Madrigal Singers of BC Present Traditional Christmas Set

Dressed in medieval fashion, the Madrigal Singers of Boston College filled St. Mary’s Chapel with the sounds of the Christmas season on the evening of Dec. 9. 

The Renaissance chamber a cappella group opened the concert with a German piece entitled “Ihr Brüder, lieben Brüder mein” that immediately exhibited the group’s vocal chops. The music echoed off of the high ceiling of the chapel, creating a full sound that enveloped the audience. 

The group of 10 singers sang each note with clarity and precision. With a small number of members, each singer’s voice was on display. The vocalist executed intertwining melodies and moving harmonies showing off tonal accuracy.

Christina Dimitri, president and Lynch ’22, and Maxwell Korman, music director and MCAS ’23, lead the group. Ralf Gawlick, associate professor of music at BC, serves as the ensemble’s faculty advisor. 

During the piece titled “O Magnum Mysterium,” an ethereal chant sung in Latin, the singers shifted from each singing different melodies to joining their voices in harmony. The crisp vocals of the Madrigals shone through when their voices united on one chord, and the sound of the overtones soared to the heights of the chapel ceiling. 

The group also sang “Bogoroditse Devo,” a Russian piece that showcased the singers’ dynamic vocals. The song began quietly—almost like a lullaby—before the singers’ voices crescendoed into a powerful note. The Madrigal singers brought this piece to life as its different harmonies emanated through the audience.

The concert’s lineup also included “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Masters in This Hall,” “Nearer, My God, to Thee,” “Fum, Fum, Fum,” “Carol of the Bells,” “What Child is This?,” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

One of the last pieces was “Silent Night,” featuring a solo sung by Korman. His voice reverberated through the hall and provided a fitting conclusion to the bewitching song. 

With both older and contemporary pieces, the Madrigals evoked the wonder of the Christmas season as their voices enhanced the grandeur of St. Mary’s Chapel. 

Featured Images by Stephen Mooney / Heights Editor