Boston mourns a cherished viola da gamba
mainThe Boston instrument maker Eric Haas has posted tragic news of the death of his wife Janet, a viola da gamba specialist and assistant professor at Berklee.
Janet studied viola da gamba with Laura Jeppesen and John Hsu, and performed with the Boston Baroque ensemble La Sonnerie, the viol trio Oriana, the Folger Consort of Washington, DC, and the El Dorado Ensemble.
That’s a viola in the picture. It’s not a viola da gamba.
It’s probably the only photo they could find of her on short notice.
It is from her faculty page at Berklee, where she taught music education. She also ran a fantastic school music program. Viola comes with both those territories! Her main modern instrument was the bass.
“Gamba” – leg
“Bracchio” – arm.
She was also a teacher and advocate for public school music education and must have introduced thousands of children of every ability to violin, viola, cello and bass and the basics of orchestral playing.
She was an inspiring person to be around and her love of music was absolutely contagious. The Lexington Public Schools system was lucky to have such a dedicated teacher. We will miss you dearly.
Her love and passion for music will be remembered by the hundreds of students that have been fortunate to learn from her. Thank you for sharing your love for music with all of us Ms. Haas!