Upcoming Events | VdGS-GWB

Upcoming Concerts, Workshops, and Playing Events

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The Levine School of Music will offer exciting opportunities to learn and play the viola da gamba, beginning in September 2026, with instructor Jessica Powell Eig.

The Levine Consort of Viols:

When: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Session 1: Sept 8 – Oct 27, with three more standalone sessions throughout the year. Sign up for just one, or all four!
Who it’s for: Players with prior viol experience who can sight-read at least one clef.
What we’ll cover: Intermediate to advanced consort repertoire ensemble skills, historical performance practice, and reading from original notation.
Course Information & Registration: https://www.levinemusic.org/lessons-and-classes/course-catalog/course/levine-consort-of-viols/

Introduction to Viola da Gamba:

When: Tuesdays, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Session 1: Sept 8 – Oct 27, with three more sessions throughout the year. Players may pipeline into the Levine Consort of Viols when they are ready.
Who it’s for: Musicians or singers with a general musical background looking to learn the viol.
What we’ll cover: Technique fundamentals and ensemble playing through Renaissance dance music.
Course Information & Registration: https://www.levinemusic.org/lessons-and-classes/course-catalog/course/introduction-to-viola-da-gamba/

Instruments & Logistics:

Location: Levine Music, DC Campus, NW.
Tuition: $311 per 8-week session.
Instrument Loans/Rentals: A limited number of loaner instruments are available through the Viola da Gamba Society of America (VdGSA), in addition to rental options. If you need a viol, please let instructor Jessica Powell Eig (jessica.powell.eig@gmail.com) know as soon as possible in order to secure the right size (treble, tenor, or bass) before classes begin.

About the viol:

To learn more about the viol, please visit the Viola da Gamba Society of America (VdGSA). https://vdgsa.org/pgs/the_viol.html

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Sunday, 25 October 2026 3:00 pm

Jessica Powell Eig presents a virtual lecture "The Art of Warming Up" as part of the VdGS-NY lecture series. See her short intro video here. This will be an informative and useful session for all levels. Zoom link to join: https://princeton.zoom.us/j/92023438818

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Saturday, 31 October 2026 2:30 pm

Musica Spira presents She Wept and Triumphed

Music by Elisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre, Barbara Strozzi, and an intriguing anonymous Stabat Mater.

Grace Srinivasan, soprano; Freya Creech, violin; Amy Domingues, viola da gamba; Paula Maust, harpsichord.

St. Anselm’s Abbey
4501 South Dakota Avenue NE

Washington, DC

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Sunday, 1 November 2026 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

VdGS-GWB Chapter Playing Meeting hosted by Dr. Lindsay Johnson at UMBC (University of MD, Baltimore County)

1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250

Performing Arts and Humanities Building

Parking is free on Sundays, in the adjacent lot to the Performing Arts Center (Lot 9). Here is a map of the campus.

Dr. Lindsay Johnson directs the UMBC Collegium and viols, and will lead us all together in an introductory session. Then, we'll break into groups, either for coached repertoire with guest teacher Tina Chancey, or for self-directed sightreading. Please register by 17 October to participate in the coached group, or by 24 October to participate in the self-directed group. There is no cost to attend this event, but you must be current in dues to participate (current UMBC/Peabody students exempt).

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Saturday, 7 November 2026 3:00 pm

Amy Domingues presents a virtual playing session titled "Easier Fantasias for Viols," as part of the Amherst Early Music (AEM) Online class series. Through guided score study and ensemble playing, we’ll explore imitation, rhythm, articulation, and phrasing in fantasias by Lupo and Bassano. Designed for lower-intermediate and intermediate viol players. Pitch: A=415. Register here.

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VdGS-GWB annual dues ($25 general, $40 household, $15 students/limited means) are due September 30 of every year, so if you haven’t paid/renewed yet, please do so in order to take part in our chapter activities. If paying by check, make checks payable to VdGS-GWB and mail to: Jessica Eig, Treasurer VdGS-GWB, 7408 Ridgewood Ave, Chevy Chase MD 20815. You may also pay electronically through our Stripe portal by credit card here ($15), or here ($25) or here ($40).