Making Music
The CHS Madrigal Singers is an auditioned group comprised of students in grades 9 through 12. These talented students learn and perform selections of music from the Renaissance and into other classical eras. Founded in the 1970’s by Pearl Anderson, the Madrigals—notably under the direction of Barbara Novak for over two decades and now led by CHS Choral Director Christina Paulin— perform a capella. What makes their ‘voice’ so unique is that they do not perform in sections. Rather, they stand as a mixed group to create a blend of sounds and harmonies. Their Renaissance sensibility is carried through in their gowns, belts and hairpieces and the groups is known for their thrilling performances at the annual tree lightings and concerts around Clifton and beyond. On Dec. 5, for example, the Madrigals, have gigs at the Downtown Clifton, Lakeview, Botany Village and Dutch Hill tree lightings, with Santa in tow. And then, pretty much without even time for a restorative mug of hot chocolate, it’s over to the Hamilton House to hang 34 December 2014 • Clifton Merchant
with St. Nicholas for an 8 pm concert. On Dec. 6, they will help the city light the official tree in front of city hall. Then on Dec. 10, they have their holiday concert at CHS at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $2. Madrigals, with a few modern exceptions, basically date as musical compositions to early-through-late Renaissance Italy. They’re “partsongs,” always done without accompaniment. Popular recording artists the all-female Anonymous Four, are probably the bestknown exponents of modern madrigal singing. But here in Clifton, it’s CHS very own Madrigals who proudly bear this flag of commitment to vocal effort and they are: Vanessa Cruz-Mascuch, Paulina Edel, Jenepher Estrella, Stephanie Farfan, Sarah Gerges, Kylie Gonzalez, Josh Hopkins, Maura Huelbig, Rebekah Kusher, Kevin Laverde, Angelia Mocera, Chantal Ojeda, Nicolle Peralta, Byron Polanco, Isaiah Polanco, Christopher Reyes, Renuka Rupee, Jocelyn Sanchez, Roberto Sanchez, Sasha Sanon, Slavka Simic, Anna Stroinski, Harry Termyna, Wendy Timana and Mercedez Zea.