2026 AVS Festival

Announcing the 2026 AVS Festival Competitions

June 3–6, 2026 | James Madison University | Harrisonburg, VA

The American Viola Society is proud to announce the return of its Festival Performance Competitions as part of the 2026 AVS Festival. These prestigious events celebrate the talent, artistry, and community of young and emerging violists from around the world. Applications open soon—don’t miss your chance to be part of this vibrant celebration of the viola.

Solo Competitions
Junior, Senior, and Collegiate divisions | Age eligibility: under 26
Finalists perform live on June 3 for cash prizes and national recognition. Preliminary round via video submission. All finalists receive complimentary Festival registration.
View Solo Competition Guidelines

Orchestral Audition Competition & Seminar
Open to violists under 29, this two-part event offers invaluable audition experience with a live-screened semi-final and final round. Participants receive written feedback from top orchestral professionals, and Festival attendees can observe behind the screen. Finalists receive complimentary Festival registration.
View Orchestral Audition Competition Guidelines

Viola Ensemble Invitational
Junior, Senior, and Collegiate divisions
Nine outstanding student viola ensembles will be invited to perform at the Festival and participate in a mass viola ensemble performance. Selected groups will also take part in a masterclass with our guest ensemble-in-residence.
View Ensemble Invitational Guidelines

Whether you’re a soloist, ensemble player, or aspiring orchestral violist, the AVS Festival Competitions offer a unique platform to grow, perform, and connect.

Applications can be found through the Acceptd portal.

Deadline for submissions: December 15, 2025.

The American Viola Society is thrilled to announce the release of the official rules and guidelines for the 2026 Exhibition of Modern Violas and Bows, to be held during the 2026 AVS Festival at James Madison University. This event celebrates the art and craft of modern viola and bow making, offering makers the opportunity to present their work to an international community of violists.

From June 3–6, 2026, registered makers will exhibit instruments and bows in a central exhibition space. Each exhibitor may enter one viola and/or one bow to be considered for awards in two categories:

• Playability (violas and bows): Selected by Festival attendees via anonymous voting

• Tone (violas only): Chosen through a blind playing demonstration by a soloist in a live concert setting

All participating makers must register by reserving a full or shared table, have current AVS membership, and entries must be original, handcrafted works by individual luthiers and archetiers.

Winners will be recognized with a commemorative plaque, featured promotion on the AVS website, and special recognition on the Exhibition Luthier-in-Residence roundtable and panel following the announcement of winners.

To review the full guidelines and learn how to participate, visit: 2026 Exhibition Guidelines

We invite all makers to join us in celebrating the essential role of Lutherie and Archeterie in the viola community.

The American Viola Society is thrilled to invite you to be part of the 2026 American Viola Society Festival, held at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA. As the largest viola-focused event in the Western Hemisphere, the Festival offers an exciting opportunity to connect with hundreds of violists, educators, students, and enthusiasts from around the world. Showcase your products, instruments, services, and innovations to an engaged and passionate community. Don’t miss the chance to build meaningful relationships, grow your brand, and be part of this inspiring celebration of all things viola!

Please refer to the Exhibitor Kit for the 2026 Festival for all sponsor and exhibitor opportunities and the registration form. All sponsors will be listed on the AVS website, as well as in the AVS Festival Program Book.  

To guarantee exhibit space reservations, please complete the online reservation form and payment by May 1, 2026.

Exhibition of Modern Violas and Bows:  Luthiers and archetiers may enter one viola and/or bow into the Exhibition of Modern Violas and Bows event. Please see the EMVB Rules and Guidelines document for full information. Entries to the exhibition must come from individual makers.

Registration

Festival Registration

Festival registration opens on December 15, 2025, with early-bird pricing available through March 15. All attendees must register, with reduced rates for students, seniors, and collaborators.

Regular Adult

• Early Bird: $325
• Late: $360
• On-Site: $400

Senior Adult / Student

• Early Bird: $150
• Late: $175
• On-Site: $200

Day Passes (On-Site Only)

• Regular: $125
• Senior/Student: $50

Collaborator / Family Badge

• $50 (flat rate)

Festival Reception

Don’t miss the Festival Reception—our signature closing celebration! This is your final chance to mingle, network, reminisce, and raise a glass with fellow violists, presenters, collaborators, and friends.

Complimentary food and drinks will be provided, and all festival participants are welcome to attend with a ticket. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your AVS Festival experience on a high note.

Reception tickets will be available during registration.

Housing

Festival participants may choose to stay in on-campus dorms or at the nearby Hotel Madison. Both options are within easy walking distance of all festival events. Housing registration will open on January 1, 2026.

On-Campus Dorms

• $85/night (includes linens and pillow)

Hotel Madison & Shenandoah Conference Center

• Less than 0.2 miles from campus (1-min drive / 6-min walk)

• $144/night (includes $5/day parking)

• Room block available through May 1, 2026

• Hotel booking link

Meal Plans

Optional meal plans are available for purchase and will be served at Dining Hall D on campus. Meals can be purchased individually at the following rates:

• Breakfast: $10.90

• Lunch: $13.80

• Dinner: $14.00

Off-Campus Dining

For those who prefer to explore local restaurants, there are numerous dining options near James Madison University, including cafes, fast-casual spots, and full-service restaurants within walking distance.

A full list and map of nearby dining locations will be available soon.

Online Festival Shop

Online Festival Shop

Festival merchandise is available for pre-order and will also be sold on-site in limited quantities. We are proud to be partnering with local artisans, cafés, and vendors to bring 2026 Festival participants high-quality, locally-sourced items and souvenirs. Preorder today! These shirts feature the 2026 AVS Festival logo. Pick up your t-shirts and hoodies at the festival.

Support the AVS Festival!