Saturday, March 8
10:15 a.m.–3:45 p.m.

Are you interested in exploring a new sound? Come listen in during a day-long workshop sponsored by the Philadelphia Chapter of the Viola da Gamba Society of America. Auditing a class is free to the public. The Viola da Gamba, or Viol for short, is a fretted and bowed string instrument popular during the Renaissance and early Baroque periods. In contrast to its more robust cousin, the violin, which was then used to entertain at lively country dances and in raucus pubs, this lightly built instrument produces a delicate, intimate sound, well-suited for playing within the chambers, chapels, and drawing rooms of the court and the bourgeoisie.

The theme of the workshop is Generations. This is borne out in three different ways:

• Music to be explored on this day was written by generations of composers, i.e. father and son Ferrabosco, uncle and nephew Gabrieli, etc. 
• Teachers will represent generations of educators. Members of the Sylvan Consort of Viols, all experienced performers and teachers, will be coaching emerging teachers during the offered classes.
• And, in the hopes of generating more interest in this historical instrument, the public is invited to sit in on classes, to experience the beautiful sound of a Viol consort, and possibly be motivated to take up playing the Viol themselves.

Concurrent classes are held in the Main Meeting Room, the McGuinness Room, and the Wonder Room at the following times:
10:15 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
11:45 .a.m–1 p.m.
2:30 p.m.– 3:45 p.m.

Guests are encouraged to come at the beginning of class and stay until the end to minimize distractions.