Spirit of Gambo

The Spirit of Gambo is a Dutch early-music / classical ensemble specializing in viola da gamba consort music. Their repertoire focuses strongly on seventeenth- and eighteenth-century music, including composers such as Dowland, Purcell, Bach, John Jenkins, Christopher Tye, and Orlando Gibbons. Their official website describes the ensemble’s character as combining energetic playing, drive, and musical craftsmanship.

The ensemble is closely associated with artistic director Freek Borstlap, described on the group’s website as one of the leading Dutch viola da gamba performers, with a special focus on seventeenth-century English consort music and forgotten chamber music by composers such as Simpson, Jenkins, and Gibbons. Important recordings include Jenkins: Fantasias, Pavans & Airs in Four Parts, Jenkins: Consort Music of Four Parts, Tye: Consort Music – In nomine, The Spirit of Gambo & Friends, and The Silver Swan.

They are known for historically informed performances, refined viol-consort sound, and for bringing rarely heard Renaissance and Baroque chamber music to modern listeners.