettes with appropriate music; or Civil War commemorations, where we have donned 19th century costumes and sung the moving songs of that era. We joined with the Air Force Band and the Singing Sargents four days after 9/11 in a concert that reduced everyone to tears. We sing for many community groups, and travel widely to sing in great churches throughout the Middle Atlantic States.
This is a group that laughs a lot. Some of the best memories are the hilarious moments in rehearsals when our resident wits (there are many) get going with repartee that leaves us gasping for air! This is a group that long ago committed to having all solos sung by its members. This has meant voice lessons and much hard work, but the result is that we have many skilled soloists. Their achievements as vocal artists have been awesome. This is a group that governs itself and has learned to work together creatively on its many projects. Most of all, this is a group of diverse human beings who immensely enjoy each other. They are friends, and they take care of one another through life's travails. They do this because of a fundamental need to come and make great music together. Their lives are far richer for the experience. Then we dim the lights, and our audiences are hopefully richer for what we can share with them.
Nancy Roblin