The Viola da Gamba Society was founded in 1948 with the aim of advancing the study of viols, their music, their playing, and their making.
Since then the Viola da Gamba Society has gone from strength to strength and has now over 500 members worldwide. The activities of the VdGS include three meetings a year and the distribution of a popular quarterly newsletter, and extend to hosting a bi-annual beginners' course, a busy viol hire scheme, an annual online journal and a fund to help young players attend courses. We hope that this website will help the Society to expand its reach further and move it well and truly into the 21st Century.

There are many new items to discover on our new site, for example a page for new music and one for young players. You can now also post an event, as long as it is Early Music- or viol-related. The VdGS does not only rely heavily on input from volunteers who keep our activities going, but we are also always grateful for suggestions, help and ideas from our members. Whether you have an idea for the newsletter, the website or a meeting, do tell us and we would be happy to see whether we can incorporate your suggestions.

A 'History of the Viola da Gamba Society 1948-1998' by Dr John Catch is available for purchase from the administrator.

New things to discover on this site:

POST AN AD: whether you organise an event (concert/course/lecture) yourself, or know about it, you can fill in an online form and send it to us - where? concert & events tab

NEW MUSIC: not everyone will be interested in New Music for viols, but have a quick look! We have asked many composers to send us details of their works and are slowly filling the page with interesting stuff - where? players' resources tab

FOR SALE & WANTED: Members can send us details of instruments and bows they have for sale (with up to 2 pictures). The 'wanted' section is open also to non-members - where? players' resources tab

YOUNG PLAYERS' PAGE: Currently this page is blank, but if you have ideas about how to fill it, let us know! Do you have any interesting photos, experienced something nice (viol-related!) or have something else to say? (nb we don't want to repeat what's in the newsletter) Email us with ideas or material - where? players' resources tab