Republic of Viols

Republic of Viols brings together the UK’s finest young viola da gamba players. Each a soloist in their own right, we have a shared passion for bringing a dynamic and fresh energy to the repertoire, informing our work with a deep understanding of historical performance practice. This group of friends champions the consort music of England’s musical golden age with a vivid sense of discovery, inviting new listeners into its enduring beauty.

'The violls bore all an equall share in the consort, and carrying the same aire, there was no reason to choose one part before another. But of the late that republica among the consortiers is dissolved, and there is always some violin spark, that thinks himself above all the rest, and above the musick itself also, if it be not screwed up to the top of its capability [...] How far this unsociable and malcreate behaviour is an hindrance to the best use of consort musick, is easily conceived.'

Roger North, Writings on Music (c1728)

Members:
Jacob Garside
Lucine Musaelian
Nathan Giorgetti
Samuel Ng
Gavin Kibble