Workshops

Regional Focus: Castlemaine Short Viol School

As part of an ongoing initiative to support viol players outside major cities, the AVdGS organised a one-day viol school in Castlemaine, Victoria on 20 July 2025, held in the welcoming hall of the Uniting Church.

Fourteen participants, with treble, tenor, and bass viols all represented, travelled from near and far, some even making round trips from Melbourne in a single day (kudos to Liz Zetzmann and Knobby Clarke!). Despite the wintry conditions and the hall’s enthusiastic but noisy heaters, spirits were warm and music-making was rich.

Three tutors led a full day of consort playing, mixing experience levels and repertoire to keep everyone both challenged and encouraged. Lunch was efficiently catered thanks to Vic Watts, keeping the focus squarely on the music.

The consensus was unanimous: the day was well worth the trip. The committee is now exploring similar one-day schools in other regions and states. Stay tuned!

– Knobby Clarke

From the Consort Room: September Gathering

On Saturday, September 20, David “Knobby” Clarke hosted another workshop at his place.
Six players were present to play:

  • Fortune that ever dwells – John Dowland

  • Panis Angelicus – Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina

  • Sicut cervus desiderat ad fontes – Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina

  • O magnum mysterium – William Byrd

These pieces, all chosen by Knobby, had the virtues of being very beautiful, and within the technical abilities of the players.
As always Knobby’s genial scholarship provided some musical and translational background, which greatly helped with our attempts to make sense of the music.
And the afternoon tea included what seemed like a mountain of biscuits, and enough choices of tea (and coffee) for a very demanding army.  We dove in as though we’d never seen a biscuit before.
These afternoons (held every two months), are always extremely enjoyable, with pleasant companionship that allows for very satisfying music-making.
Our thanks as usual to Knobby and his wife for their hospitality.  I can’t wait for the next time!
– Alasdair McAndrew