2022 Exhibition of Modern Violas and Bows

The 2022 American Viola Society Festival & 47th International Viola Congress offered the inaugural Exhibition of Modern Violas and Bows. This event highlights the work of current viola and bow makers, and brings to light the importance of Lutherie and Archeterie within the viola society’s mission.

Attendees to the Festival were able to play the instruments themselves Wednesday-Friday at the event, providing feedback to the makers and voting for their favorite viola and bow based on Playability. On Saturday, 2021 Primrose International Viola Competition winner Natalie Loughran gave a playing demonstration featuring the violas entered into the event. Held in the beautiful Bo Bartlett Center at Columbus State University, violas were played behind a screen, and identified only by number in a randomized order. The audience was able to vote for their favorite instrument based on tone at this event.

We are pleased to share the results of these audience choice awards here, and look forward to the next Exhibition which will be held as part of the 2024 AVS Festival and Primrose International Viola Competition in June 2024.

Photo Credit:  Julie Roubik