Silbiger Grant for 2008-2009

Viola da Gamba Society New England

Silbiger Grant Awarded for 2008-2009

Recipients of the Gian Lyman Silbiger grant for 2008-2009, Lorna and Carlton Russell, will present a special service of music for voices and viols at St. Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church in Blue Hill, Maine. Lorna and Carlton are both organists and share the music ministry at St. Francis. Lorna is also a fairly new but very enthusiastic viol player. The service will take place on Sunday, September 14, 2008, at 10AM.

Lorna will be joined by viol players Allen and Julie Clayton of Sedgwick, Barbara Oliver of Lewiston, and Mark Nordberg of Litchfield to present prelude music by Dowland, Lassus, and Tye, an offertory Pavan by Ferrabosco, and the Byrd “Browning” as a postlude. The entire choir will sing a 5-part anthem by Robert Ramsey, and five singers will join with the viol consort for an anthem by John Mundy. Esther Adams, a 9th grade student at Deer Isle High School and a member of neighboring St. Brendan the Navigator Episcopal Church in Stonington, will be the soprano soloist in Ferrabosco's "A Hymn to God the Father."

The Church is located at 330 Hinckley Ridge Road, Blue Hill, Maine, 04614: telephone 207-374-5200; website http://www.stfrancisbluehill.org/

The Silbiger Grant is entering its second decade of supporting collaborations between church musicians and viol players to explore sacred music for viols and voices, and to introduce the viol and its music to new audiences around New England. The grant is funded entirely by VdGS-NE members and friends who wish to remember Gian Silbiger and her important contribution to Boston's musical life in the 60's and 70's. While most of the financial support comes from general donations to the VdGS-NE, occasional special contributions are made specifically for the grant.

Many thanks to Brandeis University, and Sarah Mead, who indirectly facilitate the Silbiger Grant by their donation of space for our workshops. Their generosity leaves more funds available for other VdGS-NE activities, such as the Silbiger Grant.

The Silbiger Grant has been an important resource for musicians, churches and synagogues around New England. Grants have gone to many churches in the metropolitan Boston area, and as far away as NH and Hartford CT.

The Silbiger Grant Committee appreciates input and support from our membership. We are always looking for new names of church musicians, who might be interested in working with viol players, to add to our mailing list. Contributions, which allow us to continue to offer the grant, are especially welcome. Please contact the committee by mail at VdGS-NE, P.O. Box 192, Belmont MA 02478 (or Jane Hershey at hershey@blakeville.mv.com or at 603-899-5036).

Silbiger