The group was originally incorporated on December 4th, 1980 as a not-for-profit organization under the name of "Camerata Singers". The initial board and founding members were John Cartland, Susan Cartland, Carol Ptack and George (Terry) Ptack. The first Camerata concert was held on November 16th, 1980 in the home of Roy and Marian Burlew and featured seven women singers, with co-founders Carol Ptack (now Ramsey) as Director and Susan Cartland (now Bode) as a singer and Executive Director. After only one concert, the Susan and Carol decided that a much broader range of repertoire would be available if the group were expanded to include men. The second concert consisted of 14 singers, and the group has basically maintained that size (16 singers) for the next 25 years. In the early years, the singers themselves were responsible for almost all aspects of the concert, including obtaining the concert guests, rearranging the furniture and baking the cookies. None of the singers were paid and the ticket revenues were used to offset the costs of the concert.

In the fall of 1984, a major step in the life of the Camerata Singers occurred when it was decided to create a board to shepherd the non-artistic activities of the group. Don Dadas agreed to establish a board, but his vision was even broader. He felt that the board would serve as a focal point for a number of cultural thrusts in the Lake Forest area. In 1985, the Camerata Society of Lake Forest was created with Don Dadas serving as President. In addition to supporting the Camerata Singers, the organization also shepherded the Lake Forest Fine Arts Ensemble (an instrumental chamber group). The board hired Phillip Carey as Music Director/Conductor of the Camerata Singers and retained Susan Cartland (Bode) as Executive Director. David Harris, Treasurer of the Camerata Society of Lake Forest, obtained a 501C(3) not-for-profit classification for the group in 1985.

The Camerata Society of Lake Forest had some significant accomplishments. They coordinated an evening black-tie benefit dinner in a tent in Market Square and raised enough money to purchase gowns for the women singers and tuxedos for the men.

In the winter of 1986, for a variety of reasons, the board of the Camerata Society of Lake Forest voted to split into three separate entities - the Camerata Singers, the Lake Forest Fine Arts Ensemble, and a third group. A new corporation was created for the Camerata Singers, named the "Camerata Singers of Lake Forest", and this organization was established on April 10th, 1987. The founding board members of the new organization were Dick Holmes, Marilyn Holmes, Chuck Kraemer and Eleanor Kraemer. The initial board of the Camerata Singers of Lake Forest was headed by Joan Shelton, President; Chuck Kraemer, First Vice President, Marilyn Holmes, Vice President and Concert Manager, Dick Holmes, Treasurer, Eleanor Kraemer, Corresponding Secretary and Addie Morrison, Recording Secretary. The new organization applied for and received its 501C(3) classification in 1987.

Shortly after the new corporation was formed, Phillip Carey announced that he would be leaving the group. The Board hired Stephen Blackwelder to replace Phillip. Stephen left after doing only 6 concerts, and the Board turned to Wayland Rogers to be the Music Director/Conductor. Wayland was with Camerata 15 years until deciding to leave following the 2003/2004 season. Julia Davids was hired as Music Director/Conductor and will lead the group forward into the 2007/2008 season, marking her fourth year with Camerata.

The Board has had a number of Presidents since Joan Shelton, with several of them serving multiple terms. Following Joan Shelton, who served as President for 2 years, were Dick Holmes (2 years); Marilyn Holmes (2 years); Sheila James (1 year); Marilyn Holmes (2 years); Tom John (2 years); Marilyn Holmes (1 year); Dick Holmes (2 years); John Washburn (4 years); Marilyn Holmes (1 year); and, since the 2005/2006 season, Dick Holmes (3 years).

All of the musicians in Camerata are compensated. Payments for artistic services represent the bulk of the expenses for the Camerata organization. The sources of funds for the group come from concert ticket sales (about 1/3), donations (about 1/3) and advertising revenue from our concert program (about 1/3). None of the board members are compensated for their board work.

During its 28 year existence, the Camerata Singers have performed in more than 100 concerts, appearing in nearly 40 different homes in the Lake Forest area in addition to concerts at Northern Trust Bank, Lake Forest Academy, Harrison Conference Center, Gorton Community Center, Techny, Cuneo Museum, and several local houses of worship. The group has performed with the Lake Forest Symphony, the Westminster Chamber Orchestra and members of Ars Viva. Multi-arts contributors have included the multi-talented McMahon family, dramatic readings by commentator Harry Porterfield and an exciting afternoon with cantor Ian Geller.