The holiday season is fast-approaching, and The Boston Camerata is delighted to offer two celebratory programs: A Medieval Christmas: Hodie Christus Natus Est tours Maine and Massachusetts December 5-8, and A German Christmas: In Dulci Jubilo comes to Cambridge, MA on December 22.
With an unusually long and distinguished career, immersed at every moment in [early] music and the riches of musical history, the Boston Camerata rejoices in seven decades of historically-informed performance, research, community outreach, and musical education.
Something extraordinary is about to happen: The Boston Camerata, America’s leading early music ensemble, is about to celebrate a milestone anniversary.
This week the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) awarded $51 million of Cultural Sector Pandemic Recovery Grants to organizations and individuals. The Boston Camerata is proud to be among the recipients! We are grateful to MCC and everyone who advocates for arts funding at the state and national level.
Many moods, both somber and joyful, will be expressed in the Boston Camerata’s upcoming concert season, featuring four productions of Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque early music.
The Thomas Binkley Award honors individuals who, in their roles as leaders of collegiate early-music ensembles, have made outstanding contributions to the study and performance of early music.
Douce Dame Jolie: Guillaume de Machaut’s Last Affair, Camerata’s version of Machaut’s verse novel Le Voir Dit – The True Story, was first created for the Reims Festival in 2011, and will soon receive its US premiere. The program provides a nuanced and intimate perspective on timeless human circumstances and emotions.
Anne Azéma, Artistic Director of The Boston Camerata, has been promoted to the rank of Officier (Officer) of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government.
The Boston Camerata, under Anne Azéma’s direction, continues its pioneering musical explorations in 2021-22 with a three-concert series, ranging from the early Middle Ages to the American spiritual tradition of the nineteenth century.
“Boston Camerata proved that medieval music can resonate as much as holiday music of today in a well-attended performance on Friday [December 6] night in Belmont.”
“Music conveys the flow of history, Cohen says. Boston Camerata concerts show ‘that something old can still make you vibrate, that something comes alive across the centuries.'”
“In 1954, with playable instruments in hand, a collective of Boston musicians started experimenting with early repertoires from a remote musical world”…
“Anne Azéma’s internationally acclaimed and always compelling early-music group kicks off its season with one of its rousing specialties, We’ll Be There! American Spirituals, Black and White, 1800-1900” ~ Lloyd Schwartz
“But Boston Camerata’s smart and economical take on the composer’s only fully sung drama, heard at Pickman Hall Saturday night, provided a glimpse into the very nature of Baroque spectacle.”
“Under Anne Azéma’s veteran leadership, Camerata offers a candlelit performance of Charpentier’s “Messe de Minuit” alongside Christmas music from the Burgundian court and more.”
“[This concert] was beautiful and vibrant … revealing … This is something one almost never hears examined in the context of classical music, and it was moving and exciting to witness it come alive.”
“Sensitive and enthusiastic…free from any trace of academicism…spiritual serenity. The [Camerata] ensemble is full of grace, extraordinarily eloquent.”
“The Camerata produces a joyous, tightly defined sound in these chants, songs, and processionals, many familiar from its indelible live performances.” View as PDF
“The singing is crisp, pure, yet with plenty of emotional heft… The accompaniments – on medieval fiddle, harp, bells and ancient winds – are lively and evocative.”
“I have had the pleasure of being joined by the Camerata’s long-time performer and now director, Anne Azéma… Her wit, intelligence, and devotion to the craft shine through in every performance and conversation.”
