By Zach Dunkin
Voce. Pronounced “VOE-chay,” the Italian word means “voice.” And VOCE, a group of professionally trained vocalists passionate about music has 15 voices that have been heard all across Indiana and into Florida, Ohio and Michigan.
“We love the joy of sharing and hearing music with each other and then spreading it with others,” said Carmel’s Mary Dawn Krege, who has been a member of the group since its beginning eight years ago. “And now we want to treat listeners to a Christmas Madrigal, which is always fun.”
Originating in Italy, the madrigal was the most important secular form of music of its time, reaching its peak in the mid 1500’s. In America, the madrigal evolved into a dinner or feast. A form of dinner theater, it often is presented during the Christmas season. The music performed at a madrigal dinner is usually a mix of choral music from the medieval to renaissance periods and Christmas carols.
VOCE’s madrigal on Dec. 12 at Union Chapel United Methodist Church includes a five-course, “Renaissance” dinner, period costumes, skits and music. The dinner includes an appetizer of potato and leek soup, French bread, chicken with dried fruit, wild rice and glazed carrots and a dessert of bread pudding. Cost is $40, and funds benefit the group to help cover its costs of performing.
Brenda Iacocca will direct the production, and keyboardist extraordinaire Charles Manning will conduct the choir and play the organ.
“We have different professions but we all have had vocal training which we put to use for what we love,” said Krege, a music teacher of the preschoolers at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. “Our mission is to give those who love singing an opportunity to work and perform with others who are passionate about developing their craft and giving performances that move people and enrich lives.”
VOCE Madrigal Dinner
- When: 6 p.m., Dec. 12.
- Where: Union Chapel United Methodist Church, 2720 E.86th St.
- Tickets: $40 at www.voceindy.org.
