Through the Ages: Early Music Week
Eight centuries of music, in one unforgettable week with some of Canada’s leading early music practitioners.
Under the direction of Francis Colpron, this week offers a true journey through the great historical repertoires, from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance and into the Baroque.
Participants will refine their technique, sharpen their understanding of the stylistic language of each period, and strengthen their ability to listen and respond within an ensemble. The chance to connect with fellow early music enthusiasts from across the world, combined with CAMMAC’s relaxed and friendly atmosphere, makes for a genuinely rewarding experience.
➜ PLEASE NOTE: Week 2 is one of CAMMAC’s most popular weeks. Accommodations and pre-registration classes fill quickly – book early to secure your place.
SPECIAL WORKSHOP – BONUS EVENT
Recorder workshop with Francis Colpron
Sunday July 5, 2026 – 2:30 p.m.
Come experience the joy of ensemble music in the company of one of Canada’s leading recorder specialists!
Intermediate and advanced recorder players are invited to join Francis Colpron for this friendly workshop dedicated to the pleasure of playing together. On the programme: exploration of repertoire for recorder ensembles, performance advice, listening and musical sharing in a warm and stimulating atmosphere. Free admission, no registration is neccessary. Auditors are also welcome.
Enjoy a full day in the company of this great musician:
Hear him perform with Les Boréades as part of the Musical Sundays Concert Series at 11 a.m., followed by brunch – before joining him for the afternoon workshop.
For concert tickets and information: ↳CLICK HERE
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
✚ NEW Continuo technique for harpsichordists and pianists
Develop your ability to improvise harmonic accompaniment – realizing chords, voice-leading, and embellishments – in real-time above a figured or unfigured bass line, in an ensemble context – class taught by Dorothea Ventura
✚ Rich ensemble-playing opportunities for harpsichordists
This week offers harpsichordists a wealth of ensemble-playing opportunities, guided by expert faculty, from small groups to chamber music.
✚ Advanced viola da gamba intensive program
Designed for advanced amateurs and students, this week-long immersion with renowned gambist Margaret Little includes masterclasses, an advanced consort, and a class on the interpretation of a continuo line (basso continuo), also open to other advanced instrumentalists.
Please contact Margaret before registering for prerequisites and additional information: margaret@littlem.ca
✚ Viola da gamba classes for beginner and intermediate levels
Led by Marie-Laurence Primeau of Flûte Alors!, this class welcomes both newcomers to the viol and players wishing to build on their foundations. Through clear guidance and practical work, participants develop essential skills such as tone production, bow technique, ornamentation, and ensemble playing.
✚ NEW! Tai chi with Hubert Gagnon of Comme les nuages
Explore the fundamentals of tai chi through slow, deliberate movement and breath work, developing balance, focus, and a greater sense of physical ease. Suitable for all levels.
✚ Mini one-on-one coaching sessions for Voice Masterclass participants
In addition to regular classes, each Voice Masterclass participant will receive three 15-to-20-minute private coaching sessions with Catherine St-Arnaud and Julien Leblanc, designed to address individual goals and singing challenges.
✚ Early music small ensembles
Explore a rich selection of 17th- and 18th-century repertoire in trio sonata, quartet, and quintet groups open to all early-music-appropriate instruments.
NEW – the groups and repertoire will be sent before the week begins so that participants may prepare in advance.
Pre-registration is required – reserve your spot early, as this class fills up quickly.
✚ Medieval and Renaissance Big Bands for instruments and voice
Explore the fascinating music of these periods with a focus on historical context and interpretation.
✚ A Week 2 tradition: Saturday evening wine and cheese
Francis Colpron invites you to a tasting of fine cheeses paired with wines selected from CAMMAC’s wine list – a festive highlight of the week.
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:
- Small Ensembles: May 25, 2026
- Masterclass – Voice: June 1, 2026
- Vocal Ensemble – Intermediate / Advanced: June 8, 2026
- Viola da gamba – Beginner: June 8, 2026
- Viola da gamba – Intermediate: June 8, 2026
- Viola da gamba – Advanced: June 8, 2026
- Viola da gamba – Rental: June 8, 2026
CLASSES FOR ADULTS AND TEENS:
Vocal classes & ensembles:
- A capella
- Choir
- Vocal ensemble *P*
- Vocal technique
- Masterclass – Voice *P*
Classes and ensembles for instruments:
- Early music small ensembles *P*
- Continuo technique for harpsichordists and pianists
- Harpsichord
- Interpretation of a continuo line (basso continuo)
- Large instrumental ensemble
- Medieval ensemble
- Percussion
- Recorder
- Renaissance big band
- Viola da gamba – beginner and intermediate level *P* (rental available)
- Viola da gamba – intensive program *P* (rental available)
Other classes:
- Active listening (History)
- Dance
- Tai chi
- Visual arts
CLASSES FOR CHILDREN:
- Chamber music
- Choir
- Dance
- Percussion
- Piano
- Recorder
- Visual arts
REPERTOIRE
Choral Repertoire:
Under the direction of Rona Nadler, this week’s choral program features the Missa Brevis in F Major, BWV 233 by J.S. Bach.
One of four short mass settings Bach composed around 1738, it sets only the Kyrie and Gloria, following the Lutheran tradition of the time. Written for soloists, choir, and orchestra, the work draws substantially on Bach’s own earlier cantatas, a common practice he called “parody” – repurposing music he considered too good to use only once. Choristers can look forward to the characteristic counterpoint and rhythmic vitality that make Bach such rewarding music to sing.
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
FRANCIS
COLPRON
Director
Recorder
Large instrumental ensemble
FEMKE
BERGSMA
Assistant director
Recorder
Renaissance big band
ISABELLE
VADEBONCOEUR
Director children’s program
Choir for children and teens
Piano
JONATHAN
ADDLEMAN
Harpsichord class and small ensemble support
LISE-ANNE
BERNATCHEZ
Visual arts
OLIVER
BRAULT
Violin
CHRISTOPHER
DUCASSE
Choir for children
Choir for teens
Piano for children
JEAN-HUBERT
GAGNON
Tai Chi
ANNE-MARIE
GARDETTE
Dance
CRAIG
GIRARDIN
Percussion
GREGOIRE
JEAY
Percussion for adults and children
ÉLYSE
LAMANQUE-GIRARD
Recorder
JULIEN
LEBLANC
Accompaniment – Vocal class and choir
MARGARET
LITTLE
Advanced viola da gamba
Interpretation of a continuo line class (basso continuo)
RONA
NADLER
Choir
Vocal ensemble
MARIE-LAURENCE
PRIMEAU
Viola da gamba
Recorder
GENEVIÈVE
SOLY
Harpsichord
Active listening (history)
CATHERINE
ST-ARNAUD
Vocal technique
Masterclass – Voice
CAROLINE
TREMBLAY
Recorder
DOROTHEA
VENTURA
Choir accompaniment
Dance for children
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 July 5 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 12 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.