Artist Information
Bio
Vancouver Viols is a consortium of viola da gamba lovers. They meet regularly to perform the rich repertoire written expressly for our multi-stringed and fretted bowed instruments. The viola da gamba was developed in Italy concurrently with the violin family in the early 1500s. Their rich but clear sound was a perfect medium for the complex and intricate music of the time. The viol was a favoured instrument of King Louis XIV of France, and of King Charles I of England. The viol's gentle tone was not suited to the larger concert halls that were in use by Mozart’s time, and the viol fell out of favour. The instrument was re-discovered by interested musicians early in the 20th Century, and viols once again have an enthusiastic audience for their unique sound.Patricia Unruh
Cyrena Huang
Anne Duranceau