The Portland Viol Consort presents a “gallery tour” of some of the greatest works of the Elizabethan era for a consort of viols, including music by Jenkins, Byrd, Gibbons, Purcell, and others. Poetry of Robert Herrick will also be featured.
When: Saturday, March 20, 2012 @ 7:30 p.m.
Where: Grace Memorial Episcopal Church – 1535 NE 17th Ave, Portland – map
Tickets: Available at the door – $20 general, $10 student/senior.
Information: 503-774-4231 or timcello@gmail.com
About the Consort:
The Portland Viol Consort, an ensemble of 4 Violas da Gamba, was first formed in 2009 in an effort to fill a gap in Portland’s music scene by becoming the first professional viol consort in the area. There is a large repertoire of music written for viol ensemble, comparable in size and quality to the string quartet literature, but not nearly as often performed. It is the mission of the Consort to bring this music to Portland and the Northwest. The Consort is also performing for the second time in Seattle on March 9th.
The Consort’s first major project was to prepare the complete “Lachrimae” cycle of Pavans and Galliards, by John Dowland in 1604. In 2010 and 2011, this work was successfully performed in Seattle, Portland, Eugene and Medford, and at the national convention of the Viola da Gamba society of America in 2010. The program included not only Dowland’s music, but readings of poems from Dowland’s era. The group’s current project is a program entitled “Pictures at an Exhibition” – an ‘overview’ concert of other masterworks for viols – fantasies, dances, madrigal arrangements – from 16th and17th-century England.