VDGS/GNY Glühwein, carbs, and consort
Apr
4

VDGS/GNY Glühwein, carbs, and consort

This is a member's VdGS/GNY event where you can join us in drinking wine, eating carbs, and playing the consort music of Henry Purcell. No coaching, just playing for fun.

If you’re interested, please email info@vdgsgny.org and say which size viol you’d like to play and whether you would describe your level as advanced beginner, intermediate, or high intermediate.

Venue address will be sent out upon RSVP, New York, New York 11106, United States. Please contact info@vdgsgny.org for specific venue location in Queens, NY.

Reminder: you must be a member in good standing to attend.

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Viol Play-in for Food Mission
Apr
5

Viol Play-in for Food Mission

Dear viol lover friends!

Please join us on Sundays from 2pm to 4pm for viol consort fun for all levels!

We have a big room for group play (music provided) and smaller rooms for self-directed projects (bring the charts you want to work on!)

Bring a viol of any size, your talent at any level, and a music stand!
There is no coach's fee for this play-in, but we do invite you to contribute to the Food Mission of Advent Church.

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VDGS/GNY Spring Play-in
Apr
26

VDGS/GNY Spring Play-in

Come join us for our Spring Play-in!

The day features morning and afternoon consorts, potluck consorts, novice classes for beginners, all the coffee and snacks imaginable, a silent auction, a membership meeting, and concludes with the Viola da Gamba Orchestra.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Reminder: You must be a member in good standing to attend

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Gotham Midtown Concerts - Abendmusik "Passaggi di Musica" - The Art of Ornamentation
Jun
11

Gotham Midtown Concerts - Abendmusik "Passaggi di Musica" - The Art of Ornamentation

In the 16th and early 17th centuries, musicians loved to show off their ability to improvise and embellish fancy motifs called passaggi, breaking of divisions, or diferencias by adding expressive and technically challenging ornamentation to vocal works. Venice, a center for printing using moveable type, became a hotspot for the publication of instructional sources on the technique. We will explore some of the sources of inspiration including passaggi by Dalla Casa, Rognoni, Bassano, and the Spanish composer Ortiz.

VITA WALLACE , violin
CLAIRE SMITH BERMINGHAM, violin
LAWRENCE LIPNIK, viola da gamba
PATRICIA ANN NEELY, viola da gamba
RICHARD KOLB, lute

Tickets

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VdGS/GNY Lecture - The Fugal Process Upon the Viola da Gamba
Aug
2

VdGS/GNY Lecture - The Fugal Process Upon the Viola da Gamba

How far can polyphonic writing for the viola da gamba go?

Join Nicholas Kleinman as he explores how composers such as Marin Marais, Georg Philipp Telemann, Johann Schenck and many more composed idiomatic polyphonic works for the viola da gamba.

Free to attend; address provided upon registration. New York, New York 11106.

You must be a member of the VdGS/GNY in good standing in order to attend.

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Classics: King Arthur and Robin Hood with Repast Baroque
Mar
29

Classics: King Arthur and Robin Hood with Repast Baroque

Profiling two English folk heroes, King Arthur and Robin Hood, Repast is joined by the chivalrous bass-baritone Paul Max Tipton. Legendary King Arthur and his circle of gallant knights hold court with Dibdin’s The institution of the Garter, or Arthur's Round Table restored (1745) and Purcell’s King Arthur (1691). Robin Hood, a rebel hero of broadside ballads and Shield’s comic opera Robin Hood (1784), comes through as the people’s champion.

Performers:

Paul Max Tipton, bass-baritone
Natalie Rose Kress and Shelby Yamin, violins
Adam Cockerham, theorbo
Sarah Stone, viola da gamba
Stephanie Corwin, bassoon
Gabe Shuford, harpsichord

Purchase tickets here.

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Viol Play-in for Food Mission
Mar
29

Viol Play-in for Food Mission

Dear viol lover friends!

Please join us on Sundays from 2pm to 4pm for viol consort fun for all levels!

We have a big room for group play (music provided) and smaller rooms for self-directed projects (bring the charts you want to work on!)

Bring a viol of any size, your talent at any level, and a music stand!
There is no coach's fee for this play-in, but we do invite you to contribute to the Food Mission of Advent Church.

