What is the origin of the name "Camerata"?

During the late 16th century in Italy there was a group of distinguished literary men, artists, and musicians who met to discuss new musical styles. Members of this "charmed circle" were known as the "Camerata". "Camera" means "chamber" or "little room". "Music di camera" meant secular music as opposed to "music di chiesa" which was for "the church". {Our present English word "camera" is a "little box, or chamber" which takes pictures.} Camerata Singers, while performing music of many periods, has established its reputation for the performance of newer secular music, as reflected in its current compact disc recordings. So, we think our name is really descriptive of what we do, and for which we have been nationally recognized by Chorus America And ASCAP (the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers.)