About Our Choir
The Elizabethan Madrigal Singers (also known as the MADs; @AberMads on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube) are a welcoming, committed, high quality choir and Aberystwyth University’s longest-running society, founded 1950. The MADs began as a small chamber group specialising in madrigals and early music, but today our broad and varied repertoire spans Renaissance works, folk songs, Choral Evensong services, contemporary chamber pieces, and arrangements of popular and modern music.
We rehearse twice a week, perform regularly throughout the year, and - most importantly - enjoy making great music together. Whether you’re an experienced vocalist or completely new to group singing, you’ll find a warm welcome here. Enthusiasm matters as much as experience, and we provide learning resources, including practice tracks and potential extra sessions to help everyone feel more confident and comfortable with the repertoire.
Our performances range from intimate concerts to large-scale events and functions. These include Come and Sing days, collaborations with other societies, RAG showcase fundraisers, and seasonal community showcases such as Christmas carolling and our Christmas concert. Before the summer break we have our big End of Year Concert which contains our favourite songs from the year.
In June 2025, we toured North Wales for five nights, performing in Conwy, Llandudno, Portmeirion, and even at the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). Beyond performances and concerts, a MADs member means being involved in:
- Beach campfires - songs around the fire, guitars and ukuleles welcome.
- Mix of drinking and dry socials - pub/club nights, café meet-ups, board-game evenings, film and musical nights, quizzes, mafia/werewolf, open mics, karaoke, meals, and more.
- Member-led ideas - suggest your own to our Social Sec, and we’ll try it. We aim for free or low-cost socials where possible.
- Socials with other societies - collaborations and joint events throughout the year.
- Tours & trips - we usually end the year with a summer tour (subject to SU guidance and member interest). Details are announced in autumn/winter so everyone can plan ahead.
The MADs are proud to be a consistently friendly, supportive, dedicated community that encourages all who enjoy music to try us out and audition. In 2025 we were awarded Society of the Month (February) and Most Improved Society of the Year, while our now President and Conductor, Anna, was named Societies Person of the Year. These honours reflect the passion and commitment of every member in the society to sustain our high standards.
The Elizabethan Madrigal Singers are dedicated to the inclusion and acceptance of all prospective and current members regardless of age, race, ethnicity, ability, culture or nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religious affiliation, socioeconomic status and/or marital status.
Typical Rehearsal
We rehearse every Monday and Thursday, 7-9pm, in Pantycelyn: either in Y Lolfa Fach or the Senior Common Room. Monday is our relaxed session (led by the Assistant Conductor) and Thursday is more focused and faster paced (led by the Conductor). This allows the MADs to balance our high musical standards and commitment expectations with an understanding of busy student life. Regular attendance builds confidence and general choir blend; if you miss a session, we’ll help you catch up. (Social Members join Mondays; Singing Members join both nights - more info on memberships below).
Freshers’ Week: Find Us Thursday!
Freshers’ Fair Stall (Thursday, 25/09/2025, 10am-4pm)
Come say hello at our stall! Meet some of the committee, ask questions about our society, and pick up term info.
Give It a Go: Open Rehearsal - Thursday, 25/09/2025, 7-9pm
Pantycelyn, Y Lolfa Fach. Open to all. No prep or audition needed. (Google Maps, what3words: pheasants.crumbles.primed)
Meet-up beforehand - 6pm
SU Bar. A chance for us all to say hi and get to know each other. We’ll walk to Pantycelyn together. (Google Maps, what3words: promotes.consoled.gear)
Social afterwards
Join us for a relaxed social in town after the rehearsal.
Membership Details
We offer two simple memberships so you can join in a way that fits your week, comfort, commitment, and ability.
Social Membership - £10 (students) / £15 (non-students)
Our community extends beyond choir singing. Social membership is for anyone who wants to be a part of the MADs without the commitment of performing or twice-weekly rehearsals. No audition required.
You get:
- Monday rehearsals only (our more relaxed session led by our Assistant Conductor, Max).
- Free entry to all the MADs concerts.
- Invitations to all society socials and events.
- The chance for occasional performance opportunities when the performance is outside our repertoire, or a programme is built from Monday rehearsals only (performances using music from both rehearsals are not available to Social members).
Singing Membership - £20 (students) / £25 (non-students)
You get everything in the Social membership, plus:
- Two rehearsals each week: Monday (relaxed) and Thursday (focused, fast-paced with our Conductor, Anna).
- Perform in concerts - members are expected to regularly attend both rehearsals each week.
- Access to the full repertoire across all performances.
- Opportunities for solo lines where the repertoire allows - members may be invited or can express interest to try out; allocation is based on fit and readiness.
- Offered following a friendly audition (more below).
SU compliance note: Student members must hold Team Aber insurance (£8); non-student members arrange their own insurance before taking part in activities.
Important! Please wait to purchase a membership until after attending a Give it a Go session or completing your audition.
Audition Process
Auditions are friendly and supportive, held twice a year - during Freshers (Sept/Oct) and ReFreshers (February). We encourage all prospective members to audition as it’s the route to the Singing membership and a great way to step outside your comfort zone, build confidence, and get comfortable singing in front of others. Our goal is to find the best fit for your voice. You should expect to:
- Perform your choice of song (any genre) - a cappella, with a backing track, or with an instrument.
- Complete a short vocal range test so we can place you in the right section.
- Have a brief chat about your musical experience and interests.
After your audition...
We’ll email you with your voice placement and a membership recommendation. If you’re recommended to have a Singing Membership but can’t make Thursdays - or you’d prefer a lighter commitment - you’re very welcome to choose our Social membership instead. If you’re not successful this time, we’ll offer our Social membership with zero stigma, and you’re encouraged to audition again the next time.
To sign-up for an audition, please follow and complete this microsoft form: [come back soon]
Meet the 2025/26 Committee
 |
Llywydd ac Arweinydd y Côr/President and Conductor - Anna
“Hi, I'm Anna (she/her). I'm the Elizabethan Madrigal Singers 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!”
|
Cynorthwyydd Arweinydd y Côr/Assistant Conductor - Max
“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.”
|
 |
 |
Ysgrifennydd/Secretary - Jack
“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 were 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 are so much more than a choir - they're 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.”
|
Trysorydd/Treasurer - Sofiia
“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!”
|
 |
 |
Ysgrifennydd Cymdeithasol/Social Secretary - Mim
“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 :)"
|
Swyddog Lles/Wellbeing - Abby
“Hi, I'm Abby (she/her), 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!”
|
 |
Get In Touch
If you’d like to join the choir, attend an event, or simply learn more, we’d love to hear from you! You can reach us via email abermads@aber.ac.uk, or @AberMads on our socials: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.
If there's a specific member of committee you'd like to get a hold of, we can be contacted by:
• Anna (President and Conductor) - anp68
• Max (Assistant Conductor) - mar150
• Jack (Secretary) - jab281
• Sofiia (Treasurer) - sov5
• Mim (Social Sec.) - mik76
• Abby (Wellbeing Officer) - abr30
We also welcome opportunities to perform at events, functions, and celebrations. If you're interested in booking us to sing at your event, please don't hesitate to get in touch!
Gallery of 2024/25
Core Documents
Constitution
Code of Conduct
Risk Assessment
Equipment List