The New Camerata Singers, the Portland Conservatory’s auditioned chamber choir, will offer an a cappella recital of 16th and 20th century music at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 30, in St. Joseph’s Church, Biddeford; and again at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 7, at St. Patrick’s Church, Portland.

Since its inception in 1995, the New Camerata has performed under the direction of Portland Conservatory executive director Rich Pitre.

This year’s concert is a celebration of spring titled “May Madrigals and Songs of Praise.” It features unusual Renaissance works such as Jannequin’s onomatopoetic “Song of the Birds” (Cantique des oyseaux).

The evening’s music will also include songs from Hindemith’s challenging collection Opus 33 as well as sacred works by Josquin des Prez, Maurice Duruflé, and Francis Poulenc. Anton Bruckner’s stunning “Ave Maria” will be a high note of the performance.

The New Camerata draws its membership from throughout York, Cumberland and Androscoggin counties. Anyone interested in auditioning for the ensemble may contact the director at the conservatory or go online at www.portlandconservatory.net

Tickets for the Portland concert are $15, $12 for students and seniors; tickets for the Biddeford concert are $10, $8 for seniors, $5 for ages 12 and under. Tickets will be available at the door; or call 775-3356 between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.