Celebrated for their exuberant playing and musical craftsmanship, the award-winning Dutch/Belgian viola da gamba consort The Spirit of GAMBO are touring Ireland this week. The viola da gamba (or viol) is a family of string instruments that came before the violin family, with more strings and fretted like a guitar, distinctive for their rich and vibrant sound.

Performing on instruments by renowned Dutch maker Gesina Liedmeier, their programme celebrates the 400th anniversary of William Byrd, along with other consort music (from the collection at Marsh’s Library in Dublin) by Orlando Gibbons, John Coprario, Alfonso Ferrabosco and John Jenkins.

Having started in Bantry last weekend, the group is joined by Irish organist and harpsichordist Malcolm Proud for concerts in Dublin (Chapel Royal, Dublin Castle) and Kilkenny (Rothe House).

Chapel Royal, Dublin Castle, Friday, October 27th, 7.30pm €22/€11 – ticket link

Rothe House, Kilkenny, Sunday, October 29th, 4pm €20/€15 – ticket link/further information