IN THIS EDITION...
• Music and traditions of the season
• Choir, Cabaret and a Christmas Carol songbook
• ON THE BLOG: Discover the benefits of yoga for musicians
• CAMMAC ONLINE: Classes coming up next week
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Hello Music Lovers!
The days are getting shorter here in the northern hemisphere as we approach the solstice. Music is a universal language that not only brightens our days but also brings us all together for seasonal celebrations, no matter which traditions we observe. Especially this year, we’re turning to the power of music to lift our spirits, connect with others and provide us with a sense of warmth as the days get darker. In this spirit, we’ve included some our favourite seasonal musical selections for you to discover, so grab a mug of hot cocoa and curl up by the fire, there's a lot to discover in this edition of the CAMMAC newsletter!
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We’d like to thank everyone who donated during last week’s GIVING TUESDAY fundraiser.
It has been a challenging year, but once again, our generous supporters have risen to the challenge and shown that they are passionate and committed to keeping George and Madeleine Little’s dream for CAMMAC alive and well.
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If you’d like to read about how the idea for CAMMAC came about one Christmas at Otter Lake, please read this interview from 1994 with George and Madeleine Little, with Rafik Matta:
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If you would still like to make a donation in support of CAMMAC's Annual Campaign, it is never too late! |
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And why not join the FRIENDS of CAMMAC? For a small amount each month, you can join a special group of monthly donors who are passionate about helping amateur music thrive!
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HANDEL’S MESSIAH…
KEEPING THE TRADITION ALIVE
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Handel’s Messiah is one of the most celebrated fixtures of the Christmas season, and CAMMAC Ottawa-Gatineau’s annual Come Sing Messiah! has been celebrating this beloved traditional work since 1987.
As it was not possible to come together to sing this year, the region has instead produced a documentary put together by organist and choir conductor Matthew Larkin and producer Kevin Reeves.
“BRAVO! Fabulous production and many thanks for keeping our tradition alive! Loved the interviews, the soloists, the shots of the choir and especially Matthew’s jazzy take on Herr Handel.” – Angela and Patrick Kelly
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Listen to Matthew Larkin’s wonderful jazzy rendition of the Messiah: |
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Read an in-depth history of the Messiah from The Smithsonian:
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HANUKKAH,
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS… AND MUSIC!
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CAMMAC would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Hanukkah, and invite you to explore our guide to the music and traditions of the Festival of Light: |
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Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo brings warmth and comfort to the beginning of your holiday season with his album, Winter Songs.
Last March, we worked on a selection from the album that was arranged for choir, and we hope to see Ola at the CAMMAC Music Centre in the future for a concert and workshop!
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CHRISTMAS CAROL SONGBOOK
CAMMAC Guitar teacher Michel Beauchamp has prepared a songbook of Christmas Carols with chords for guitar that you can download for free!
“May these Christmas carols resound in your homes for you and your loved ones to enjoy!” – Michel Beauchamp
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VIRTUAL CHOIR:
Mondays with Mélodie!
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Mélodie Rabatel hosted CAMMAC’s first Choir and Conversation Workshop last Monday, and now that things have gotten started, we want to invite everyone to join!
Have fun singing with others, discovering new repertoire and learning Mélodie’s new composition, Hymn to CAMMAC, which will be recorded by the choir in the new year. Each week, Mélodie will welcome a very special guest – next week’s guest is ROBERT INGARI, the internationally celebrated composer, conductor and professor at Université de Sherbrooke.
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Robert is the artistic director of several vocal ensembles including Le Chœur de chambre du Québec and the Chœur du Musée d’art de Joliette. As a composer, his works have been performed by university, professional and amateur choirs in Canada, the United States, France as well as other countries such as Czech Republic and the Netherlands.
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VIRTUAL CHOIR: Mondays with Mélodie!
Mondays, from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
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Watch Mélodie Rabatel direct a rousing performance of Jingle Bells with Les Nanas: |
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ONLINE CLASSES
Coming Up Next Week:
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Please register at least 24 hours in advance. |
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Monday Dec. 14, 7:30-9 p.m.
VIRTUAL CHOIR: Mondays with Mélodie Rabatel!
Join us for the second session of Mélodie’s Virtual Choir and Conversation workshop! (If you missed the first session, you can join in anyhow, or you can register to watch the recording of the first session.) Have fun singing with others, discovering new repertoire and learning Mélodie’s new composition, Hymn to CAMMAC, which will be recorded by the choir in the new year. Our guest this week: internationally celebrated composer, conductor and professor ROBERT INGARI.
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Tuesday Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m.
STAYING THE COURSE TOWARDS PROGRESS:
THE RECORDER
WORKSHOP with Sophie Larivière
This week’s Staying the Course Towards Progress workshop will focus on how to maintain your level of playing and even improve it! Learn how to do a good technical warm-up with targeted exercises, and then work on pieces from your repertoire focusing on breath, phrasing, dynamics and expression.
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Thursday Dec. 17, 5 p.m.
YOGA THURSDAYS WITH BRENDALEE
Join BrendaLee for an end of day yoga class! We will focus on spinal and joint mobility, breathing and relaxation. We will also explore postures for strength, and practice postural awareness as it relates to the musician’s life.
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Thursday Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m.
THE MUSIC OF MICHEL LEGRAND: A LIFETIME OF EXQUISITE MELODIES
LECTURE with Sonia Johnson
Michel Legrand considered himself to be an atypical, compulsive musician who could not be pigeonholed. Spend an evening with Sonia Johnson as she explores the best-known music by this multi-talented composer who can only be described as a musical legend.
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GIVE THE GIFT OF MUSIC THIS YEAR!
A gift certificate for an online workshop, masterclass, lecture or private coaching session makes a perfect gift for your favourite musician. But don't wait too long, CAMMAC Gift Certificates are only available until DECEMBER 18TH!
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To find out more about all our online workshops, masterclasses and lectures: |
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To find out more about Private Coaching: |
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Read about how a yoga practice can benefit both a musician's body and mind!
Yoga asanas, pranayama and meditation practices support the musician’s practice by keeping both body and mind more fresh and present. Practicing yoga will not only help you to be more comfortable as you play or sing, it will also bring a big boost to your creativity and focus!
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NEWS FROM OUR REGIONS:
CAMMAC TORONTO NEWSLETTER
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Experimental vocalist and artist Tanya Tagaq |
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Find out what’s happening in Toronto: playing & singing opportunities, concert notices and upcoming events.
Also, read about Indigenous music, with spotlights on throat singing by Rachel Beausoleil, and articles about Cree composer Andrew Balfour and about Métis composer Eliot Britton. There is also a feature on Guiseppe Verdi’s Quattro Pezzi Sacri.
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For more news from CAMMAC's Regions,
head over to their websites:
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CAMMAC MUSIC CENTRE
85 Chemin CAMMAC
Harrington, QC
J8G 2T2
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CONTACT US:
Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
819-687-3938 • 1-888-622-8755
communications@cammac.ca
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