Josh Lee, Viola da Gamba; String Academy Scholarship Benefit

This benefit concert features Josh Lee performing on a very special instrument, the viola da gamba. All donations will support the Bach Parley String Academy Scholarship Fund – thank you! 

Josh tells us more about his instrument and his performance:

“In the 17th century music scholars considered only a few instruments as “perfect,” meaning they could accompany themselves without the aid of other forces. Those instruments included the harpsichord, the organ, the lute, the guitar, and the viol.

After years of playing much of the repertoire for the accompanied viol I decided – for several reasons – to begin exploring the wealth of works for viol alone. Why go this solitary route you ask? First off, I turn forty in October and thought it as good a time as ever to begin performing unaccompanied. Secondly, 2017 marks my 20th year as a viol player so let’s celebrate with a recording! And finally and most importantly, I recently came into possession of a beautiful viol by Montreal maker, Francis Beaulieu. His craftsmanship and artistry was the crucial catalyst I needed to explore unfamiliar music on an unfamiliar instrument.

The music literally spans hundreds of years and crosses the entirety of Europe, and despite the confines of being written for only one instrument I have been surprised at the variety I have found even at the beginning of this journey. Though none of the composers I’ll be performing and recording are household names, they all held places of importance and notoriety in their day. Whether the music is the beautifully rough-hewn works of English mercenary Tobias Hume, or the understated elegance of JS Bach’s godson Carl Friedrich Abel, I hope this program will be as enjoyable and interesting to listeners as it has been to me!”

About the Bach Parley String Academy:

Our Mission:
To cultivate in young people an appreciation of and achievement in music, nurture positive character development, and bridge cultural divisions through the common language of music.

Vision/Core Values:
Provide high quality instruction on violin, viola, and cello at the central location of St. John’s Episcopal Church
Develop the character of the whole child (including leadership, focus, determination, reliability, responsibility)
Bring together students of different backgrounds through the study and performance of music
Cultivate a lifelong appreciation of music

Our Music Education Curriculum:
Private lessons on violin, viola, & cello
Performance Opportunities, Masterclasses & All-State Preparation Workshops
Group lessons for technique, performance, & chamber music