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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. 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 2025-2026 Committee!
President & Conductor - Anna Pennington
“Hi, I’m Anna (she/her). I’m the Elizabethan Madrigal Singers (the MADs) President and Conductor for 2025-26. My love for music began from an early age singing in a variety of choirs and learning to play the trumpet. I have been a student at Aberystwyth since 2019. In that time, in addition to singing in the MADs, I have been awarded a University Music Scholarship and been part of Aberystwyth Choral Society, Aberystwyth University Wind Band, Aberystwyth Silver Band and Aberystwyth’s ‘town and gown’ orchestra called Philomusica. I’ve made lifelong friends in the MADs and I’m really looking forward to another year of music making!“
Assistant Conductor - Max Rycroft
“Hi, my name is Max (he/him) and I am the assistant conductor next year. I have spent my whole life surrounded by music with singing in choirs and playing the trumpet in bands. Outside of music I’m a second-year studying Marketing/Business and Management and I play both rugby and football. I’m looking forward to seeing what this year has in store for the MADs.”
Secretary - Jack Bridges
“Hello there! I’m Jack (he/him), and I’m proud to be this year’s Secretary of the MADs. I’m a second-year Physics student, though music has always been my passion. The MADs was the first choir I ever joined, and it’s become an essential part of my university life – I genuinely can’t imagine Aber without it.
As Secretary, I help keep things running smoothly behind the scenes – from supporting the committee to making sure everything’s in place so we can focus on singing together. The MADs is so much more than a choir – it’s a community of shared voices, deep friendships, and plenty of laughter. If you’re thinking of joining, go for it – it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. “
Wellbeing Officer - Abby Readhead
“Hi, I’m Abby, and I’ll be the Wellbeing officer for the MADs this year. I’ve been involved in choral singing all my life, whether through school choirs or the National Youth Choir, and can also (very badly!) play bass guitar. Outside the MADs I’m a second-year Psychology student, and I’m a PR3 rower in boat club. I can’t wait to see what the year has in store for the choir, but I know the music will stay fab!”
Treasurer - Sofiia Vyshnievska
“Hello everyone! My name is Sofiia (she/her), and I am the Treasurer of this year’s committee. I am a second-year student studying Business and Management, and a member of the wonderful MADs choir. Starting from when I was four in Ukraine, I have been a member of six different choirs. Although I am not trained in any instruments or sheet music notation, the MADs have allowed me to train my musical ear and singing ability. The choir is a community of amazing and lovely people, and they have made my first-year the best it could be – changing me for the better. I am looking forward to meeting all new members, and to all the adventures and songs we’ll sing together! “
Social Secretary - Mim Kiero Watson
“Hi everyone!!! My name is Mim (she/her) and I’m a second-year Psychology student and this year’s social secretary! I’ve been singing as a soprano in choirs since I was a child, and spend most of my time singing loudly in the shower, going out with my mates and generally being quite artistic – some would even say wonderful. This year I am excited to bring us all together through regular dry and drinking socials on the beach, indoors- just generally causing chaos and fun! I hope to see you there“
The Mads are the student-led Chamber Choir at Aberystwyth University. The 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 aim to go on tour every summer to locations all over the UK and beyond (Northern Ireland 2024, North Wales 2025).
- 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.