Camerata Vocal Ensemble is quickly becoming THE music event of the Region. Established in the Fall of 2001, Camerata was re-formed from its previous existence as Laudate (1994-1998) when Conductor Albert Jackson and a small group of singers from Laudate gathered in his living room, agreed that it was time for Northwest Indiana to have its own premier vocal chamber ensemble, and created a board of directors to do just that.

Starting slowly with a mission statement that focused on the excellent performance of high quality choral music, Camerata gathered its membership from the local communities. Then, as now, there were many choral educators in its ranks. But there were also physicians, financial planners, and homemakers who were very talented vocalists that chose different career paths. The ensemble provided all of these people with an outlet for their talents.

Each season, one of their three concerts was devoted to performance in a charity event in support of Duneland Lutheran High School. The concept of a group performing not just for the listening pleasure of local audiences, but also for support of those very same communities led Camerata to a change in its mission. In December of 2005, it took on the monumental task of putting together everything necessary to perform G. F. Handel's Messiah for the benefit of Spring Valley Shelter's "Raise A Roof!" campaign. With the support of local businesses and community members, it was a stellar success!

Currently, Camerata is working on music for "Piety and Passion: The Soul of France" which will be performed on Friday, May 19th at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Valparaiso, proceeds being donated to Taltree Arboretum & Gardens. On Saturday, May 20th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Whiting, proceeds being donated to St.Vincent’s DePaul Catholic charities. Both concerts begin at 7:30pm. All profits from this and future performances will be donated to charities. Camerata Vocal Ensemble has recently been invited to perform Haydn's Lord Nelson Mass with the LaPorte Symphony in March of 2007. Like Fort Wayne and South Bend, Northwest Indiana now has ITS own distinguished vocal chamber group in Camerata Vocal Ensemble.