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Classics: King Arthur and Robin Hood with Repast Baroque
Mar
28

Classics: King Arthur and Robin Hood with Repast Baroque

  • McKinney Chapel at First Unitarian Congregational Society (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Profiling two English folk heroes, King Arthur and Robin Hood, Repast is joined by the chivalrous bass-baritone Paul Max Tipton. Legendary King Arthur and his circle of gallant knights hold court with Dibdin’s The institution of the Garter, or Arthur's Round Table restored (1745) and Purcell’s King Arthur (1691). Robin Hood, a rebel hero of broadside ballads and Shield’s comic opera Robin Hood (1784), comes through as the people’s champion.

Performers:

Paul Max Tipton, bass-baritone
Natalie Rose Kress and Shelby Yamin, violins
Adam Cockerham, theorbo
Sarah Stone, viola da gamba
Stephanie Corwin, bassoon
Gabe Shuford, harpsichord

Purchase tickets here.

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Classics: King Arthur and Robin Hood with Repast Baroque
Mar
27

Classics: King Arthur and Robin Hood with Repast Baroque

Profiling two English folk heroes, King Arthur and Robin Hood, Repast is joined by the chivalrous bass-baritone Paul Max Tipton. Legendary King Arthur and his circle of gallant knights hold court with Dibdin’s The institution of the Garter, or Arthur's Round Table restored (1745) and Purcell’s King Arthur (1691). Robin Hood, a rebel hero of broadside ballads and Shield’s comic opera Robin Hood (1784), comes through as the people’s champion.

Performers:

Paul Max Tipton, bass-baritone
Natalie Rose Kress and Shelby Yamin, violins
Adam Cockerham, theorbo
Sarah Stone, viola da gamba
Stephanie Corwin, bassoon
Gabe Shuford, harpsichord

Purchase tickets here.

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VdGS/GNY Lecture - Beyond "Early Music": Expanding the Viol Consort Repertoire
Mar
22

VdGS/GNY Lecture - Beyond "Early Music": Expanding the Viol Consort Repertoire

Whether student, amateur or professional, every viol player enjoys playing consort music. The Renaissance and Baroque offer an unparalleled wealth of repertoire. However, what if we were to push the boundaries and explore new repertoire?

In this lecture, Thibault Back de Surany will explore the fascinating relationship between Romantic composers, and Johannes Brahms in particular, with consort music, and how their choral music can work for viol consort.

He will also share his experience with “new music” and explain how consort music can remain a fascinating source of inspiration for living composers.

This free lecture will be presented through Zoom. You will receive a link for viewing this lecture from the VDGS/GNY email in advance of this event.

You must be a member in good standing to attend.

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Zürcher Gallery: A Golden Wire
Mar
8

Zürcher Gallery: A Golden Wire

A Golden Wirereturns to the Zurcher Gallery for an evening of music for voice and viols.

The sounds of the viola da gamba and the baroque harp are seldom heard in many recital halls, and even more seldom together in consort. Arnie Tanimoto and Parker Ramsay began collaborating in 2019, captivated by the sound of two peculiarly resonant and intimate instruments in consort. Sonorous and haunting, the collaboration has grown into a mission to revivify music which might be considered academic or too cerebral.

The program is intended to be informal, and showcase to audiences what we as members bring to the ensemble as artists, practitioners and scholars. Co-directors Parker Ramsay (harp) and Arnie Tanimoto (viol) will be joined by Lucine Musaelian (voice and viol) as they guide audiences through an evening in the seventeenth century.

Parker Ramsay and Arnie Tanimoto - Marin Marais, Pièces de viole, Livre II - Suite en sol
Sareri hovin mernem - Lucine Musaelian, Oliver Dover, Fred Thomas - Live at Sands Films

Tickets can be purchased at the door. Admission is $25 [CASH ONLY]. All proceeds go to the artists.

For more information, click here.

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Viol Play-in for Food Mission
Mar
8

Viol Play-in for Food Mission

Dear viol lover friends!

Please join us on Sundays from 2pm to 4pm for viol consort fun for all levels!

We have a big room for group play (music provided) and smaller rooms for self-directed projects (bring the charts you want to work on!)

Bring a viol of any size, your talent at any level, and a music stand!
There is no coach's fee for this play-in, but we do invite you to contribute to the Food Mission of Advent Church.

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Abendmusik - Adieu mes amours ~ Harmonice Musices Odhecaton
Mar
5

Abendmusik - Adieu mes amours ~ Harmonice Musices Odhecaton

Abendmusik Consort of Viols explores the Franco-Flemish influence represented in the Harmonice Musices Odhecaton (One Hundred Songs of Harmonic Music).

