Long & Away is a professional consort of viols founded in Boston in 2005. The name is a reference to the music of Orlando Gibbons, beloved composer of English viol consort repertoire. The ensemble has researched and performed original programs across New England and in New York, including concerts for the SoHIP summer concert series, the New England Viola da Gamba Society, the Gamba Gamut at the Boston Early Music Festival, and our own self-produced concerts. In 2012 and 2022 we received the Silbiger Grant from the Viola da Gamba Society–New England to support performances of vocal works with viols in musically underserved communities. Long & Away has collaborated with the English consort Seven Times Salt, vocal ensemble Tramontana, the choirs of Church of the Advent (Boston), Trinity Lime Rock (Lakeville CT) and St. Margaret’s Convent (Duxbury), and many other colleagues in the Boston area. Our album of sacred works by Samuel Capricornus was released in summer 2015. Learn more.
About the viola da gamba
The viol or viola da gamba is a bowed string instrument that was played in the Renaissance and Baroque periods. It is related to the guitar and has frets and 6 or 7 strings. After falling out of use in the 1700s, the instrument family was relatively unknown until the early music revival of the early 20th century. We are pleased to share this beautiful instrument and its music with you.
About the viola da gamba
The viol or viola da gamba is a bowed string instrument that was played in the Renaissance and Baroque periods. It is related to the guitar and has frets and 6 or 7 strings. After falling out of use in the 1700s, the instrument family was relatively unknown until the early music revival of the early 20th century. We are pleased to share this beautiful instrument and its music with you.