JAVS 16.3.pdf - The American Viola Society

FROM THE IVS PRESIDENCY
May I recommend to you the following excellent
and thorough review by Dwight Pounds
of the XXVII International Viola Congress,
4-8 August 2000, held in the lovely town of
Linkoping. If you were offered an authentic
Swedish smorgasbord, deliciously flavored, of
infinite variety, one that would leave a pleasant
and lingering taste on the palette, and all
at a reasonable price, could you resist? Sadly,
too many violists did. That is, the attendance
around the table of this viola smorgasbord was
unfortunately too low. Those of us who were
there felt for those other teachers, students,
and aficionados who missed a most excellent
repast. It would be presumptuous to expect
that many North Americans, for instance,
would make the long trip, although theirs was
a sizable representation among the presenters.
But one could hope and expect more from
European violists. After all, congresses remain
the preeminent function of the IVS.
The Linkoping Congress had several
unique features, as have all international viola
congresses. It was the first International Viola
Congress to convene in Scandinavia and the
first to include a koto in chamber music with
the viola. It was the first to witness the formation
of a new international section during the
congress, a Nordic Section consisting of
Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and
eventually Iceland. The Chicago Symphony
Viola Section has bragging rights on opening a
major league baseball game, but the Oslo
Filharmoniens Bratssjolister ( OBS!) was the
by David Dalton
by Dwight Pounds
IVS Executive Secretary
Our good colleague, Otto Freudenthal,
knows the preoccupation of over a year-as
other host chairs of viola congresses past-that
the organizing, hosting, and presenting of a
congress demands. Our deep appreciation to
him and his supportive colleagues. It was a
unique experience to be exposed in a concentrated
way to the artistry and repertoire of
Nordic violists and composers. The playing
standard was high, the music compelling.
We now look forward to the first viola congress
held in another part of the world than
Europe or North America: New Zealand, and
coming soon in April. The program and events
in that antipodean site are already tantalizing.
All violists are invited to come to the table.
David Dalton
President, International Viola Society
first full orchestral viola section to perform at
an international viola congress.
Congress host Otto Freudenthal provided
interesting and varied programming, excellent
accompanists (himself among them), and a
truly international selection of artists and lecturers.
He also arranged for the delegates to
have a dedicated "clubhouse," an official meeting
place for meals and socializing-a unique
and very nice touch, much enjoyed and appreciated
by those present. The IVS Presidency
conducted four business meetings at Linkoping,
two with the Assembly of Delegates
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