Madrigali Et Al.

Monday's featured choir ensemble was founded as a green show performance for Omaha's annual Shakespeare on the Green under the name UNO Madrigal Singers. The group eventually evolved into an adult chamber ensemble, adopting the name Madrigali et al.  Members include singers from Omaha and the surrounding areas.  Auditions are required for membership.  As the name implies, Madrigali et al. performs a variety of literature from the Renaissance to the 21st century. 

Matthew C. Harden is both the founder and artistic director of the adult chamber ensemble Madrigali et al.  Dr. Harden earned his doctoral degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Choral Music Education) from the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, his master's degree from Portland State University, and two bachelor's degrees (Performance and Education) from Southern Oregon State College.  His studies and degrees are in the areas of conducting, organ, music education, and voice.  He has studied conducting with Bruce Browne, Eph Ehly, Eric Ericson, Gary Hill, and Charles Robinson, while in mater-class settings he has worked with Harold Decker, Helmuth Rilling, Robert Shaw, Muray Sidlin, and dale Warland.  In addition, he has performed voice recitals for the Portland Opera Guild and the Astoria Arts Alliance.

In 1990, Dr. Harden founded the North Coast Chorale which last year celebrated its 20th anniversary with a Gala Concert in Astoria, Oregon.  In addition, during his tenure in Oregon he was assistant conductor and tenor section leader for the Portland Symphonic Choir, Music Director for the Early Music ensemble "Sine Nomine," and taught in various Oregon schools for twelve years.  He has conducted choirs on tour in the United States, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Mexico, Norway, Spain, Russia, and The Netherlands.  His adjudication work includes Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Tallinn (Estonia).  He has conducted Festival choirs in Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, and most recently the professional choir Polifonia in Lithuania.  His choral singing experience includes four prestigious choirs; these are Choral Cross-Ties, Portland Symphonic Choir, UMKC Heritage Chorale, and the PSU Chamber Choir.  Dr. Harden is an active member of the American Choral Directors Association, Music Educators National Conference, National collegiate choral Organization, and the International Federation of Choral Musicians.  He is Currently Serving as the President of the Nebraska Choral Directors' Association.

Monday's performance will not be quickly forgotten - get your tickets now!