British Columbia Chapter of the VdGSA

Byrd Fest 2026

The Viol Fest is quickly becoming an annual event, where this year, Martin Bonham and Genevieve MacKay coached consorts, and we were joined during the weekend by Montréal Luthier Francis Bealieu, who looked after any instruments needing a Viol Doctor. Players were able to take private lessons, and there was a viol Petting Zoo for anyone unfamiliar and interested in the viol, on Saturday morning.

BCViols members also played at two church services on Sunday of the weekend, the first an 11:30am Morning service at St. John’s Shaughnessy, followed by a 4pm Evensong Service at Christ Church Cathedral in downtown Vancouver. In both services, choirs were led by music director and viola da gambist, David Poon.

Gibbons Fest 2025

Our first fest! See Byrd Fest 2026 for an idea of the events of our weekend workshop. Much organising by Sarah and David Poon!

Lots of ccoached onsorts 

Fall Viol Workshop With Elinor Frey

Saturday, November 22, 2025

Consort coaching sessions and instruction.

Canadian Renaissance Music Summer School Viol Weekend - with Viol Petting Zoo - Friday, 9 August to Sunday, 11 August, 2024 

Participants in the CRMSS Pacific Summer School, many with little, or no experience playing the Viola da Gamba, were invited to an introductory session with one of many instruments provided at the petting zoo. Small groups of singers  "took their trip to the zoo" while ducking out of other sessions, and this was planned so everyone who wanted a chance will got one! This was a popular event! Members of BC Viols also performed with members of the Summer School, both singers and instrumentalists.

Canadian Renaissance Music Summer School Viol Weekend - with Viol Petting Zoo - Friday, 9 August to Sunday, 11 August, 2024 

Participants in the CRMSS Pacific Summer School, many with little, or no experience playing the Viola da Gamba, were invited 

to an introductory session with one of many instruments provided at the petting zoo. Small groups of singers  "took their trip to the zoo" while ducking out of other sessions, and this was planned so everyone who wanted a chance will got one! This was a popular event! 

Members of BC Viols also performed with members of the Summer School, both singers and instrumentalists.

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)