Published in Venice in 1501 by Octaviano Petrucci, The Odhecaton is the earliest known publication of polyphonic music using moveable type. The pieces exist originally as vocal works, however in The Odhecaton the text is not underlayed, lending speculation that these pieces were intended to be played by an instrumental ensemble.

The composers represented include Johannes Ockeghem, Josquin des Prez, Antoine Brumel, Antoine Busnois, Alexander Agricola, Jacob Obrecht, and Hayne van Ghizeghem, along with several anonymous works.

Tickets

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Midtown Concerts: A Golden Wire
Mar
5

Midtown Concerts: A Golden Wire

  • St. Malachy’s Church – The Actors’ Chapel (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Poor Robin’s Almanack

Thomas Fields ~ viol
Lucine Musaelian ~ voice & viol
Arnie Tanimoto ~ viol
Parker Ramsay ~ harpsichord & harp

How can we guess the weather? Supposing we know what’s coming, do we end up following through on our grand designs? In a program including selections from Christopher Simpson’s The Months and Thomas Simpson’s Taffel Consort, A Golden Wire will give audiences a glimpse of the ways in which time, the seasons, and life’s transitions were thought about in 17th-century England.

More information is available here.

This concert is free, no reservations are necessary.

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Viol Play-in for Food Mission
Mar
1

Viol Play-in for Food Mission

Dear viol lover friends!

Please join us on Sundays from 2pm to 4pm for viol consort fun for all levels!

We have a big room for group play (music provided) and smaller rooms for self-directed projects (bring the charts you want to work on!)

Bring a viol of any size, your talent at any level, and a music stand!
There is no coach's fee for this play-in, but we do invite you to contribute to the Food Mission of Advent Church.

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A Woman's Mystery: 13th C Music from Spain
Feb
28

A Woman's Mystery: 13th C Music from Spain

A concert experience with music for women and by women in the Middle Ages in the Iberian Peninsula.

What did women do in their spare time in the Iberian Peninsula in Medieval times? Did they have jobs? Did they compose music or write poetry? What were women’s ideals of beauty and social expectations? Come and find out more!

This music experience includes a pre-concert lecture about the manuscripts and instruments, medieval instruments showcase (rebec, flutes, plectrum lute, vielle, harp, psaltery and more) and a concert created by SaSa, in collaboration with Christa Patton, Kenneth and LuGene Be. Join us for entrancing music, comedic and dramatic storytelling, poetry, and art displayed onto a screen, about Iberian Medieval women.

Special guest singer/musician Salome Sandoval from Durham, NC will be accompanied by LuGene Be, Kenneth Be and Christa Patton, performing on medieval musical instruments, including harps, plucked and bowed instruments, flute,
and percussion.

Tickets: $25 in advance and at the door (cash, credit cards, Venmo and Paypal accepted).

Purchase tickets or learn more here.

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Viol Play-in for Food Mission
Feb
22

Viol Play-in for Food Mission

Dear viol lover friends!

Please join us on Sundays from 2pm to 4pm for viol consort fun for all levels!

We have a big room for group play (music provided) and smaller rooms for self-directed projects (bring the charts you want to work on!)

Bring a viol of any size, your talent at any level, and a music stand!
There is no coach's fee for this play-in, but we do invite you to contribute to the Food Mission of Advent Church.

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Viol Play-in for Food Mission
Feb
15

Viol Play-in for Food Mission

Dear viol lover friends!

Please join us on Sundays from 2pm to 4pm for viol consort fun for all levels!

We have a big room for group play (music provided) and smaller rooms for self-directed projects (bring the charts you want to work on!)

Bring a viol of any size, your talent at any level, and a music stand!
There is no coach's fee for this play-in, but we do invite you to contribute to the Food Mission of Advent Church.

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Parthenia Viol Consort Presents Italia Mia
Feb
5

Parthenia Viol Consort Presents Italia Mia

  • Maison Française at Columbia University (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Parthenia, New York’s premiere viol consort, will present Italia Mia, a concert on Thursday, February 5 @ 6:30 PM at Maison Française at Columbia University, 515 West 116th Street in Manhattan.

