Chelys Consort of Viols

The Chelys Consort of Viols represents a new generation of viol consort music-making, with such novel aspects as crowd-sourced album funding and the commissioning of contemporary music for viols. It uses pure gut strings, historically accurate and producing a sound distinct from those of other active ensembles. Christopher Simpson's Airs for two trebles and two basses was recorded by the Consort on its 2015 debut, Ayres & Graces. It followed that up with A Pleasing Melancholy, which earned strong critical plaudits. In concert, the group has collaborated with Emma Kirkby and with groups, including the Choir of Clare College, Cambridge. It has commissioned new music from composer Jill Jarman and has performed contemporary choral music by Michael East with the Fieri Consort. In 2021, the Chelys Consort of Viols joined the Fieri Consort on the album Amavi. Later that year, the group released the album Purcell: Fantazias.