The 2021 Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and Community Choral Workshop: Featuring Guest Composer Elaine Hagenberg

Elaine Hagenberg

On March 22-23, the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Department of Music & Theatre hosted their third College and Community Choral Workshop, bringing together high school and college choral students with choral professionals. The project was conceived and organized by Michael Boswell, Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities. This year's guest artist was composer Elaine Hagenberg. The workshop was made possible by a 2021 Arts Project Support grant through Arts Illiana and the Indiana Arts Commission, which receives support from the State of Indiana and the National Endowment for the Arts. The project was also supported by a City of Terre Haute Arts Grant, a program of the Mayor’s Office.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the workshops were held virtually as Hagenberg and Michael Boswell, also a professional chorister, met with the choirs of Terre Haute North Vigo High School directed by Michelle Azar, Terre Haute South Vigo High School directed by Paul Ellison, and North Montgomery High School in Crawfordsville, directed by Sarah Kavanagh.

Members from the three high school choirs joined the SMWC Choirs in creating a virtual choir video of Hagenberg’s “O, Love” that will be released at the end of the Spring 2021 semester. 

Boswell introducing Hagenberg
to SMWC students and faculty 

"Every single one of us is creative." - Elaine Hagenberg

As Hagenberg greeted everyone, her cheerful disposition and passion for music stimulated an energetic environment. From sharing her journey of becoming a composer to what inspires her, students had the opportunity to be inspired by her words and works.

Initially, Hagenberg didn't plan on becoming a composer, but she had a long love for music. She sang in various choirs growing up and played piano as a rehearsal accompanist. As an accompanist, she unintentionally began studying scores, learning more about the format of choral pieces. In college, Hagenberg studied piano and participated in choir, occasionally having written songs, but nothing that she had ever considered getting published. In addition to her love of music and choral music in particular, Hagenberg loves poetry and being creative which is exhibited in all of her compositions.

Hagenberg greeting workshop attendees

As Hagenberg settled down to raise a family, she began delving into the world of composition as a creative outlet without having any intention or goal of working as a composer full-time. Eventually, she entered a composition competition and one of her pieces won. This set off a string of connections to eventually publishing her first work. Soon after, people were reaching out asking her for commissioned pieces and to teach clinics.

After talking about her background, students raised questions regarding Hagenberg's inspirations, particular pieces she has composed, and her creative process. Many questions were posed from the curious students. Hagenberg revealed that she is inspired in all areas of her life such as her life experiences, family, friends, travels, nature, photography, dance, poetry, etc. Whenever she is inspired by something, she considers this the beginning of a journey and discovery as she composes. "Words always, always, always, come first," Hagenberg explained when asked about her creative process. For her, words inform the music and determine every other part of the composition such as the contour of the melody, harmony, and accompaniment. By taking beautiful words and adding another layer, Hagenberg hopes to "paint a story" through her compositions. Hagenberg prefers to write through-composed pieces (or, continuous and non-sectional) to let the words and music tell the story in a more natural way. She typically starts by thinking of the melody related to the poetry she has chosen for the lyrics. Although her process isn't as visual, she does consider what images are conjured up based on her pieces to create videos featuring beautiful nature scenes to accompany her pieces.

As a pianist, Hagenberg also feels passionately about the role of the piano accompaniments in her pieces. Instead of acting as support and background to the singing, she considers her accompaniments to play a collaborative role. The piano often sets the scene in her compositions to draw in her audience. As a fan of Romantic composers such as Chopin and Brahms, Hagenberg likes to draw inspiration from their compositions. She hopes that her pieces have similar lush, full, and rubato sounds as the classical music that inspires her. Recently, she has also delved into including strings into her compositions, and she hopes to continue to branch out as a composer.

Hagenberg explaining her creative process

During the workshop, Hagenberg discussed a few of her pieces in particular, including "Song of Miriam", "As the Rain Hides the Stars", "Deep Peace", and "O, Love". For her composition, "Deep Peace", Hagenberg revealed that she often enjoys creating a "sound world", particularly when she is inspired by nature. Oftentimes, the "best stuff comes from far away" she explained. When she isn't working, moments of inspiration strike helping to create a soundtrack to her life that informs her compositions. Deeply personal and meaningful, Hagenberg's compositions seem to surround people with feelings of love and beauty. In addition to her commissioned works, Hagenberg has also written songs inspired by her children including "Goodnight, Love" and her own version of "This is My Father's World".

