
The magic of the forest spirits
comes to CAMMAC
An exciting week of immersion into the world of Early Music.
Learn from some of Canada’s top early music specialists in a focused and friendly environment. Gain a greater stylistic understanding of classical music from the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the Baroque periods as you work on your technique and improve your ensemble skills.
WHAT’S NEW + PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
+ Experience the ephemeral magic of the forest spirits as we celebrate CAMMAC’s 70th anniversary with an elaborate production of excerpts from Purcell’s Fairy Queen. Participants will join forces in staging a theatrical fantasy for choir, orchestra, singers, and dancers. To find out more about Purcell’s spectacular opus: CLICK HERE
+ Medieval and Renaissance Big Bands for instruments and voice: A fun way to explore music from these fascinating periods, with a focus on historical and musical context as well as interpretation.
+ Early music small ensembles: An exploration of the rich repertoire for small ensembles of the 17th and 18th centuries (trio sonata, quartet, quintet), for groups of 3 to 6 musicians. Open to all early-music-appropriate instruments. Pre-registration required.
+ Well-being – Feldenkrais Method: Marie-Nathalie Lacoursière will teach you to how to feel more at ease in your body and expand your range of motion. Increase your awareness of everyday movements and learn to move with greater efficiency and comfort. This class will benefit everyone, regardless of age or fitness level.
+ Francis Colpron’s wine and cheese is back!
On Saturday evening, Francis will host a wine and cheese… for a preview of what to expect: CLICK HERE
MUSIC PROGRAM
A full music program for adults features a diverse choice of classes and workshops for all levels of amateur musicians.
The children’s program is suitable for ages 4 and a half to 12 years old. Teens can choose from a range of classes tailored specifically for them, as well as adult classes.
If you don’t know how to read music, don’t worry! Classes for beginners are available.

CLASSES FOR ADULTS:
Classes requiring pre-registration are marked with a *P*. You will receive instructions for pre-registration once your reservation is complete. You will select the remaining classes for your schedule on the Sunday evening of your arrival at CAMMAC.
Please note that the deadline for pre-registration for Week 2 is:
May 15, 2023.
Vocal classes & ensembles:
- A cappella
- Choir
- Vocal ensembles *P*
- Vocal technique
- Voice masterclass *P*
Instrumental ensembles:
- Early music small ensembles *P*
- Medieval Big Band
- Renaissance big band
Instrumental classes:
- Harpsichord *P*
- Percussion: World
- Recorder
- Viola da gamba *P*
Other classes:
- Active listening
- Commedia dell’arte
- Feldenkrais
- Renaissance Dance
CLASSES FOR CHILDREN:
- Arts & crafts
- Chamber music
- Choir
- Dance
- Percussion
- Piano
- Recorder
- Visual arts
WEEK 2 REPERTOIRE

Hermia and Lysander
Repertoire for choir and orchestra:
The Fairy Queen (Semi-Opera Z. 629) by Henry Purcell
First performed in 1692, Purcell’s semi-opera The Fairy Queen combines an adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream with a sequence of self-contained musical masques. There are fairies, drunken poets, humour, passion, and confusion. Lovers are parted and reunited; a wedding is celebrated, and above all, there is beautiful music.
The score combines the earthiest and most familiar of human urges and emotions with the light-footed, other-worldly character of the fairy kingdom, taking us from bewitching beauty and pathos to rowdiest, raunchiest desire and broadest comedy. Encompassing everything from dances in the French style, a Monteverdian lament and elaborate, English contrapuntal choruses, The Fairy Queen is unequaled in terms of invention and musical range.
Did you know… The original score was lost after Purcell’s death and not rediscovered in the early twentieth century.
Find out more about The Fairy Queen…
Listen to a performance of The Fairy Queen performed by the English Baroque Soloists, conducted by John Eliot Gardiner:
DIRECTORS AND TEACHERS
Whether you have been playing for years or are just beginning, our outstanding teachers are here to help you progress on your musical quest—no matter your age!
To find out more about our teachers, click their photos to read their bios.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Arrival: Sunday July 2, 2023 at 4 p.m.
• Rooms will be available beginning at 4 p.m.
• Supper: 6 p.m.
• The program officially begins at 8 p.m.
Departure: Sunday July 9, 2023 after breakfast
• Rooms must be vacated by 9 a.m.
Meal Plans:
• Supper and an evening snack are included on the day of your arrival.
• Breakfast, 3 snacks, lunch, and supper are included from Monday to Saturday.
• Breakfast is included on the day of your departure.
IMPORTANT: Please indicate dietary requirements and food allergies when you register.
Music is the highlight of each and every day at CAMMAC, from the musical wake-up call to evening activities, Check out videos from past years’ camp activities, testimonials, and more!
What to bring?
Click below for a list of useful items to bring for your stay, as well as some additional information you may find helpful.
Are there still a few things you’d like to know?
Click below to access our “Frequently Asked Questions” page. You will find general information on how the camp works, financial issues such as cancellation policy and payment terms, as well as some information on the musical aspect of the programs and the camp.
COVID-19 PROTOCOLS AND PROCEDURES
For a safe and enjoyable stay, we invite you to familiarize yourself with the procedures and protocols surrounding the pandemic situation.
IMPORTANT: Please do not come to CAMMAC if you have symptoms of COVID-19.