The program will feature works that Parthenia will begin recording the next day, including canzonas, dances, madrigals, and motets by Italian composers of the 16th century, such as Verdelot, Arcadelt, Andrea Gabrieli, Monteverdi, and Tromboncino, with guests soprano Sherezade Panthaki and lutenist Christopher Morrongiello. The ensemble will perform on 16th-century replica viols and lutes

The event is free and open to the public, but reservations are required. They can be made here.

For more information, contact Parthenia at https://parthenia.org/contact/.  

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Viol Play-in for Food Mission
Feb
1

Viol Play-in for Food Mission

Dear viol lover friends!

Please join us on Sundays from 2pm to 4pm for viol consort fun for all levels!

We have a big room for group play (music provided) and smaller rooms for self-directed projects (bring the charts you want to work on!)

Bring a viol of any size, your talent at any level, and a music stand!
There is no coach's fee for this play-in, but we do invite you to contribute to the Food Mission of Advent Church.

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Viol Play-in for Food Mission **CANCELED**
Jan
25

Viol Play-in for Food Mission **CANCELED**

NOTICE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO THE SUNDAY SNOWSTORM. STAY SAFE AND WARM!

Dear viol lover friends!

Please join us on Sundays from 2pm to 4pm for viol consort fun for all levels!

We have a big room for group play (music provided) and smaller rooms for self-directed projects (bring the charts you want to work on!)

Bring a viol of any size, your talent at any level, and a music stand!
There is no coach's fee for this play-in, but we do invite you to contribute to the Food Mission of Advent Church.

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VDGS/GNY Cozy consorts **CANCELED**
Jan
25

VDGS/GNY Cozy consorts **CANCELED**

NOTICE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO THE SNOWSTORM ON SUNDAY. STAY COZY INSIDE!

Are you itching for some informal consort music to stay warm? Come spend a cozy winter Sunday playing consort music!

Suzy Hertzberg is hosting two consort sessions on Sunday, January 25: 10:30-12:00 and 1:00-2:30 at her Northport home on Long Island. 

Join us in playing four (or five-part) music, depending on how many people sign up. No need to bring any music, unless you have something you really want to play. No coaching, just playing for fun. 

If you’re interested, please email info@vdgsgny.org and include which size viol you’d like to play, your playing level (advanced beginner, intermediate, or high intermediate) and whether you have any time constraints. We will put together compatible groups and supply music, stands, and refreshments.

We will provide address and direction details, and we will arrange transportation as needed. 

Venue address will be sent out upon RSVP. Please contact info@vdgsgny.org for specific venue location in Northport, NY.

Reminder: you must be a member in good standing to attend.

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Viol Play-in for Food Mission **CANCELLED**
Jan
18

Viol Play-in for Food Mission **CANCELLED**

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER

Dear viol lover friends!

Please join us on Sundays from 2pm to 4pm for viol consort fun for all levels!

We have a big room for group play (music provided) and smaller rooms for self-directed projects (bring the charts you want to work on!)

Bring a viol of any size, your talent at any level, and a music stand!
There is no coach's fee for this play-in, but we do invite you to contribute to the Food Mission of Advent Church.

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A Golden Wire: See Those Sweet Eyes
Jan
16

A Golden Wire: See Those Sweet Eyes

A Golden Wire kindles Candlemas’ glow and beckons the quiet beauty winter’s turning, with music by William Byrd and John Dowland.

A Golden Wire returns for an evening of Elizabethan music and verse celebrating the warmth and glow of the season's turning. Moving from Twelfth Night to Candlemas, consorts and lute songs will celebrate the quiet wonder of Epiphany in Tudor England.

Guest artist: Karin Weston, soprano

Arnie Tanimoto & Parker Ramsay, co-directors

Thomas Fields, Charlie Reed, Adrienne Hyde, viols

All are welcome to join us after the concert for a reception in the parish hall.

More details can be found here.

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Viol Play-in for Food Mission
Jan
11

Viol Play-in for Food Mission

Dear viol lover friends!

Please join us on Sundays from 2pm to 4pm for viol consort fun for all levels!

We have a big room for group play (music provided) and smaller rooms for self-directed projects (bring the charts you want to work on!)

Bring a viol of any size, your talent at any level, and a music stand!
There is no coach's fee for this play-in, but we do invite you to contribute to the Food Mission of Advent Church.

View Event →
Viol Play-in for Food Mission
Jan
4

Viol Play-in for Food Mission

Dear viol lover friends!

