Camerata is further proof that Boston is a bastion for early music in America. It began as a product of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts in 1954, becoming an independent nonprofit organization in 1974.

In addition to presenting historically informed performances in the European tradition of Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque musics, both internationally and for its Boston Series, this group of seasoned vocalists, early instrument masters, and international collaborators helps to perpetuate the legacy of early American music Camerata has also shone special attention to the chants and spirituals of the Shakers, most notably through Borrowed Light, a collaborative dance production with the Tero Saarinen Company..