Parthenia’s concert in February, “Music with Her Silver Sound: Viol Consorts in the Age of Shakespeare,” brings us gems from the rich repertoire of music for viola da gamba from Elizabethan and Jacobean England. Consorts consisting of treble, tenor and bass viols became well established in England after 1540 when Henry VIII brought viol players to his court from Italy. By the early 17th century, viol consorts were popular not only at court but also among amateur musicians at universities and in private homes. Adherents’ enthusiasm generated a demand for music that gave rise to a golden age of works for viol from English masters. Read more about Parthenia and its concert here.