With everyone having different experiences throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Hagenberg was asked how her life had changed. Being unable to travel as she typically would, Hagenberg worked from home. As her home and work life were disrupted, Hagenberg adjusted just as everyone else did. She spent time with her children and worked on long-term projects that she hadn't gotten the opportunity to put as much time into with a normal work schedule. Hagenberg hopes her compositions "offer healing, hope, and beauty" that are a wonderful message in times of struggle or uncertainty.

Hagenberg answering students' questions

"What you see is what you get," Hagenberg explained. Upon being asked about her well-known status as a composer, Hagenberg revealed that she doesn't consider herself to be any different than everyone else. "Don't be my fan, be my friend," she said with laugh. Despite her popularity, Hagenberg stays humble and authentic, reveling in the connections she has made throughout her career thus far. 

As the workshop neared its end, Hagenberg shared some advice: "You don't know where life will take you, so have as many musical experiences as possible. Be open and willing to discover."

Blog Post Author: Autumn Wilson, SMWC music therapy major
Blog Editor: Sharon R. Boyle, Chair of the Department of Music and Theatre

Final Day in Ireland - From the perspective of a SMWC Madrigal

Saying goodbye to Driver/Guide, Tom at airport hotel.

It's been an emotional last day over here for us in Ireland. Here's a reflection written by Kristin Foster, a music therapy student heading to her music therapy internship in July, whose last performance with Madrigals was today.

Original Church at Knock where apparition appeared.
(Photo: Sara Langenberger)

Today is the reason that days like yesterday can happen...

Today was the last full day together on the ground in Ireland. Although we have spent many wonderful, full, busy, and emotion packed days together, today was by far the most emotional, and arguably one of the best, days of the entire trip.

Close up of the floor mosaic. 
There were many birds throughout, all different. 
(Photo: Michael Boswell)

We started our morning with mass at Knock Basilica. Being able to participate in the mass by providing music during the service was spiritual and intimate. In comparison to the night before, it was very, very different. Before singing, we were immersed in the 140 year history at Knock and the story of the Apparition of Mary (Our Lady of Knock). In addition, we have been fully submerged in the welcoming and tender arms of the Irish people, who we wholly embrace in spirit and community... it was a recipe for a lovely and moving mass. Singing about the Virgin Mary has become quite a special tradition to the Madrigals. With our connection to the Sisters of Providence, Saint Mother Theodore, Our Lady of Providence, and our Catholic roots as an institution, all of our songs about Mary fit right into the mass. It was truly a culmination of all things "Mary" for me as a Madrigal. Being able to sing for the people of Ireland and pilgrims from all around the world, who are flocking to see this sacred sight of an apparition of Mary, was truly humbling, special, and moving in a deep spiritual way. All of the "providential connections" (including the connection with one of the Priests and the Sisters of Providence and Saint Mother Theodore Guerin) made me, as a singer and Woodsie, reflect on my roots and my lineage...all of which I experience through the lens of being a musician and a Madrigal. It was truly incredible to share the music that we did with the people who were there in such a holy and special place!

Entering Church of the Sacred Heart, Roscommon
(Photo: Michael Boswell)

As if to say, "well if you enjoyed that, then try this!!!", God's Providence raised the bar for intimate music-making by leading us to the Church of the Sacred Heart in Roscommon. After the mass, we departed with the intent of traveling to this church for some special music-making "just for us." Our director, Michael Boswell, has envisioned us in this space for a long time now (since before the first trip to Ireland in 2018), so we have been itching to visit this space for a while. And thanks to Providence for that, because the church itself impressed us beyond what we could have ever imagined. We had this sacred space almost completely to ourselves, and felt right at home upon entry. The first thing that caught my eye were the birds on the floor in the mosaic. Birds aside, the structure, pillars, and acoustics reminded us very much of our home turf, the Church of the Immaculate Conception in our beloved Saint Mary-of-the-Woods back home.

