Ensemble Explorations
A week dedicated to the collaborative spirit of ensemble playing
This week places ensemble music at the heart of the experience.
Under the guidance of experienced professional musicians, participants of all ages and levels will explore orchestral, choral, and chamber repertoire while cultivating the core skills of ensemble performance: attentive listening, precision, responsiveness, and musical dialogue. Wind ensemble, a cappella singing, piano four-hands, recorder, and piano round out the musical offerings, with yoga, dance, and visual arts available for those seeking a broader creative experience.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
✚ Chamber music with the Quatuor Cobalt
While chamber music is a cornerstone of every CAMMAC week, Week 3 has a special buzz for dedicated ensemble players who thrive on the intensity and pleasure of musical exchange. We are delighted to announce the return of the Quatuor Cobalt: Guillaume Villeneuve (violin), Diane Bayard (violin), Clément Bufferne (viola), and François Leclerc (cello). The quartet is distinguished by an eclectic approach that embraces early music on period instruments and contemporary creation with equal enthusiasm, and their engaging teaching style draws out the best in players of all levels.
The ensemble is engaged in performing the complete string quartets of Franz Schubert in a four-year cycle from 2024 to 2028, marking the bicentenary of the composer’s death. Participants may choose to explore this repertoire alongside them, or explore other chamber music from the standard repertoire.
Pre-formed groups are welcome.
✚ Mini chamber music intensive for kids
Young musicians will have two daily periods to explore the world of chamber music. Whether they’re new to ensemble playing or already familiar with it, this is a wonderful opportunity to build confidence, deepen their musicianship, and discover the joy of playing with others. Participants must be comfortable on their instrument.
✚ Voice masterclass with mezzo-soprano Marie-Annick Béliveau
Participants will discover how to unlock the full potential of their voice by working on advanced technical skills, exploring the nuances of musicality and style, while bringing emotional depth and character to interpretations. Marie-Annick will provide personalized coaching, including help selecting repertoire suited to each participant’s voice and aspirations.
✚ Intermediate and advanced piano, plus piano for 4-hands
These classes cater to ambitious pianists seeking to refine their technique, interpretation, and musicality. Sharpen your solo skills and delve into the collaborative world of 4-handed piano duets, unlocking new musical possibilities under the guidance of pianists Myriam Bernard and Maxim Shatalkin.
🎶 Chamber Music for All!
Thanks to our partnership with the Associated Chamber Music Players (ACMP), a bursary is available for participants of Week 3 – chamber music specialization. A quartet, trio, or duo enthusiast? This opportunity is for you!
To apply, complete the CAMMAC+ACMP bursary application form. A reservation for summer 2026 must be made before submitting your application. All applications are handled confidentially.
Deadline: May 1, 2026.
Results will be communicated by May 15, 2026.
The mission of ACMP – Associated Chamber Music Players – is to stimulate and expand the playing of chamber music for pleasure among musicians worldwide, of all backgrounds, ages and skill levels, by connecting people and supporting chamber music activities for individuals, groups and institutions.
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: June 8, 2026
- Chamber Music – Pianists: June 8, 2026
- Chamber Music Intensive – Children: June 15, 2026
- Masterclass – Voice: June 15, 2026
- Piano – Advanced: June 15, 2026
- Piano 4-hands: June 15, 2026
CLASSES FOR ADULTS AND TEENS:
Vocal classes & ensembles:
- A cappella
- Choir
- Masterclass – Voice *P*
- Vocal Technique
Classes and ensembles for instruments:
- Chamber music for winds, strings and piano *P*
- Clarinet
- Flute
- Orchestra / Large ensemble
- Piano: advanced *P*
- Piano for 4-hands *P*
- Recorder
- Wind ensemble
Other classes:
- Active listening
- Dance
- Orff
- Visual arts: origami
- Yoga
CLASSES FOR TEENS:
- Choir for teens
- Chamber music for teens *P*
CLASSES FOR CHILDREN
Please note that the Intensive Chamber Music Program for children requires pre-registration.
- Chamber music
- Chamber music intensive program *P*
- Choir
- Dance
- Orff
- Piano
- Recorder
- Visual arts: origami
REPERTOIRE
Choral repertoire:
Under the direction of Gabrielle Beaulieu-Brossard, this week’s choral repertoire features movements from four major sacred works: three Mass settings and an oratorio written over nearly two centuries.
Credo, Mass in G major (Franz Schubert)
Written when Schubert was just eighteen, this Mass already displays the qualities that define his music: graceful melodies, clarity of expression, and natural lyricism. The Credo combines simplicity and conviction, making it a rewarding work for singers and audiences alike.
Sanctus and Benedictus, from the album Mass for the Children (John Rutter), with children’s choir
Composed for children’s and adult voices, this Mass reflects John Rutter’s belief in music-making across generations. The Sanctus and Benedictus are among its most memorable movements, bringing together lyrical melodies and a bright, celebratory spirit.
Qui tollis, Missa di Gloria (Giacomo Puccini)
Written during Puccini’s student years, the Missa di Gloria reveals the melodic gift that would later make him one of opera’s most beloved composers. The Qui tollis is one of the work’s most expressive movements, notable for its lyricism and emotional intensity.
Praise to the Holiest, excerpt from The Dream of Gerontius (Edward Elgar)
The Dream of Gerontius is widely considered Elgar’s finest choral work. Drawn from Cardinal Newman’s poem on the soul’s journey after death, “Praise to the Holiest” is its best-known chorus, combining grandeur, energy, and moments of striking power.
The work reached new audiences through the 2025 film The Choral, starring Ralph Fiennes, which follows a Yorkshire choral society preparing a performance of The Dream of Gerontius during the First World War.
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
CORINNE
BERGERON
Assistant director
Chamber music coordinator
CATHERINE
TARDIF
Director children’s program
Orff for children and adults
DIANE
BAYARD
Violin
Chamber music
GABRIELLE
BEAULIEU-BROSSARD
(Violin)
Choral conductor
A cappella
Chamber music
MARIE-ANNICK
BELIVEAU
(Mezzo-soprano)
Voice
Active listening
MYRIAM
BERNARD
Piano
Chamber music
CLÉMENT
BUFFERNE
(Viola)
Chamber Music
GENEVIÈVE
JALBERT
(Piano)
Accompaniment choir & voice
MARK
LATHAM
(Violin)
Orchestra
Chamber music
FRANÇOIS
LECLERC
(Cello)
Chamber Music
SOPHIE
LEMAIRE
Chamber music
Recorder for children
ELIZABETH
LITTLE
(Cello)
Chamber music
ANOUK
MARKS
Chamber music for children
Piano
DAVID
MARKS
(VIola) Chamber music
FANNY
MARKS
(Cello)
Chamber Music
BRETT
MOLZAN
(Violin)
Chamber music
GWÉNAËLLE
RATOUIT
(Clarinet)
Winds
Chamber music
ADELE
ROSS
Dance
MAXIM
SHATALKIN
Chamber music for piano
Piano 4-hands
HIDEKO
SINTO
Visuel arts: origami
GUILLAUME
VILLENEUVE
Violin
Chamber music
LEONIE
WALL
(Flute)
Winds
Chamber music
BRENDA-LEE
WILSON
Yoga
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 12 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 19 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.