David
Poon
Submitted:
October 14, 2018
Awarded
: $
1000
Contact Information:
David
Poon
1272 Fitchett Rd
Gibsons
BC
V0N 1V4
Canada
604-729-0836
Reference 1:
Genevieve MacKay
Reference 2:
Colin Miles
Summary of Submitted Materials:
An invoice for the amount remaining to be paid on a new viol from Francis Beaulieu.
Submitted Documents:
Submitted Recordings:
Committee Notes:
Project Description:
Over the last number of years, my wife Sarah and I have gradually been growing the viol community in and around Vancouver, BC. Most recently, we have been promoting the merits of the viola da gamba in the semi-rural area known as the Sunshine Coast. The Coast has a thriving arts community, running multiple festivals throughout the year and sporting several organizations mandated to bring in quality artists from around the world, promote rising local students, and serve the community through musical performances.
This past year, we have arranged for a viol consort to play at several schools, presented viols in concert at local churches, and held workshops for local musicians. In August, we presented works for viola da gamba and harpsichord in an annual local chamber music festival that has never showcased instruments older than the piano and modern violin family before. For Canadian Thanksgiving, we hosted a local play day in our home, and next spring I plan to mount a concert series in nearby Vancouver featuring sacred music for voices and viols.
The present need comes from having multiple treble and bass viols in the Vancouver area, but nearly no tenors—making it difficult to perform much of the beloved viol repertoire. We are expecting to receive a new tenor from Francis Beaulieu next year, and would very much appreciate acquiring funds through the VdGSA's GiA programme to help pay for this much-needed tenor for our geographic area.
Request Amount:
$
1500
Total Project Cost:
$
Budget and Additional Funding:
Qualifications:
I personally play tenor ”almost exclusively” and am one of the few tenor players in the area. I have attended the last ten Conclaves, taking classes at each, and have been supported in playing by my wife, Sarah. As a professional organist and choirmaster, I am invested in the performance of sacred music—which includes the great oeuvre of under-performed consort anthems and service settings from Renaissance England. I am currently in the process of creating a new edition of some works for voices and (organ transcribed for) viols by Thomas Tomkins.
Letter of Reference 1:
Dear Lisa Terry,
I'm writing in support of David Poon's application for a Grant in Aid to support the purchase of a tenor viol from Francis Beaulieu. I know David from Vancouver as a professional musician and strong supporter of early music in Vancouver, BC.
David is an excellent harpsichordist, organist, and pianist, and since he has taken up the viola da gamba I have thoroughly enjoyed watching him apply his formidable musical skills to learning this new instrument, on which he has made consistent progress.
David has proven himself to be a dedicated supporter of baroque music in general and music for viols in particular. First as the founder of the Baranduin Ensemble in Vancouver, then as one of the members of Team SPoon at Conclave, and as a generous and hospitable co-host of informal "play days" on BC's Sunshine Coast, David has given unstintingly of his time and energy in support of this music.
Purchasing this instrument will provide him with the opportunity to further develop his skills while playing a professional-grade instrument, which can only benefit his playing and the wider viola da gamba community.
In short, I strongly believe that this application is worthy of being supported by the Grants in Aid program.
Best,
Genevieve MacKay
Letter of Reference 2:
September 1, 2018
Dear President Terry
Re: Grant-in-aid Sarah and David Poon for Beaulieu tenor viol.
I whole-heartedly support this application.
Anyone familiar with the inner workings of Conclave appreciates the professionalism, selflessness and ingenuity of Sarah and David Poon and experiences their devotion to the viola da gamba and the VdGSA. That they can accomplish so much is amazing and inspiring.
Here in BC as well as raising a young family, managing a music studio and David serving as church organist on the mainland (a ferry ride away) they undertake initiatives to advance the cause of the viol. They arrange viol playing days and weekends attracting players from the Sunshine Coast, Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle. They perform professionally in a number of settings. Sarah teaches viol to students of all ages and works collegially to support novice players in the region. (I am personally grateful to her for encouraging me to pick up the viol again and attend Conclave)
They are happy to loan viols and to assist others in selecting and obtaining viols.
The proposed Beaulieu tenor viol modeled after Henry Jaye promises to be a wonderful instrument which will be well-used by the Poons .
In every way I sincerely believe this application is well-deserved and fulfills the criteria of the program. I urge those adjudicating this application to look upon it favourably and respond generously.
With every good wish,
Colin Miles, B.A., B.Mus., M.Mus.