Madrigals, Britten, and Beyond
An eclectic week with something for musicians at every level and a special focus on voice and piano.
Singers will enjoy a particularly rich range of options: masterclasses, small ensembles for experienced voices and, for those new to choral singing, Choir 101.
The week’s featured choral work is Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, and Andrew McAnerney (artistic director of the Studio de musique ancienne de Montréal) will lead choristers in madrigals, renewing one of CAMMAC’s most cherished traditions. Pianists will find a program built around their needs, from beginner instruction to an intensive with private coaching sessions and a pop piano and voice class. Guitar, ukulele, chamber music, recorder, percussion, dance and yoga round out the week.
DID YOU KNOW? – Benjamin Britten and the Laurentians
To mark the 50th anniversary of Benjamin Britten’s death, this week’s program honours his legacy through two of his most beloved works: his Ceremony of Carols, which anchors the choral program, and The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, which will be introduced to younger participants.
It’s also worth noting that this region has its own connection to the composer. In 1939, Britten and his partner, tenor Peter Pears, spent two months in a cabin at the Gray Rocks Inn in Saint-Jovite, just a short distance from the CAMMAC Music Centre. Britten described the setting as “a heavenly spot… very quiet”. The letters he wrote from Gray Rocks paint a picture of a composer deeply at ease in the landscape – canoeing, playing tennis and golf, and working steadily on his music. During his stay, Britten completed his Violin Concerto, Op. 15, one of his most significant early works. The quiet of the Laurentians, it seems, suited him well.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
✚ Piano for all levels with Lucille Ouellette
The right combination of challenge and fun for pianists of all levels:
- Intensive program for intermediate and advanced pianists: A focused program of masterclasses covering classical, pop, accompaniment, and arranging. Participants may explore across styles or concentrate on a specific area, and will receive two to three individual 15-to-20-minute coaching sessions tailored to their goals.
- Piano for beginners: Week 6 is the only week at CAMMAC offering piano instruction for complete beginners. Whether you’ve never sat at a keyboard or never had formal instruction, this is your opportunity to take that first step.
- Pop piano and voice: For pianists who sing, singers who play, or pianist-singer duos. Expect a relaxed, creative environment focused on popular repertoire, arrangement, and the interplay between voice and keys.
- Hands-on Accompaniment: Develop practical skills for playing from lead sheets and accompanying singers and other musicians in a variety of settings.
✚ A great week for advanced vocalists
Vocalists with intermediate and advanced singing skills will find plenty of opportunities to challenge themselves this week, with choral repertoire selected for experienced choristers, small ensembles, and a song masterclass for that includes personalized feedback.
✚ Are you new to choral singing?
Choir 101 is designed for those taking their first steps in a choral setting. The class covers the basics of vocal technique and the fundamentals of sight-reading, giving newcomers the confidence to sing in an ensemble for the first time.
✚ Beyond the notes: Stage Presence with Confidence and Ease
This workshop empowers musicians to confidently communicate with audiences, transforming musical skills into engaging stage presence. Through group exercises, role-playing, and discussion, participants will learn strategies to overcome performance anxiety, connect with listeners, and build captivating concert programs.
✚ Solfège and Music Theory
Week 6 is the only week at CAMMAC to offer dedicated solfège and theory classes. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your sight-reading, deepen your understanding of harmony, or simply fill in some gaps in your musical foundation, these classes offer a structured and accessible introduction to music fundamentals.
✚✚✚ Will the Goddesses of Lake MacDonald grace us with their charm, mischief, and perhaps a touch of magic during Week 6?
You’ll have to be here to find out!
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 29, 2026
- Chamber Music – Pianists: June 29, 2026
- Small Vocal Ensembles: July 6, 2026
- Masterclass – Voice: July 6, 2026
- Piano – Beginner: July 6, 2026
- Piano – Intermediate: July 6, 2026
- Piano – Advanced: July 6, 2026
CLASSES FOR ADULTS AND TEENS:
Vocal classes & ensembles:
- A cappella
- Choir
- Choir 101
- Small vocal ensembles *P*
- Vocal technique
- Masterclass – Voice *P*
Classes and ensembles for instruments:
- Chamber music for winds, strings and piano *P*
- Flute
- Guitar (classical and popular)
- Percussion
- Piano: Pop
- Piano: Song accompaniment
- Piano: beginner *P*
- Piano: intermediate*P*
- Piano: advanced *P*
- Recorder
- Ukulele
Other classes:
- Active listening
- Beyond the notes: Stage Presence with Confidence and Ease
- Dance
- Visual arts
- Yoga
CLASSES FOR TEENS
- Choir for teens
CLASSES FOR CHILDREN
- Chamber music
- Choir
- Dance
- Percussion
- Piano
- Puppetry
- Recorder
- Visual arts
REPERTOIRE
Choral Repertoire:
Under the direction of Andrew McAnerney, artistic director of the Studio de musique ancienne de Montréal, this week’s choral program moves from the Renaissance to the twentieth century, offering singers the pleasure of two very different repertoires.
A Ceremony of Carols (Benjamin Britten)
Composed in 1942 during Benjamin Britten’s return voyage to England, A Ceremony of Carols is a work for upper voices and harp based on Middle English texts. Moving between lively and reflective moments, it combines rhythmic energy with a luminous simplicity that has made it a cornerstone of the twentieth-century choral repertoire.
Madrigals will also be part of the program this week, reviving one of CAMMAC’s most cherished traditions. With their blend of elegance and wit, these lively part-songs of the Renaissance invite singers to explore expressive text setting, playful word painting, and close ensemble collaboration.
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
PATRICIA
ABBOTT
Co-director
Choral conductor
Small vocal ensembles
ANNE-MARIE
DENONCOURT
Co-director
Piano for voice and choir
JULIETA
CERVANTES
Director children’s program
Choir for children and teens
Small ensembles
Piano for children
SIMON
ALDRICH
(clarinet)
Chamber music
Wind ensemble
CORINNE
BERGERON
Chamber music coordinator
LISE-ANNE
BERNATCHEZ
Visual arts for children and adults
ANDRÉANNE BRISSON-PAQUIN
Voice
Vocal technique
ALCINA
CHIU
Dance for children and adults
TERESA
DESKUR
Recorder
DOUG
GIROUX
Ukulele
Guitar
GERTRUDE
LÉTOURNEAU
Flute
Chamber Music
ELIZABETH
LITTLE
(cello)
Solfège / Theory & reading
Chamber music
ANDREW
MCANERNEY
Choral conductor
Small vocal ensembles
LUCILLE
OUELLETTE
Piano
Chamber music
EMMANUELLE
SLOUTSKER
Pop piano
ALEXANDRE
VILLEMAIRE
Bass – monitor
JOSEPH
VISSEAUX
Percussion for adults and children
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 August 2 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 August 9 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.