Transport back to the times of gypsies and kings when the MSU Chorale presents its 46th Annual “Madrigal Dinner” this weekend.  On Dec. 3 and 4, the MSU SUB Ballrooms will be transformed from empty linoleum floors to great baronial halls to celebrate the upcoming holidays.

A madrigal, meaning “in the mother tongue”, is an Italian term used in the 14th century to refer to compositions for vocal ensembles with secular texts.  These modern day “Madrigal Dinners” hearken back to those times, when the feasts were accompanied by singers and performers dressed in period costumes.

Paul Birkeland, director of MSU Catering, and his crew will prepare a menu featuring traditional pork loin, as well as a vegetarian option, followed by traditional English fig pudding.

“This is a very challenging performance for the singers,” said Kirk Aamot, director of the MSU Chorale.  “There is a good deal of movement, many instruments involved and a lot of music to memorize.”

Upcoming performances include Igor Stravinsky’s Les Noces in March, as well as a tour to Vienna, Prague, and Berlin in May.

Tickets are $35, and may be purchased at the Bobcat Ticket Office in the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Free parking for ticket buyers is provided in the lot directly below the ticket office.  Tickets may also be purchased over the phone (406-994-2287) or online at ticketswest.com (search “madrigal dinner”); a convenience fee is required for purchase made online or over the phone.

The dinner will also be held at the Gallatin Gateway Inn on Friday, Dec. 2 and at Bucks T-4 in Big Sky on Monday, Dec. 5.  Tickets for the Dec. 2 performance may be purchased by calling the inn, 406-763-4672.  Tickets for the Monday night performance in Big Sky are available from the Big Sky Association for the Arts, 406-995-2742.