UMBC Camerata Fall 2023 Concert – Imani Geary, student conductor
Main Page – Director – Ensemble Information – Upcoming Concerts – Auditions – Donate
The UMBC Camerata is a premier, auditioned chamber choir comprised of exceptional musicians from across the university and surrounding community. Grounded in artistic excellence, curiosity, and disciplined collaboration, Camerata represents the highest level of choral artistry at UMBC. The ensemble performs a meticulously curated repertoire that spans historically significant works, global traditions, and the voices of today’s most compelling living composers, with a focus on stylistic integrity and informed performance practice. Camerata has also presented major choral masterworks in collaboration with distinguished organizations such as the Handel Choir of Baltimore and the Howard County Concert Orchestra.
Recent seasons have included transformative international and collaborative experiences. In the summer of 2025 Camerata toured France and the Czech Republic, performing in distinguished venues and collaborating with the Czech National Symphony Orchestra while engaging with the cultural life of Prague. Select members have also collaborated with the Jubilee Singers and traveled to St. Thomas.
Camerata recently completed a recording project of Through Perspectives INjustice, with choir and orchestra: an interdisciplinary initiative exploring music, justice, and human experience through major choral-orchestral works. As an ambassador for the university, the ensemble continues to foster meaningful engagement through collaborations with partners including the Orchkids Chorale Program, Baltimore Children’s Choir, the UMBC Chamber Strings Ensemble, Cylburn Arboretum, Oakland Mills High School, and Baltimore City College.
Upcoming Concerts
Sunday May 3, 2026, 7:30 p.m. (Linehan Concert Hall)
Ensemble Information
Lulu Mwangi, Director
When does Camerata (MUSC 303) rehearse?
Tuesdays & Thursdays 1:00pm – 2:15pm in Linehan Concert Hall
Prospective students, groups, and guests are always welcome in rehearsal. Please contact the director so they can have a music binder prepared for you.
Who should audition for Camerata?
All members of the UMBC community are welcome and encouraged to audition for the Camerata, including undergraduate and graduate students from all majors, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the local community.
Camerata may be a good fit for you if you have:
- Previous experience singing in choirs, including All-State/honor choirs, choral festivals, competitions, etc.
- An openness to explore a variety of vocal genres and languages
- A passion to be an active member of an ensemble that values excellence in performance practice, diverse perspectives, collaboration and individual ownership
- The willingness to practice independently outside of class and improve music literacy skills
- A desire to share your musical talents to make a meaningful impact in the community
- Individuals who can commit to singing for multiple semesters to build a strong and sustainable program
When are placement auditions for Camerata held and how do I sign up for a time?
Placements will be determined in the first two weeks of the Fall semester. If interested in auditioning, please email the director.
During placements, you will:
- Fill out a Google Form that asks about general information and your choral experience
- Sing through some vocalises to get a sense of your vocal range
- Perform 1–2 minutes of any piece best represents your vocal abilities a cappella. It can be an art song, jazz standard, something you’re working on in studio lessons, or your favorite song on Spotify, etc.
- Sight-sing a small excerpt to get a sense of your current music reading level.
UMBC Music Performance Fellowships
Vocalists in their first year (transfers included) at UMBC are eligible for UMBC Music Performance Fellowships. These fellowships are awarded based on merit to students in any major. Students awarded this fellowship will have their private lesson fee waived as long as they enroll and perform with Camerata for the duration of their award. Please express your interest in fellowships during your placement.
What are the additional things for which Camerata members are responsible?
1. Musical scores. They will be purchased from the director at the beginning of the semester at a cost of around $25.
2. Concert Black Performance Attire
Support the Camerata
How to give to the UMBC Camerata:
- Go to plannedgiving.umbc.edu and click “Make A Gift”
- Choose your donation amount and the schedule for your gift
- Under “Select My Designations”, scroll down to Music and check the box. Click “Continue”
- Complete the about you section.
- IMPORTANT: Check the last box titled “Additional Comments?”; in the “Additional Comments?” section write “For the UMBC Camerata.”
- Complete the rest of the requested information as directed. Review and finalize your gift.