Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College’s all-women’s choir was recognized by a national nonprofit organization recently. Madrigals, an award-winning ensemble, received third place in The American Prize Choral Performance — College/University (smaller program).
Michael Boswell, MM, associate professor of music and director of choirs, submitted the group’s “Lineage” CD. This CD was released in 2018 with the help of John McIntyre, DMA.
“When you’re at a school the size of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, you are always trying to get the quality of what you do out there,” Boswell said. “Tucked into the wilderness of western Indiana, it’s easy for us to do things for our home audience, but others might not know about it so easily. Winning third place in this brings national attention to our program in this discipline.”
A few of the alumni who recorded “Lineage” were on campus Homecoming weekend when they found out they won third place.
When Kristin Foster Dawson ’20 found out about the award, her jaw dropped. “I’m absolutely amazed,” Dawson said. “‘Lineage’ is such an appropriate name for the album — with honoring Sister Marie Brendan Harvey ’51 and the 60th anniversary of the Madrigals.”
In the 2018-2019 competition, SMWC was a finalist in The American Prize before divisions were set. That year, an ensemble from Indiana University won. Boswell said this was an impressive feat, as IU has a world-renowned music program.
In 2019, many of the same Madrigals who recorded “Lineage” also won the Mayo International Choral Festival Competition in Ireland. Having these distinctions is helpful to the program and College, Boswell said.
“Being listed as finalists [in The American Prize], winning the Mayo International Choral competition and having this indicates we aren’t a one and done program. We keep moving forward and presenting excellent performances,” Boswell said.
Catherine Larson ’20 is excited to be a part of the winning group. “We accomplished so much in four years. It’s something I hold near and dear to my heart,” Larson said.
Madrigals is an auditioned women’s chamber ensemble. “Despite being from a small college in a rural area, the Madrigals aspire to achieve great things while prioritizing a strong sense of community,” Boswell said.
The contest is recordings-based, and submissions can be from the last several years. Boswell noted the prestigious judges on the panel this year, including internationally acclaimed opera singer Susanne Mentzer.
Sharon R. Boyle, MM, MT-BC, chair of the Department of Music and Theatre, feels that excellence in choral music at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is part of the fabric of tradition and in the future of the College.
“Exceptional arts and culture experiences provide benefits for the entire College, the community around us and our music students,” Boyle said. “We have had some of the best choral singers in the country work with our students over the years through grant-funded choral events facilitated by our SMWC Director of Choirs, Michael Boswell, along with various recording projects and tours. He provides our students with creative opportunities, supports them as they continually excel and supports their connection with the College and this special choral community even after they graduate.” Shea Davis Dang ’19 reunited with the Madrigals at Homecoming. She said, “The accomplishments and awards are just icing on the cake. The real experience is being able to sing with other women who are focused and willing to learn the music.”