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Welcome to the official homepage of the Elizabethan Madrigal Singers–more affectionately known as “Mads.” Formed in 1950, Mads remains Aberystwyth University’s longest running society (with a reign longer than Queen Elizabeth’s!). Since its infancy, this auditioned group has become the university’s prime chamber choir, boasting of a rather prestigious and extensive history. Each year, hundreds of ex-Mads organize a reunion event taking place in Aberystwyth, inviting the current choir along for a weekend of choral workshops and classes.
Meet The 2022-2023 Committee!
President – Rachel Joseph
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Vice President – Scarlet Porteus
“Hiya I’m Scarlet, I am in my third year of studying international relations and military history and I’m very excited to be president of this wonderful choir for the next year. I have been singing since I was around 7 or 8 and have been in many various choirs and singing lessons over the years and have always had a love for music and how it brings people together. MADs is a wonderful community to be part of and is always the highlight of my week. I am looking forward to working with current and future members with both the beautiful music and the friendships that can be made in MADs so I hope to see many of you soon! 😊 “
Conductor – Lora Reinfeldt
“Hello! My name is Lora Reinfeldt and I am honoured to be the current conductor of the Mads! I’m a second year studying Marketing and Business Management, but music has been my greatest passion and joy since before I could remember. I’ve been involved in various choirs, musical theater productions, and solo vocal performance for most of my life. It’s been such a privilege to pass on and share my love and knowledge of music this year with the Mads. I’m so proud of our choir’s growth, talent, and strong community bond, and would love to welcome you to the Mads to join us in singing our wide-ranging repertoire and enjoying the everlasting friendships that being in our choir creates!”
Co-Conductor – Isaac Tetley
“Hi I’m Isaac, I’m in my third year of studying history. I’m really excited to be co-conductor because it allows me to geek out about music history more than I already do. If you love historical music or even modern choral music then Mads is exactly the place for you!”
Treasurer – Fridge (Tom Jackson)
“Hi! I’m Fridge, I’m currently doing a Masters in Biodiversity and Conservation Management and I’m the Treasurer of the current MADs choir! I’ve always had a huge passion for music throughout my life, but MADs was my first proper introduction to singing. I’ve learnt so much from so many talented people and been able to learn a tonne of different pieces. The support and passion of all the people within the choir has created a truly lovely community that I’m honoured to be a part of and to help out with! Favourite madrigal is hands down 100% Hard by a Crystal Fountain.”
Social Secretary – Martha Ward Figuera
“Hi there, my name is Henry. I am the Assistant Conductor for the upcoming year. I am currently in my second year of studying Computer Science. My musical career began around the campfires of Beaver and Cub camps. However, I truly gained a love for music as a Chorister in Lincoln Cathedral. Alas, my voice is no longer high, but low. I’ve loved my musical time in Aberystwyth so far, having performed in both Vivaldi and Mozart’s requiem and the multitude of Welsh Madrigals, have really pushed my pronunciation. I can’t wait to see what excellent music the year will bring, and I am looking forward to many great performances and memories.
Wellbeing Officer – Emma 
Garland
“Hi I’m Emma, I’m the well-being officer for this year and I’m a 3rd year student of Equine and Veterinary Bioscience. I joined the MADS in 2023 and it has honestly been the best time it really feels like a family unit!! I’ve been singing in a choir since I was 12 and am so happy to be carrying on at university. My favourite madrigal is Fair Phyllis but I love all of them to be honest!!”
Mads performs from a vast collection of repertoire, ranging from sacred pieces to folk music, as well as the madrigals you might expect. Alongside singing in and around the town of Aberystwyth, Mads go on tour every summer to various international locations, performing in UK-based festivals and competitions all through term-time. Furthermore, Aberystwyth University invites Mads to perform at its graduation ceremonies every year, including a traditional performance of Laudate Nomen Domini for the Vice Chancellor’s luncheon.
- Our Mission:
- The Elizabethan Madrigal Singers shares our passion for choral music with the Aberystwyth community and surrounding region through performances that exemplify music’s unique power to touch the human heart and mind.
- As a small chamber choir ensemble, we offer outstanding performances of diverse repertoire reaching across genres, time periods, and cultures–specializing in early Renaissance madrigals–and bringing to varied audiences a deeper understanding and broader appreciation for choral music.
- Vision:
The Mads will be recognized as Aberystwyth’s premiere chamber choral ensemble. We will be valued for our commitment to enriching the cultural landscape of Aberystwyth and the surrounding area, our connectedness to the Aberystwyth community, and our dedication to innovative collaboration with artists or other musical groups to bring unique and varied musical experiences to our community.
- Values:
- Musical Excellence–We strive to engage in performances of exceptional quality across a broad spectrum of musical periods. We value excellent musicianship that includes interpretation of the text, context of the music, and intent of the music to convey emotion as well as technical skill.
- Connectedness–In order to create a unique shared musical experience from which every participant benefits, we value connecting with each other, our collaborators, our audiences, and the broader community.
- Passion–Our passion for musical expression starts with each other during the process of concert preparation, and we strive to communicate that experience and energy to our audiences during performances. We want to reach, inspire, and engage our audiences through exploration of a wide range of emotions and musical histories. We want our audiences to feel entertained, moved, exhilarated, and impressed.
- Legacy–We contribute to the enduring legacy of choral music for current and future generations and promote appreciation of choral music as a distinct art form. And lastly, we hope to put the Old College on the map once again for university students to love, participate in, and appreciate as a musical hub in the small coastal town of Aberystwyth.