Please join us on Sundays from 2pm to 4pm for viol consort fun for all levels!

We have a big room for group play (music provided) and smaller rooms for self-directed projects (bring the charts you want to work on!)

Bring a viol of any size, your talent at any level, and a music stand!
There is no coach's fee for this play-in, but we do invite you to contribute to the Food Mission of Advent Church.

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Parthenia - A New Yeare’s Gift
Jan
2

Parthenia - A New Yeare’s Gift

In this program, Parthenia celebrates the New Year with carols, motets, dances and fantasias from Elizabethan England by Byrd, Holborne, Ravenscroft and Morley, joined by soprano Sherezade Panthaki.

Pay What You Will, purchase tickets here.

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Viol Play-in for Food Mission
Dec
28

Viol Play-in for Food Mission

Dear viol lover friends!

Please join us on Sundays from 2pm to 4pm for viol consort fun for all levels!

We have a big room for group play (music provided) and smaller rooms for self-directed projects (bring the charts you want to work on!)

Bring a viol of any size, your talent at any level, and a music stand!
There is no coach's fee for this play-in, but we do invite you to contribute to the Food Mission of Advent Church.

View Event →
Viol Play-in for Food Mission
Dec
21

Viol Play-in for Food Mission

Dear viol lover friends!

Please join us on Sundays from 2pm to 4pm for viol consort fun for all levels!

We have a big room for group play (music provided) and smaller rooms for self-directed projects (bring the charts you want to work on!)

Bring a viol of any size, your talent at any level, and a music stand!
There is no coach's fee for this play-in, but we do invite you to contribute to the Food Mission of Advent Church.

View Event →
VdGS/GNY Casual Consorting
Dec
6

VdGS/GNY Casual Consorting

This is a member's VdGS/GNY event where you can join us in playing (four or five-part) music, depending on how many people sign up.

No need to bring a stand or any music, unless you have something you really want to play. No coaching, just playing for fun.

If you’re interested, please email info@vdgsgny.org and say which size viol you’d like to play, whether you would describe your level as advanced beginner, intermediate, or high intermediate, and whether you have any time constraints.

We will put together two compatible groups and supply music, stands, and some refreshments.

Please refer to Society newsletter for specific venue location in New York, NY.

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Mary, Queen of Scots: A Life in Music and Verse
Nov
25

Mary, Queen of Scots: A Life in Music and Verse

"Featuring a biographical narrative of Queen Mary Stuart, alongside her original poetry and 17th century music inspired by her life. "

Presented by Nicholas Kleinman and Thibault Back de Surany of the ensemble The Van Swietens

Instagram: @thevanswietens

https://thevanswietens.com/

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Parthenia - When I Had a Voice
Nov
23

Parthenia - When I Had a Voice

When I Had a Voice: New Works for Voice & Viols

Parthenia presents new works for voice and viols by Phil Kline, Richard Einhorn, Frances Blaker and Christopher DiVincenzo, featuring the World Premiere of No Wind No Rain by Richard Einhorn. Special guest: Elizaveta Kozlova, soprano.

The performance will be followed by a reception. Viol players of all levels are invited to bring an instrument, a music stand and join in a consort reading session during the reception, music provided. Composers are also welcome – bring your new compositions for viols and a group will read through your sketches.

Buy tickets: https://parthenia.org/performance/when-i-had-a-voice/

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Ars Poetica “Nuit et Jour”
Nov
15

Ars Poetica “Nuit et Jour”

NUIT ET JOUR

A romantic exploration of French airs de cour. Featuring works of Michel Lambert, Pierre Guédron, Étienne Moulinié, and others.

Doors open at 6:30 PM

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Sonnambula: A Black Masque
Nov
3

Sonnambula: A Black Masque

  • Stephen A. Schwartzman Auditorium, The Frick Collection (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Featuring Davóne Tines, bass-baritone. Sonnambula opens its 2025–26 Frick residency with a performance inspired by Ben Jonson's Masque of Blackness (1605), an allegorical court entertainment commissioned by Queen Anne of Denmark and originally staged at the Jacobean court. Featuring music by Alfonso Ferrabosco II (only one song by whom survives), the masque depicts African nymphs journeying to England to seek racial purification, reflecting early modern racial anxieties and imperial fantasies. Music by Ferrabosco, Dowland, Byrd; and griot texts from the 13th–18th centuries.

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