British Columbia Chapter of the VdGSA
Mission Statement
Our mission is to strengthen our British Columbia viol community via workshops, shared resources, and mutual support for viol players of all ages and abilities.
Board of directors
At this time, the BC Viols Board include
- Sarah Poon Chair
- David Poon Treasurer and Membership Secretary
- Pat Unruh Secretary
- Edgar Bridwell Webmaster
- Deborah van der Goes Island Region Coordinator
- Tegan Ceschi-Smith Sunshine Coast Region Coordinator
- Anne Duranceau Vancouver Region Coordinator,Communications & Newsletter
- Joya Muma Fundraising
- Lise Krebs Communications & Newsletter
If you are interested in joining the Board of BC Viols, please email us at
activities
BC Viols organizes activities at different times of the year. Keep an eye on this page to know what is coming up.
Each region also hosts consort playing sessions and occasional workshops. We encourage you to contact your region’s representative to be informed of these activities.
Calendar
Upcoming Activities
CRMSS Viol Petting Zoo
August 8, 2024, 10 am to 4 pm
St. Helen’s Parish, 3860 Triumph Street, Burnaby, BC
The "Viol Petting Zoo" is an opportunity to meet the members of the viola da gamba family, learn some basic tips on holding the instrument and use the bow, and get a chance to make your own sounds on this beautiful instrument. Treble, tenor, and bass viols will be available for a delightful speed-dating experience!
The Viol Petting Zoo will take place on Thursday, August 8th, and will run throughout the day. Small groups of singers will "take their trip to the zoo" while ducking out of other sessions, and this will be planned so everyone who wants a chance will get one!
past activities
Informal Masterclass with Florence Bolton (La Rêveuse)
April 21, 2023, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
Trinity Grace United church (803 E 16th Ave, in Vancouver),
Lutenist Benjamin Perrot decided to play theorbo for free during the session.
Participants: Colin Miles, Martin Bonham, Edgar Bridwell, Ralph Giles, Anne Duranceau (organizer).
Masterclass included music by Marais, Dollé and Simpson, and there was a bit of time for sumptuous consort playing.
It was a delight.
Workshop with Margaret Little and Susie Napper (Les Voix Humaines)
November 2, 2019, from10 am to1:45 pm
Hodson Manor, 1254 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver
Participants: Ron Costanzo, Maureen Drake, Ralph Giles, Anne Duranceau, Edgar Bridwell, Sarah Poon, Pat Unruh, Genevieve MacKay (organizer)
Photo: Erik Zennström
Membership
There are quite a few people in BC who play viola da gamba or who dream of playing it (whether they are aware of it or not), and these people live far apart... It is easy to feel disconnected from the other players... There
are viol players in the Vancouver area, but also in the BC Interior, on the Sunshine Coast and on Vancouver Island – with some living around Nanaimo, and some around Victoria.
We encourage you to become a member of BC Viols.
The cost is $20 per year ($10 for students).
Your membership will give you access to:
• The Scroll(the BC Viols newsletter),
• some email communications,
• some upcoming programs, resources and activities,
• Chapter-related programs of the VdGSA, including the possibility of being granted a Conclave Voucher, if you are also a member of the VdGSA,
• and more...
To become a member, click here.
join bc viols!
