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CAMERATA HIGHLIGHTS OF 2005

It was a busy year with some of the most intense touring of recent seasons; a creative year as a beautiful, brand-new Camerata recording appeared on the marketplace; as well as a year of celebration and thanksgiving as we fêted our fiftieth anniversary with friends in Paris and Boston.

February

Off for an extensive winter tour of "New Britain", west and south of Boston. Among the highlights, a reunion in Nashville with Hazel and Murray Somerville, Hazel's boy choir chiming in with us at the local concert.

April

The month begins with a marvelous 50th anniversary celebration in Paris, including a sold-out standing ovation performance of "Nueva España" at the Théatre de la Ville and then, backstage a lively post-concert party in Sarah Bernhardt's former dressing room. <photo here> The womens' choir of Les Amis de la Sagesse joined us for both events, and Joel received a French government medal pinned on his chest at the second one.

We see again many French and European supporters and encouragers of our music over the years, and feel surrounded by love and friendship. Thanks, Suzanne!

We spend much of the remainder of April in Europe, touring the "Borrowed Light" production with Tero Saarinen's Finnish dance company. The crowds in England and Sweden love the Shaker music and the dancing; and we love the Italian food and architecture; even thought the folks in that country were a little perplexed by the show.

May

Back to Europe for two performances with Tero's company in, of all places, the Volkswagen industrial complex at Wolfsburg, Germany. We go for walks around the nearby medieval castle to escape the creepy 1930's ambiance; audiences and journalists rate the performances a great success.

June

Another anniversary bash, this time at the Boston Early Music Festival. To celebrate our 50 th, Camerata performs “Carmina Burana” at Jordan Hall, and at concert’s end the Camerata’s Board chairman Sandi Bagley wheels in a big birthday cake! Former Camerata musicians and music directors join us onstage. Joel is especially touched by the presence of his student-days mentor Victor Mattfeld. Post-concert hall, a reception reunites American musicians, friends, and supporters from across the years (see photo below). Our cup runneth over, and we pour the excess into new plans and projects for the coming half-century.

July

The cast of the December, 2004 “A Mediterranean Christmas” comes together in 90 degree heat to record that program for Warner Classics at Boston’s Church of the Covenant (see photo below).

The musicians are hot, in every sense of the word, as the enthusiastic reviews make evident six months later. David Griesinger once again provides Camerata with superb recorded sound.

September

We teach and sing troubadour songs in the French village of Coaraze, then move to Helsinki for a week’s run of “Borrowed Light” at the Opera House – sold-out halls every night!

October

Camerata moves to wonderful new offices at the Jesuit Urban Center on Harrison Avenue in Boston. Musicians love the magnificent architecture and generous acoustics of the church where our rehearsals now take place. Our in-town season begins with a celebration of the Italian Renaissance. Ronald G. Vigue arrives as our new Executive Director.

November

Following on our successful appearances there in 2004, the October in Normandy Festival invites Camerata for two performances of “Nueva España” in beautiful, under heated medieval churches. Chilly, but exhilarating! Joel, in London and Paris, does promotional interviews for the new recording on BBC and Radio France.

December

A busy touring schedule, as happens every December. The heavenly acoustics in the big Polish basilica of Milwaukee are something to write home about.

The new recording of “A Mediterranean Christmas” is out, and receives rave reviews just about every time it is mentioned. Radio Canada and the Boston Globe each place it among the top CD releases of 2005.

We plan some important touring appearances for seasons to come, including (we hope) the American première of “Borrowed Light”, a European tour for the renovated and renewed “Sacred Bridge” program, and a major residency. Happy 2006 to one and all!

We welcome your inquiries. The Boston Camerata's highly acclaimed CD's on Erato, Nonesuch, and Harmonia Mundi (here is another chance to consult the current discography ), and other good stuff. All profits from merchandise sales go towards supporting future Boston Camerata projects.

Click on this link for more info concerning Camerata director Joel Cohen; or send him mail by clicking here. To inquire about Camerata activities, purchase tickets, order merchandise, offer comments or suggestions regarding what's on our Web site, we welcome email at the following address: manager@bostoncamerata.org