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 Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem, Rachmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil, and Frank Martin’s Mass for Double Choir. 

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 pairs Duruflé’s luminous Requiem with Jaakko Mäntyjärvi’s haunting and exhilarating Canticum Calamitatis Maritimae, which commemorates the 1994 tragedy of the ferry Estonia.  Both composers draw upon ancient texts and tonalities to produce decidedly modern works. Together, they explore grief, hope, memory, and resilience.  We are also including two pieces from the gospel tradition, as taught by Connie B. Steadman, and what has become our traditional farewell song, the Renaissance song Innsbruck, ich muss dich lassen.

Our singers have found the process of preparing this music to be deeply personal — from cherished memories of singing at a loved one’s funeral, to the thrill of navigating the lush, unexpected harmonies.  We want to share that intensity with you.  Music is crystallized emotion: our stories and yours, meeting in the sound.

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!