Founded by George Glenn and incorporated in 1962, the Viola da Gamba Society of America is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the support of activities relating to the viola da gamba in the United States and abroad. The society is comprised of players, builders, publishers, distributors, restorers and others sharing an interest in music for viols and various other early bowed string instruments. Annually, a week-long conclave is held during mid-summer at an educational institution in the U.S. with a faculty of internationally recognized performers and scholars.
The VdGSA was formed by a small nucleus of enthusiastic viol players who frequently met to play consort music in rural Maryland. The concept of an annual Conclave was born at that time, with a small enough membership to be accommodated in private homes. As numbers of members increased, Conclaves eventually began taking place in educational institutions throughout the country. It is the policy of the VdGSA to convene the Conclave in different locations as an outreach to the dispersed membership. Organizational membership totals about 1100 individuals and institutions worldwide. Aside from the national organization, there are 13 official chapters and 35 area representatives in the United States, 4 area representatives from Canada, and another 5 around the world.
From the guide to the Viola da Gamba Society of America (VdGSA) Archives, 1950-2012, 1970-1990, (Special Collections in Performing Arts)