Because we had limited time, we chose to sing two pieces for ourselves. Inspired by the birds, we chose to sing the ever favorite "Be Like the Bird" by Abbie Betinis. Once we began singing, and each of us began to realize this was the last time we would be making music together on this trip and with this current ensemble, it got very emotional rather quickly. Nonetheless, it was filling to the heart and soul because of who was singing and the intent with which we were singing; to enjoy making music together with true family. It was incredibly touching to reflect on the words of the piece, especially for those of us who are leaving this ensemble and going on to the next phase of life. I know that I will personally carry these words with me as I leave this ensemble, and I know they will comfort me in times of challenge and struggle:

"Be like the bird that, pausing in her flight awhile on boughs too slight, feels them give way beneath her, and sing and sings, knowing she hath wings." - Victor Hugo

One last time. #SmallChoirBigHeart

For a final song, we decided on "Rise My Soul," which has become a personal anthem for me, as I know it has for the other singers. This song, for me, has become a powerful symbol for life and heaven, and how we must sometimes leave the good to experience something even better, even if it is not yet in view over the horizon. This song also tends to provoke beautiful imagery of our travels here in Ireland, including the landscape, the people of Ireland, and the love we feel for one another as a tightly knit ensemble... as I mentioned earlier, a family. As soon as we began singing, I knew it would not be the best executed technical performance we've ever had... but I knew it would be full of heart, soul, and love shared between each of us. We literally carried one another through the song... as some of us couldn't sing clearly due to voices cracking and tears streaming down our faces. We held hands and stood close together, enjoying the feeling of the "magic arch" one last time. I will admit it was difficult to sing, but somehow, I found the strength to share my voice with my sisters. It was a once-in-a-lifetime musical experience. We were not concerned with blend, and sometimes even right notes... we were truly enjoying the beautiful thing that is making music with the people you truly love. We can make very beautiful and technically superior music any day (look at our international award!), but this was very different, yet again, from the other musical experiences we have shared in the last 10 days, and even in the last academic year. But, at the same time, it was the same as it has always been for me... a touching and beautiful opportunity to make music with my family. And I truly believe those moments of "Rise My Soul" will stand still in time in my mind as I reflect back on my musical memories with this ensemble.

Altar of Church of the Sacred Heart, Roscommon
(Photo: Sara Langenberger)

We of course ended with the "Ring Song", like all Madrigals know and love to do... Like the others, it was a euphoric experience of "oneness" with each other in a musical moment. And now, as I reflect back on today, even though I knew this would be the last time we would sing together as this current ensemble, I know in my heart this will not be the last time we will sing together. I hope and pray that we will make music together again in the future throughout our lives and opportunities like Homecoming. I also know and cherish the fact that I carry each of these women, and all of the other women I have ever sung with as a member of Madrigals, and of course Michael our director, in my heart every time I sing. The connections and music I have had the privilege of taking part in have helped to make my experience as a Madrigal beautiful and life changing. This trip, and this day in particular, was a perfect end to this chapter in the journey... and we still have promises and miles to go.

Present Knock Basilica (Photo: Justine Gibson)

Inside Knock Basilica, Altar and large glass mosaic of apparition. (Photo: Sara Langenberger)

Church of the Sacred Heart in Roscommon (Photo: Sara Langenberger)

Blog Post Author: Kristin Foster, member of 2019 SMWC Madrigals

Blog Editor: Sharon R. Boyle, Associate Professor of Undergraduate Music Therapy

For more information about the SMWC music and theatre programs, please visit our website!

2019 MAYO INTERNATIONAL CHORAL FESTIVAL PREMIER COMPETITION WINNERS!!!!

Hello friends! If you are reading this, it's probably a safe bet you already know the good news of the day (May 25, 2019). The Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Madrigals are the 2019 winners of the Mayo International Choral Festival! Still, I want to explain a little bit about what that means and provide an insider's view of our day.

Presented with the Four Part Choirs First Place Award

The Mayo International Choral Festival is held once a year, typically in May. There are several places in Ireland that hold such events, spread throughout the year. The Festival in Mayo has two parts: Community performances and the Competition. The aim is to bring many choirs together in celebration of choral music, spread them throughout the region performing, and provide opportunities for growth and learning from each other. Some choirs may participate in the community performances, but not the competition; and, some participate in the competition, but not the community concerts. We did all of it! In fact, in our 5 days, we will have performed 11 times. The festival included participation by 35 choirs, 23 of which competed.

