Live performance of Holborne’s ‘In Peascod Time’ Ian Gammie, arr.
The Cardinal Consort of Viols was formed in 2007 to re-create music’s past and enliven its present. The group’s repertoire ranges from the last strains of Flemish polyphony to the golden age of English renaissance music, and from the flowering of 17th-century baroque to innovative renderings of later music when viol consorts were a nostalgic memory in the minds of writers and composers.
This season Cardinal Consort is performing on Music Mondays, Hammer Baroque, and the Conrad Grebel University College Series. The consort is also thrilled to be performing with Daniel Cabena on the inaugural concert of Guelph’s new Early Music Series!
In previous seasons, the consort presented its own annual Thanksgiving Eve concerts, as well as performances hosted by several concert series, including Music Mondays, the Toronto Early Music Centre’s Musically Speaking, and the Associates of the Toronto Symphony. Cardinal Consort has also performed with several choirs, among them the Toronto Chamber Choir, Tallis Choir, and the choir of Royal St. George’s College. The consort has twice been the guest-artist ensemble of the Toronto Continuo Collective and has also given many popular and engaging performances and demonstrations at the Toronto Early Music Fair.
“The Cardinal Consort of Viols is a delight to hear in concert! Their programs are imaginative and beautifully played! They engage their audience, with little known repertoire and with anecdotes and history of the instrument. The timbre of four viols together is a sweet and magical sound!” — Mark Vuorinen, Grand Philharmonic Choir & Elora Festival and Singers, Artistic Director
“I finally had an opportunity to attend a concert by the Cardinal Consort of Viols. What a wonderful experience it was to be in the presence of this extraordinary group of players as they called forth their passion and employed their art! I came mainly for the viol music of John Jenkins – but was beguiled by several other offerings in their program. We are fortunate indeed to have an ensemble of such high calibre devoted to keeping this music alive through public performance.” With gratitude, Jim Parrott, Waterloo
“Sensitive & energetic playing by this group; varied & entertaining repertoire; a most civilized way to spend a wintry Sunday afternoon.” — M.S. (Toronto Friends of Classical Music)