2006 International Viola Congress: Montreal in Review
by Louis Privitera
with photos by Dwight Pounds
My curiosity was aroused when I saw the brochure posted on my teacher’s bulletin board. An International Viola Congress? I had never heard of such a thing. After discussing this event with my teacher, I was convinced it was something I could not miss. Professor Buck said it would be a great opportunity and a life-changing experience- she certainly was right.
Host Jutta Puchhammer-Sedillot performs with partner Elise Desjardins.
The 2006 International Viola Congress was hosted at the University of Montreal’s School of Music. Under the direction of the University’s Professor of Viola Jutta Puchammer-Sedillot, the theme of this year’s Congress revolved around the diversity of its host city. Ms. Puchammer-Sedillot’s vision recognized Montreal’s accomplished musical community, as well as many of the cultural and artistic achievements throughout all of Canada. Much of the Congress showcased the music of Canadian composers well as highlighting its performers. Being an American, I found the recital programming throughout the Congress to be particularly fascinating because of its international emphasis. Not only was I exposed to some of the greatest soloists from the United States and Canada, but also those from France, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, and South America.
Speaking of soloists, one of the highlights of the congress was the opportunity to be among some of the most celebrated violists in the entire world. Getting the chance to hear recitals by Kim Kashkashian and Barbara Westphal, two of my idols, was nothing short of amazing! Seeing Roberto Diaz premiere a new work for our instrument and play forty-five violas at the luthier demonstration was also an unforgettable experience. And finally, having the chance to hear some of the world’s up-and-coming viola soloists, such as Antoine Tamestit performing the Stamitz Viola Concerto in A Major, gave us all the incentive to practice just a little bit more.
Kim Kashkashian in recital
Roberto Diaz with forty-five violas
In addition to highlighting these acclaimed soloists, there was equal recognition for our world’s most recognized viola teachers. Much of this year’s Congress focused on the famed pedagogue Heidi Castleman, who was presented with an honorary doctoral degree from the University of Montreal at the opening event of the congress. Later in the week, Mrs. Castleman also presented a master class. Not only did I witness an informative and enlightening master class, I watched the woman who taught my own teacher! Overall, the congress offered a variety of master classes which included instruction in concertos, sonatas, orchestral excerpts, and even solo Bach. Being a student, I found it valuable to hear a myriad of perspectives from some of the biggest names in our industry. Each day proved itself a continuous learning experience.
Gregg Alf and Castleman after Castleman’s Master Class
I’m sure it would be agreed by everyone who attended this year’s International Viola
Congress that it was a complete success. For me, it was not the memorable recitals, informative master classes, or endless exhibits that I will remember the most; it is the connections I made with the people there. Within the five days of the congress, I got the chance to meet student, amateur, and professional violists from all around the world. Coming to a place where we all share the same love of the viola was a special experience, and I hope to make it an annual tradition for years to come. After the 2007 Congress in Australia, the 2008 Congress will be hosted in my hometown of Phoenix at
Arizona State University, under the capable leadership of Professor Nancy
Buck. I am sure that we will all once again enjoy another incredible musical
experience at the Congress, but this time among the unique surroundings of the
great American Southwest.
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Louis Privitera is a senior at Arizona State University
Quatour Claudel-Canimex
~More congress photos
