The Boston Camerata is returning to the intimate Lincoln Theater in Damariscotta on Thursday, Dec. 5, at 3 p.m. with an augmented cast.

This year’s production marks the 70th anniversary of the The Camerata. It’s hard to believe that 70 years ago, at Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, an intrepid woman named Narcissa Williamson launched The Camerata, a company now treasured far beyond America’s shores. Music-lovers around the world have built its music into their lives, and three generations of young musicians have been inspired by the ensemble’s programs and recordings.

“Camerata is a unique institution. We all feel very fortunate to be a part of it,” said Artistic Director Anne Azéma. “The music of this small, enterprising company travels around the globe, and I love the feeling of discovery and adventure that accompanies practically everything we do.”

“A Medieval Christmas: Hodie Christus Natus Est,” a retelling of the Nativity, tours New England in early December. We look forward to coming back to the warm welcome of friends in Damariscotta with a larger cast this time: vocalists Camila Parias, Deborah Rentz-Moore, and Anne Azéma will be accompanied by wind and harp player Christa Patton; vielle player extraordinaire Shira Kammen, who can be heard on our eponymous CD of this program (on sale in the lobby), will join us again this season.

The roots of this production go back to 1974–75, when The Boston Camerata and its director (now director emeritus) Joel Cohen performed in concert – and then recorded for the Nonesuch label – a new production entitled “A Medieval Christmas.” That vinyl LP quickly became a bestseller, confirming Camerata’s status as a leading ensemble in the early music world.

“The concert you will be hearing in Damariscotta is my own version of a medieval nativity celebration. Channeling Christmas spirituality from Medieval France, Italy, England, and Provence, the Hodie program includes the music of the church and private devotion around the joyous theme of the Nativity,” Azéma said. “Included are songs to the Virgin Mary, processionals from Saint Martial of Limoges, hymns, lyrics, and miracle ballads sung in Latin, Old French, Old Provençal, and Saxon interlaced with Medieval English texts of the Nativity.

“We look to the past, in all its rich diversity, to better understand the present, to inform the future, and to encourage living human connection via the shared joy of great music,” added Azéma. “Around Christmastime is perhaps one of the best moments in the year to savor music together – and reflect. Our program, all acoustical, is probably one of the most powerful ways to allow for such a peaceful, delicate, and at the same time, joyful moment, with toe-tapping tunes!”

Judging from the capacity and warm welcome of the public last season, you might want to reserve your seats very soon! All tickets are general admission. Purchase for $35 in advance online at https://lincolntheater.net. Tickets will be $40 at the door.

The Lincoln Theater is at 2 Theater St. in downtown Damariscotta.