Once Upon A Summer
Your musical start to the summer, inspired by music’s most enchanting repertoire.
Few corners of the classical repertoire are as rich as those shaped by fairy tales, childhood memories, and youthful imagination.
This week’s program draws on these imaginative traditions to bring together a diverse range of classes for musicians of every caliber, including orchestra, chamber music, recorder, percussion, guitar, choir, dance, yoga, visual arts, a cello intensive for all levels, and a storybook-inspired children’s program.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
✚ Once Upon a Summer… The spirit of storybook wonder and the magic of once-upon-a-time colors every aspect of the week’s programming.
From orchestra to dance and everything in between, the opening week of CAMMAC’s Summer Music Retreats is infused with a spellbinding sense of enchantment that brings to life the warmth of childhood memory and imagination. The choral repertoire in particular captures the full sweep of music’s most enchanting traditions, from the hushed wonder of Eric Whitacre’s Goodnight Moon to the lyrical richness of John Corigliano’s Fern Hill.
✚ Intensive cello program with Catherine Mathieu and David Ellis
Take your cello skills to the next level. Catherine Mathieu, founder of Pratico-Cello, and David Ellis, founding member of the Quatuor Saguenay, bring their extensive knowledge and expertise to classes, cello ensembles (several levels), and chamber music sessions.
Catherine is also the creator of the PraticoCELLOTHÈQUE – a free online directory of over 500 resources for amateur cellists.
✚ The Art of Miniatures
In this hands-on visual arts class, Pascale Poirier guides participants in creating detailed miniature worlds. Projects connect art and nature, using recycled materials, polymer clay, and found natural elements to shape small-scale imaginative scenes. The focus is on texture, form, composition, and thoughtful craftsmanship.
SPECIAL WORKSHOP
Cello workshop with Stéphane Tétreault – Monday, 29 June (time to be confirmed)
An internationally renowned Canadian cellist and winner of the 2022 Opus Award for Performer of the Year, Stéphane Tétreault will lead a group workshop for cellists, focusing on technique, tone, bowing and musicality, with ensemble playing to develop cohesion, rhythm and listening skills.
Don’t miss the chance to hear Stéphane Tétreault in concert the day before the workshop, as part of the Musical Sundays Concert Series. He will join Denis Plante (bandoneón) in performing Argentine tango classics as well as works specially composed for their unique duo.
Tickets and information: ↳CLICK HERE
A diverse selection of classes and workshops is offered for adult, teen, and child musicians at all levels including beginners.
- The children’s program is open to ages 4½–12.
- Teens may enroll in classes designed for their age group as well as adult classes. Additional classes for teens may be added depending on registration and teacher availability.
- No music-reading experience required.
- Please note that the list of classes is subject to change.
IMPORTANT ➜ Some classes require pre-registration and advance preparation.
These classes are marked with *P* in the list of classes for this week. If you are interested in joining one of these classes, please read the important details before signing up. The deadlines for these classes for this week are as follows:
- Chamber Music – Winds & Strings: May 18, 2026
- Chamber Music – Pianists: May 18, 2026
- Piano: May 18, 2026
- Masterclass – Voice: May 25, 2026
- Cello – Beginners / Intermediate: N/A
- Cello – Advanced: N/A
CLASSES FOR ADULTS AND TEENS:
Vocal classes & ensembles:
- A cappella
- Choir for all
- Vocal technique
- Song Masterclass – Voice *P*
Classes and ensembles for instruments:
- Cello for beginners *P*
- Cello intensive program (intermediate & advanced) *P*
- Clarinet
- Chamber music for winds, strings and piano *P*
- Guitar
- Klezmer ensemble
- Orchestra / Large ensemble
- Percussion
- Piano (intermediate & advanced) *P*
- Recorder
- Wind ensemble
Other classes:
- Active listening
- Dance
- Visual arts
- Yoga
CLASSES FOR CHILDREN:
- Chamber music
- Choir
- Dance
- Percussion
- Piano
- Recorder
- Visual arts
REPERTOIRE
Choral Repertoire
Under the direction of Gabrielle Gaudreault, this week’s choral program pairs two works by leading contemporary North American composers, each evoking the magic and imagination of childhood.
Goodnight Moon (Eric Whitacre)
Whitacre sets Margaret Wise Brown’s beloved picture book for choir, capturing its quiet magic in shimmering, suspended harmonies. It’s a signature piece from one of the most celebrated choral composers of our time.
Fern Hill (John Corigliano)
A setting of Dylan Thomas’s rapturous poem about the freedom and glory of childhood, written by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer John Corigliano. The music is sweeping and tender, tinged with the bittersweet knowledge that such days can’t last.
Download the CAMMAC songbook (compiled by Michel Beauchamp):
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.
GUYLAINE
LEMAIRE
Artistic Director
GABRIELLE
GAUDREAULT
Co-director
Choral conductor
Active listening
DAVID
ELLIS
Co-director
Cello
Chamber music
MARIE-LAURENCE
PRIMEAU
Director children’s program
Recorder
MICHEL
BEAUCHAMP
Guitar
CORINNE
BERGERON
Chamber music coordination
ALCINA
CHIU
Dance
JEANNE
CÔTÉ
Violin
Chamber music
CHANTAL
DIONNE
Vocal technique
Masterclass voice
CRAIG
GIRARDIN
Percussion
CHRIS
LAROSA
Piano for children
CATHERINE
MATHIEU
Cello
Chamber music
GEOFFROY
MICHAUD-BEAULIEU
(Violin)
Chamber music
Orchestra
GABRIEL
PAQUIN-BUKI
Clarinet
Klezmer ensemble
Chamber music
PASCALE
POIRIER
Visual arts for children and adults
LOUIS DOMINIQUE
ROY
Piano – accompaniment for choir and vocal masterclasses
ISABELLE
VADEBONCOEUR
Children’s choir
Piano
BRENDALEE
WILSON
Yoga
DAVID
YANG
Viola
Chamber music
RESERVE ONLINE:
If you don’t see the room you want when you book online, please contact customer service.
You may also make a reservation by phone, from Monday to Friday (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.):
819-687-3938 / 1-888-622-8755, ext. 1
Email: reservations@cammac.ca
GENERAL INFORMATION
Arrival: Sunday June 28 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 5 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.
Is this your first time attending a summer music retreat at CAMMAC?
You’re invited to attend an online information session for new participants via Zoom to answer all your questions about the music program.
Five dates are available:
- Friday, March 13, 7:00 p.m.
- Monday, March 30, 8:00 p.m.
- Thursday, April 16, 7:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 5, 7:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, June 10, 8:00 p.m
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.