Once a month, CAMMAC hosts a Reading for singers and instrumentalists to read through a mass, cantata, or opera (for choir and orchestra) under the direction of a professional conductor. Occasionally Readings feature pieces for a capella choir (singers only) or symphonies or other orchestral works (instrumentalists only). The Readings are structured more like an initial rehearsal than as a performance.

The event is open to everyone and no preparation is required. Participants are no longer required to show proof of vaccination to attend readings. According to guidelines at the time of writing this document, wearing a mask when singing or playing is voluntary. Registration for the reading is first come, first served, with the first-come player entitled to their choice of orchestral position and players signing up later, seated in order. Instrumentalists and singers must register in advance with the Reading co-ordinator (see reading flyer below). This will allow us to ensure that there are sufficient parts available and to know which parts are covered.

The current newsletter is a good resource for more information about upcoming readings, information about composers and conductors, and reviews of past readings.

Solo Opportunities:  Most works have solo vocal parts.  If you are an experienced singer and you’d like to give it a try, please contact the soloists coordinator, peter.solomon@utoronto.ca, as soon as possible.

You are welcome to come and listen to the Reading, but it is much more fun singing or playing!

Howard Dyck conducting Verdi Requiem, April 2001
Howard Dyck conducting Verdi Requiem, April 2001

Instrumentalists! Readings instrumentation 2023-2024Please contact the Reading co-ordinator to reserve a part for you at that Reading. The co-ordinator’s name is at the bottom of the flyer, found by clicking the Reading’s work in the schedule below.  

Please bring your own music stand!

Admission

Refreshments available for $1 during the break.

Readings Location

Elliott Hall at Christ Church Deer Park (entrance to the Hall is on Heath St.)
1570 Yonge Street, Toronto
(2 blocks north of St. Clair Ave. at Heath St.)

Free parking on the street.
TTC: go to St. Clair station and walk north.

Music Readings Schedule

All Readings begin at 2:00pm sharp, and end at 4:30pm.

Please arrive 15 minutes early to set up so that the Reading can begin on time! 

Date Conductor Work Vocal/Instrumentation
October 1, 2023 Thomas Burton Mozart: Solemn Vespers Chorus and orchestra
October 29, 2023 Felipe Luzuriaga Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 Orchestra only
November 19, 2023 Joan Andrews Handel: selections from Messiah Chorus and orchestra
January 21, 2024 Suzanne Yeo Faure: Requiem Chorus and orchestra
February 25, 2024 Lori-Anne Dolloff Scott MacMillan: Celtic Mass for the Sea Chorus and stringed instruments
March 24, 2024 David Arnot-Johnston Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 (Choral Finale) Chorus and orchestra
April 28, 2024 Samuel Tak-Ho Tam Ralph Vaughan Williams: A Sea Symphony Chorus and orchestra
May 26, 2024 Cheryll Chung Charpentier: Te Deum H 416 Chorus and orchestra

For further info on Readings, please e-mail toronto@cammac.ca.