On Nov. 25, we held a free community concert in Sechelt to celebrate a beautiful yet rarely heard family of instruments, the viola da gamba (or viol).
We were thrilled to welcome a full house of about 80 enthusiastic music-lovers. Our program spanned more than four centuries, from 17th-century repertoire to modern compositions, giving listeners an opportunity not only to hear the viol but also experience its rich, expressive history.
One memorable moment was when we invited a volunteer from the audience to learn the instrument. After a mini-lesson during intermission, our volunteer joined the consort on stage for Purcell’s “Fantasia Upon One Note.” The room lit up watching a neighbour step into the music, deepening the sense of communal music-making.
The free event welcomed a diverse, intergenerational audience of varying backgrounds and levels of musical experience. Even among frequent concertgoers, many told us they had never seen or heard a viol before, making this a special opportunity to bring something new and culturally exciting to the Coast. Throughout the evening, people lingered in conversation, asked questions about the instruments, and connected with one another in the spirit of curiosity and discovery.
This project helped build connection by creating a shared cultural moment and inviting people to explore something new together. We hope to offer more concerts so that more community members can experience the viol in an inviting and hands-on way.
Thank you to the Neighbourhood Small Grants program for making this special concert possible. Your support helped us bring our community together through discovery, creativity, and the joy of live music.