Here is how the competition is structured:
1.) A choir can compete in two categories. They have 10 or 11 and they include categories such as 'Sacred Music,' 'Choirs from Ireland,' 'Four Part Choirs,' etc. We selected 'Sacred Music' and 'Women's Choir.' However, we learned a few weeks ago that no other choirs chose 'Women's Choir' so we needed to change to another category. The most logical category given our repertoire and the requirements was 'Four Part Choirs.'

2.) Today was competition day, so all competing choirs sang for judges. A winner and runner-up was determined for each of the eight categories. The winner from each category was then allowed to move on to the 'Premier Competition' where judges would select an overall winner and runner-up for the entire competition. In short, it all works exactly like a dog show...

So, today our first competition was in 'Sacred Music.' We sang really well, and felt going in to the day that it would be our best shot at advancing to the premiere competition. So naturally we were disappointed when we learned we were neither the winner nor the runner-up. We did discover that we were only 1 point behind the runner-up and only 2 points behind the winner, according to the reported scores.

Four Part Choirs Award

We went to lunch and then returned to prepare for our second competition, which was "Four Part Choirs". I think we knew we had the potential to do well on the repertoire, but we had also performed it less and knew where potential pitfalls existed. We sang our first selection - 'Ecce Maria' by Michael Praetorius (This category requires an early music piece). It went very well, though we were aware of a slight intonation issue toward the end. Then we sang our second piece, 'Nocturne' by Eric Tuan. It's a complex piece with lots of Spanish, lots of divisi (it splits into 8 parts at one point, and we only have 9 singers!), mixed meter, and a great deal of emotional depth. And our students nailed it. It was truly incredible. At the end, you could hear a pin drop. Then we sat and waited for the results. Given our morning results, having heard other good choirs in our category, and knowing we had a slight issue on the first piece, we really didn't know what to expect. But, we won! This accomplished two things: One, we had a title to take home as a category winner, which was nice as we really felt we grew through the course of the festival. Second, it meant we could move on to compete in the premier competition.

We grabbed a quick dinner, and returned to participate in the premier competition with the other seven winners. It was wonderful to hear the high quality of the variety of ensembles. The rules specified that choirs had to sing one piece from a category you won, and one piece not sung in any other aspect of the competition. So, we selected 'Nocturne' again and 'Will the Circle Be Unbroken,' a raucous favorite of ours. Both went very well, but as choir after choir came up, we wondered how things would go, and what the judges were looking for in the performances.

After the competition, the judges left to discuss the results. We had been previously asked by the festival committee to sing a few selections to cover their deliberation time. So we did and even received a standing ovation after one of our pieces, "Be Like the Bird".

The judges returned and the runner-up was announced. Not us. But then they read the name of the premiere competition champions and the long name of "The Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Madrigals" never sounded so good!

Premier Competition First Place Award

Even if the result had not been in our favor what a lovely experience our participation in this festival has been! The trophies are nice, but the learning and camaraderie that has occurred cannot be replaced. Thank you to everyone for your support!

Peace Park, Ireland National Museum of Country Life, Westport Concert

The County Mayo memorial at Peace Park

Outside Church of the Holy Trinity.
When you see a picture of yourself, of course, you take a picture of yourself beside it!

Today was filled with a variety of performances and experiences...

First we walked to the Peace Park and Garden of Remembrance just down the road from our inn. It is a memorial to those from County Mayo who lost their lives in war, beginning with World War I. It is an impressive and touching monument. The main feature is a large wall etched with the names of people who were killed in war, but on either side of the walkway to the large wall, there are smaller ones which contain the names of men from County Mayo who fought under the flags of other nations. We were asked to attend, alongside the choir from Canada, because many immigrants would wind up in the United States and Canada. Each choir sang their national anthem, a few selections on the topic of peace and remembrance, and had the honor of raising our respective country's flag and lay wreaths at the monuments of our country. They asked for two for each task, so having three seniors, it only seemed fitting to have them take part. So Shea Davis and Kristin Foster raised the American flag, while Michael and Sara Langenberger placed the wreaths at the memorials.

