Please look through our website to see photos, videos of our concerts, and upcoming events
Formed in 1950, the Elizabethan Madrigal Singers (or more fondly known as ‘MADs') is the oldest society in Aberystwyth University. This auditioned choir was started by a group of friends who wanted to sing madrigals; however over the past 60 years the repertoire has broadened to cover sacred, secular, folk, jazz, and spiritual pieces. The choir soon evolved to become seen as the university's prime chamber choir and now holds a prestigious and extensive history. Each generation of MADs brings something new, but always holds true to the traditions of the choir, primarily is continuation of high standards and dedication.
As a chamber choir, we perform all pieces a cappella and keep the number of singers relatively small (16-25 singers). Due to this, the choir always forms a strong bond, which is particularly strengthened by our annual residential course in Gregynog Hall, Wales. This entails a weekend away in the beautiful Gregynog Hall, rehearsing and singing for approximately 15 hours over the weekend, and taking part in small ensemble workshops.
Alongside singing in and around the town of Aberystwyth, MADs go on tour every summer to places such as Sweden, Portugal, Budapest, Iceland, and Prague. This is a great opportunity to share our music with other countries, not to mention a great deal of fun.
To learn more about the history of the choir, please visit :
mads.org.uk/
Mike Brewer OBE
Musical Director of the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain.
"The best in the business." (Karl Jenkins)
Recognised as a leading fugure in the choral world, Mike Brewer is in demand in Britain and worldwide for vocal and conducting workshops and guest conducting of choirs. His annual tours include the USA, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Mexico, Venezuela, and, in 2010, Poland and Slovakia. He is an adviser on world music to the IFCM and assessor to Mexico's choral programme.
Mike is a consultant for over 20 prize-winning UK choirs, and serves as adjudicator in international competitions. In 2008, Mike led BBC workshops for Last Choir Standing.
Mike became musical director of The National Youth Choirs of Great Britain in 1983 and is deeply passionate about the choirs. Mike's recordings with NYC senior choir and with Laudibus, the 18 voice chamber choir, have won many awards. Mike Brewer's books for Fabermusic include the best-selling 'Kickstart your Choir', 'Warm ups', 'Improve Your Sightsinging (with Paul Harris)' and 'Finetune your Choir'. Hamba Lulu, his set of African songs is performed worldwide, and has over 100 versions on You Tube to date. Mike wrote the song and prepared conductors for the Olympic baton handover in August 2008. The song was performed in 27 city centres across the UK. He is series editor and arranger for a new series called World Tour for Fabermusic. NYCGB has recorded 18 tracks from it for its latest CD, released in February 2010.
Mike Brewer is a gold-medallist double bass player and was a Churchill Fellow for 2002-3. He was appointed OBE in 1995.
3-4th September
Brecon Cathedral
The choir is avaliable for bookings during term time for weddings, receptions, christenings, parties, and many other occasions.
For our current repertoire, avaliability or if you have any further questions please contact chd11_aber.ac.uk.
Email address:
chd11_aber.ac.uk or scty01_aber.ac.uk
Committee for 2010-11:
Vice president:
Etienne Chasson
etc1_aber.ac.uk
President:
Catherine Deering
cdh11_aber.ac.uk
Choral Director:
Tom Snee
ths9_aber.ac.uk
Secretary :
Matt Duckett
mad11
Tifffany Evans
tfe9_aber.ac.uk
Publicity Officer:
Geoffrey Hicking
ghh9_aber.ac.uk
Social Secretary:
James Roden
jar11_aber.ac.uk
Treasurer:
Alison Smith
azs9_aber.ac.uk
Tour Officer:
Lara Kipp
lak9_aber.ac.uk
