Founded post-pandemic by Lorraine Fitzmaurice and Holly Druckman, The Camberville Somerchoir is a fast-paced, audition-level summer project choir based in the Cambridge–Somerville area (“Camberville” to the locals). We bring together experienced choral singers — many with conservatory training or other professional experience — to perform major historical works alongside music by living, local composers.

We’re delightfully nerdy about early music, and we’re fearless with new scores.  Our repertoire ranges from Renaissance polyphony to freshly inked premieres, with a focus on music that challenges, inspires, and connects.  Past seasons have included major classic works such as Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem, Rachmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil, Frank Martin’s Mass for Double Choir, Duruflé's Requiem, as well as modern pieces such as Jaakko Mäntyjärvi’s haunting and exhilarating Canticum Calamitatis Maritimae, commemorating the 1994 tragedy of the ferry Estonia.

Rehearsals are once a week, efficient, and respectful of your summer.  Singers prepare independently so we can focus on artistry, ensemble, and interpretation — making the hard work exhilarating, not stressful.  Soloists are drawn from within the group.

We’re here to make thrilling music, build community, and have a great time doing it.  Come for the hemiolas, stay for the camaraderie!

This summer’s program is built around a set of motets by J.S. Bach, including Jesu, meine Freude; Ich lasse dich nicht; Komm, Jesu, komm; and Lobet den Herrn.  

These works are paired with modern motets by Willy Burkhard and Wolfram Buchenberg, along with a world première of three poems set by Lauren Hsu.

Regardless of your religious tradition, these works speak deeply to the soul.

Whether you’re a long-time choral aficionado, an adventurous listener eager to hear something new, or simply someone open to an evening of beauty that speaks to the heart, you’ll find something here that resonates.  Come and spend a lovely summer evening with us!

more details on the program