The USA Memorial at Peace Park

Then we were off to Turlough Village to visit a high tower, have lunch, and tour and perform at the Ireland National Museum of Country Life. The museum is very nice and very informative. The building itself is very neat, having won various architectural awards.You can find out more about it here. We sang 8 selections for a nice-sized crowd who gathered to hear us. These more informal concerts have started to become some of our favorites. Folks immediately come up to speak with you, find out about you, and almost always we learn that we have something in common. One gentleman that heard us at Peace Park actually made the drive to hear us again, and gave us a book he recently wrote as a gift.

Afterwards, we went back to the inn and relaxed for almost an hour and a half, and picked up dresses for the concert tonight in Westport. First though, we stopped and had dinner at a restaurant on the coast called 'The Helm.' Being so close to Clew Bay, most of us had seafood. It was all very good!

Church of the Holy Trinity - Westport.
Down the road from where we stayed
last year when we learned about this festival!

This concert was amazing. All the choirs were very good, and we found the two all-girl high school choirs to be exceptionally fine. We also sang really well - the stronger bond we have forged on this journey is evident on our music-making. We were surprised when we received a standing ovation after our third piece! Including another one at the end, we had two!

It feels that the local audiences really like us, and I think it's because we remind them of themselves. I think that like Ireland, and especially the western part of the country, we are small but can do great things. All the choirs here are bigger than us, often substantially. But when they see this small group rise and sing with skill and full-throated passion, they appreciate it. Their responses have been nothing but filled with love, respect, and appreciation.

Post-concert at Turlough.

Tomorrow is the competition day. This will be a new thing for us and we can't fully know what to expect. As previously mentioned, we are substantially the smallest ensemble competing in our two categories. And many of our competitors have won other competitions before. So we don't really have an idea of how things will go when the judges cast their votes. But we do know this; we have already won the hearts of many local Irish and many touring Americans. And we will win more tomorrow regardless of the results. #SmallChoirBigHearts

Inside the Church of the Holy Trinity

Ireland National Museum of Country Life.
Very Interesting!

Blog Post Author: Michael Boswell, Director of SMWC Madrigals

Blog Editor: Sharon R. Boyle, Associate Professor of Undergraduate Music Therapy

For more information about the SMWC music and theatre programs, please visit our website!

Beautiful Connemara, Kylemore Abbey, Achill Island

Madrigals in beautiful Doolough Valley (Photo: Tom Moran)

Today was supposed to be a "light day" for us, but this blogger is exhausted. We covered a lot of ground today, and saw countless sights...

Falls on the Erriff River (Photo: M. Boswell)

Our day began with a 9:15 a.m. departure from our inn. Our first stop was to be Kylemore Abbey, but we saw so many things before getting there. Our driver, Tom, lives in this area and knows the Connemara region like the back of his hand, so he took "the scenic route" driving us down many narrow roads that provided some incredibly beautiful views of mountains, lakes, rivers, fjords, and sheep. Lots of sheep. Our first stop on this Irish country drive was a monument built to remember those immigrants who left the area and lost their lives during the potato famine on coffin ships; the name applied to ships because of their questionable sea-worthiness. Then we drove more and found ourselves in a huge valley surrounded by green mountain with a large beautiful lake and sheep scattered about. It is hard to believe a place of such grandeur exists in such a small country. In this area, we stopped at another memorial erected to remember a large number of people who died during the potato famine. They lived in one town and had heard rumors there was food in a town many miles away. When they got there, it was found not to be true, and on their return over this massive landscape, a great many of them succumbed to starvation before making it back home.

Famine Memorial in Doolough Valley (Photo: Justine Gibson)

We drove more and made a stop by a bridge over a picturesque river where we stretched our legs, hiked to a waterfall, and watched fisherman try to catch some of the trout and salmon that we could easily see from the bridge. After more driving - and sheep - we finally arrived at Kylemore Abbey. To read more about this place and its romantic/tragic history, visit the Kylemore Abbey website. 

