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The Society is trialling a series of bi-monthly workshops, initially for players in Victoria. The principal object of these events is to provide less experienced players with the opportunity to play in a consort.

Workshop 1

The first of these workshops will take place on:

Date:  Sunday 23rd August 2026

Time: 2pm to 4pm

Where: Batesford Community Centre, 94 Batesford Road, Chadstone 3148 – in Meeting Rooms 1 and 2

Map:   View Map

Cost: $25

BYO: Music stand, cushion etc

Music: Galliards and Pavans by Ignatius Anthony Holborne and Songs by Thomas Morley

The Society has engaged the services of a professional viol player to direct the group. Although the aim is to attract less-experienced players, we hope that some more experienced players will come and work with the professional by doubling the parts.

The centre is not much used at the weekends so the centre’s car park should provide an ample number of parking spaces. For public transport, the centre is situated about half-way between Jordanville and Holmesglen stations.

RSVP: for more information or to RSVP email dawclarke@gmail.com stating which member/s of the Viol family you play and your standard.

The 2026 Australian Viola da Gamba Society (AVdGS) Annual Viol Workshop was held from Saturday 7 to Monday 9 March 2026 at the Castlemaine Steiner School on Djaara country. The workshop brought together viola da gamba players of all levels, including quite a few beginners, for an intensive weekend of music-making in a bushland setting.

The theme of the workshop, Semper Dowland, marked 400 years since the death of English composer John Dowland. Across the three days, participants explored Dowland’s songs and consort music, alongside a broader repertoire including fantasias and other early music works.

The workshop was wonderfully led by Artistic Director, Laura Moore, supported by a team of highly experienced musicians and educators: Brooke Green, Lizzy Welsh, John Weretka and Maddy Furlan. The tutors provided a mix of consort coaching, themed sessions, talks, and masterclass-style instruction. Sessions catered to a wide range of interests and skill levels, including technique, lyra viol, diminutions, contemporary consorts, broken consorts, low consort repertoire, and focused exploration of Dowland’s Lachrimae.

The three-day program included two talks: Extended Techniques on the Viol by Lizzy Welsh and John Weretka, and William Turner and the English Viol Consort by Ian Watchorn. These were very much enjoyed by the participants.

There was also a tutors’ concert held on Sunday evening where participants, family and friends enjoyed some splendid playing by the tutoring team. Along with Dowland, pieces included two contemporary works for the viol composed by Brooke Green.

Participants demonstrated what they had practised over the weekend by performing on the final day at the student consort concert.

The committee wishes to thank Laura, all the tutors, the participants and especially Pauline and David Gorrie who supplied marvellous catering throughout the three days.

Everyone is already looking forward to next year!

Matt Bond – AVdGS Committee