Wildcat Viols is a classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of early music. The group was founded in 2005 by a group of musicians who shared a passion for the viola da gamba, a stringed instrument that was popular in the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The founding members of Wildcat Viols were John Dornenburg, Joanna Blendulf, and Julie Jeffrey. Dornenburg is a renowned viola da gamba player who has performed with many of the world's leading early music ensembles. Blendulf and Jeffrey are also accomplished viola da gamba players who have performed with a variety of early music groups. The ensemble takes its name from the University of Arizona, where Dornenburg and Blendulf were both professors at the time of the group's founding. The university's mascot is the wildcat, hence the name Wildcat Viols. Since its founding, Wildcat Viols has become one of the leading early music ensembles in the United States. The group has performed at many of the country's top early music festivals, including the Boston Early Music Festival, the Berkeley Early Music Festival, and the Indianapolis Early Music Festival. One of the highlights of Wildcat Viols' career was their performance at the 2010 Berkeley Early Music Festival. The group performed a program of music by the French composer Marin Marais, which was very well received by the audience and critics alike. The San Francisco Classical Voice called the performance "a revelation" and praised the group's "impeccable musicianship." In addition to their performances at festivals, Wildcat Viols has also given many concerts at universities and other venues around the country. The group has a particular interest in performing music by lesser-known composers from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, and they have unearthed many forgotten gems in their research. Wildcat Viols has also recorded several albums, including a critically acclaimed recording of music by the English composer John Jenkins. The album, titled "John Jenkins: Complete Four-Part Consort Music," was released in 2012 and received rave reviews from early music publications such as Early Music America and Gramophone. The members of Wildcat Viols are all highly respected musicians in the early music world. In addition to their work with the ensemble, they have all performed with many other early music groups and have recorded numerous albums as soloists and chamber musicians. John Dornenburg, in particular, is a highly regarded figure in the early music world. He has performed with many of the world's leading early music ensembles, including the Boston Early Music Festival Orchestra, the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, and the New York Collegium. He has also recorded several albums as a soloist and has written extensively on the history and performance practice of the viola da gamba. Joanna Blendulf is also a highly respected viola da gamba player. In addition to her work with Wildcat Viols, she has performed with many other early music groups, including the Newberry Consort and the Catacoustic Consort. She has also recorded several albums as a soloist and has taught at several universities around the country. Julie Jeffrey is another accomplished viola da gamba player who has performed with many early music ensembles, including the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and the New York Collegium.

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