Kylemore Abbey (Photo: M. Boswell)

One thing to know about Kylemore Abbey is that on the grounds there is a beautifully constructed Neo-Gothic church. We knew this and had inquired about performing there in advance, but a change in the timing of our plans made us believe that was no longer possible. Yet, when we arrived to pick up tickets, we saw a poster listing a performance by the SMWC Madrigals. Of course, we assumed this was now an outdated sign since our schedule had changed, so we grabbed lunch on the grounds not thinking too much about it. After lunch, we decided to go to the church just in case there were people who had seen the signs and were expecting a performance. To our surprise, the church was packed, and sure enough the time was 1:00 p.m., when we had originally been scheduled to sing. So, I went up to the front of the church and said "Excuse me. Are you expecting a choir?" to which they  answered confidently "Yes!" Luckily, we have several of our pieces memorized by now and I happened to have my pitch pipe in my coat pocket. So, we sang four pieces to an extremely welcoming and enthusiastic audience. It was so nice to have so many people come and talk to us about their enjoyment of our singing, the places they are from, their experiences in Indiana, etc. (There was one woman from Indianapolis and one gentleman who used to visit Terre Haute a lot when his sister lived there). Next, we toured the main building, but because several exhibits were missing and because the building is undergoing some renovation, we found that to be a rather fast tour.

Michael talking with audience at Kylemore Abbey
(Photo: Abbie Roberts)

We boarded the bus and traveled north to Achill Island, Ireland's largest island. This is also where Tom, our bus driver, is from so he really enjoyed showing us his hometown and taking us to all these historic sites. He and his friend Vincent created the Achill Heritage Center along with a museum they started, connecting many Americans to their roots on Achill Island. They also have plans to convert an old local monastery that has generally fallen to ruin. Tom is an extremely interesting man, having projects such as this in the works, as well things in his past such as sailing all over the world. His pride in his home is evident, and he was constantly honking his horn and talking to neighbors as they passed by. He wanted to show us so much that we ran a little late, but he bought us all ice cream so we forgave him! A few of the things he showed us were their new museum, a completely deserted village of one hundred stone houses, and an epic trip into the clouds where we could look down the cliffs into the ocean, viewing beautiful Keem Beach where he also took us for a stroll. And of course, in all these places, more sheep.

Achill Island (Photo: Abbie Roberts)

Keem Bay, Achill Island (Photo: Sara Langenberger)

We had to hurry back to Castlebar town where we were the invited guests of a concert that was featuring other choirs of the festival. After grabbing a quick meal from McDonald's (it's much better here, by the way) and changing into clothes more fitting for a concert, we made it in time to hear three of the four choirs. We especially enjoyed our North American friends from Canada, the St. Albert Singers with whom we are participating in a wreath-laying ceremony tomorrow at the city's Peace Park. More to come on that tomorrow! It was a very full day - enjoy the pictures and thank you for following our journey.

Blog Post Author: Michael Boswell, Director of SMWC Madrigals

Blog Editor: Sharon R. Boyle, Associate Professor of Undergraduate Music Therapy

For more information about the SMWC music and theatre programs, please visit our website!

A very powerful memorial (Photo: Justine Gibson)

National Famine Memorial (Coffin Ship) (Photo: M. Boswell)

Church at Kylemore Abbey (Photo: Abbie Roberts)

(Photo: Sara Langenberger)

(Photo: Sara Langenberger)

Keem Beach, Achill Island (Photo: Abbie Roberts)

Update for May 22: Ashford Castle and Ballintubber Abbey

Ballintubber Abbey (Photo: Abbie Roberts)

What a fantastic day! We were able to sleep in a bit, which was nice since we are still adjusting to the time change between Indiana and Ireland. After a leisurely full Irish breakfast made with care by Paul, the owner of our inn, we departed at 10:30 AM for a scheduled 11:00 AM rehearsal at the historic Ballintubber Abbey. We were picked up by our driver, Tom Moran, a very interesting man who has sailed extensively and has the classic Irish wit. Based on the humor and carefree nature of our driver last year - Greg - and the similar qualities in Tom with his fascinating life, perhaps being an Irish bus driver should be considered by more as a profession....

Regarding Ballintubber Abbey, there are some really interesting historic events and tales about the place- more than we even fathomed. You can read some of those stories here.

Madrigals Outside Ballintubber Abbey
(Photo: Michael Boswell)

The grounds and church are more beautiful than any picture could capture. It certainly helped that we had a beautiful day, but there is something very spiritual about the place. Additionally, it is a lovely acoustic for choral singing. At our rehearsal we could all sense the special potential of this as a concert venue. We were right, as you'll read later.

After our rehearsal, a kind man named Con gave us a tour of the grounds as well as shared the history of the place,  followed by our lunch at a place in Cong called 'The Crowe's Nest' (It was a very nice restaurant with really good food and reasonable prices) - and then we went to Ashford Castle, which is practically next door to the town of Cong. By the way, Cong is the town where much of 'The Quiet Man' was filmed; a movie starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara.

Ashford Castle (Photo: Sara Langenberger)

Ashford Castle is amazing. It is truly a castle that has been renovated into a modern-day, swanky hotel. The entire castle and the surrounding grounds of 350 acres are immaculate. They even have a falconry school! Be sure to check out their website.

'Quiet Man' Statue in Cong
 (Photo: Catherine Larson)

When we entered the castle, we were met by our liaison Jayne, who was delightful. She led us to the "dungeon" which is now just a very nice basement, to a room where there was tea and coffee awaiting us. After indulging, we went up to a common area where a few of the guests were just relaxing and sang for them after we were introduced by Declan, the director of the Mayo International Choral Festival. It was a short, but well-received performance. Then, we went back downstairs for more tea and coffee before setting off on our own to explore the beautiful grounds and gardens of the estate. It is difficult to imagine a more perfect setting: the weather was perfect, the flowers were in bloom, and a sweet aroma enveloped most of the grounds. The wooded areas were welcoming with lovely hiking trails, and there were falcons at play. Some of us even had them fly just over our heads as they made their ways back to their falconers. It was really an idyllic day.

Ballintubber Abbey (Photo: Justine Gibson)

Next, we stopped for a brief stroll around Cong, with a few of us getting pictures by the houses where 'The Quiet Man' was filmed. We grabbed a quick dinner at Supermac's and changed into concert attire on the bus (By this point, we were no longer indulging in the finer things of life offered at Ashford Castle...) and returned to Ballintubber Abbey for the concert.

We were the last of five choirs, with the others being generally local. There was a lot of variety in choirs and repertoire, with a children's choir, a youth choir, two church choirs and us. Pieces ranged from simple hymn settings to impressive a cappella arrangements of pieces such as 'Uptown Funk.' Then they invited the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Madrigals up to sing. The next 25 minutes are a bit of blur, because we all seemed to enter into a transcendent state, of sorts. We were so together, musically and spiritually. There may be nothing more thrilling than making music with others that is filled with collective nuance and a shared community of pulse and tone. The energy in the room between choir and audience was palpable, and when we finished our final selection - 'Will the Circle Be Unbroken' arranged by J. David Moore, we received an immediate standing ovation. After speaking with audience members, we were pleased to attend a brief reception with tea and cookies. Then back to the inn!

Madrigals at Ballintubber Abbey Performance
(Photo: Mayo International Choral Festival)

Ballintubber Abbey (Photo: Catherine Larson)

Ashford Castle with Falcon Sculpture (Photo: Sara Langenberger)

Interior of Ballintubber Abbey (Photo: Michael Boswell)

Blog Post Author: Michael Boswell, Director of SMWC Madrigals

Blog Editor: Sharon R. Boyle, Associate Professor of Undergraduate Music Therapy

For more information about the SMWC music and theatre programs, please visit our website!

A beautiful view from Ashford Castle
 (Photo: Sara Langenberger)

We've Been Awake HOW Long?!?!

After a 4.5 hour trip to Chicago O'Hare (Thank you Anthony Dinkel & Karen Larson!), a 4.5 hour wait at Chicago O'Hare, a 7 hour flight, and a 3.5 hour bus ride from Dublin to Castlebar, the Madrigals have made it to County Mayo! The sky is blue, and locals told us to take a stroll around Lough Lannagh, the banks on which our little village sits, while the sun is shining because it might not last long. So we did. A very nice walking trail! Then, we had a little pizza for dinner and now most of us plan to turn in early in the hopes we'll feel more adjusted for our concerts tomorrow!

Coincidence to run into two Sisters of Providence while stopping for lunch just before reaching Chicago? No, Providence! (Photo: Anthony Dinkel)

Hello, Ireland! (Photo: Kristin Foster)

Madrigals strolling around Lough Lannagh (Photo: Michael Boswell)