2026 AVS Festival

Call for Proposals

The American Viola Society (AVS) invites proposals for performances and presentations for the 2026 American Viola Society Festival. This Festival will be held at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA, hosted by Diane Phoenix-Neal. We welcome proposals relating to any subject of interest to the viola community. Recognizing the diversity of backgrounds and interests within the viola world, we encourage proposals relating to performance, repertoire, composition, alternative styles, lutherie, pedagogy, research, health and wellness, entrepreneurship, and collaborative projects. 

The Festival will invite a select number of individuals to present performances and masterclasses; all other events will be programmed exclusively by selection through this proposal process.

Important Links

• The Proposal Submission Form is open until  August 15, 2025. 
• Contact: Anthony Devroye, 2026 Festival Proposals Coordinator: 

2026proposals@americanviolasociety.org

Important Terms for Presenters and Performers

Anyone is welcome to submit a proposal to present or perform.

• It is possible to submit multiple proposals, including within the same category.
• Accepted presenters and performers must be members in good standing of the AVS at the time of submission and presentation at the Festival.
• Collaborative and/or interdisciplinary projects are especially encouraged.

The AVS does not provide any financial support (travel, performance fee, housing, per diem, or registration discount) to accepted presenters. 

By submitting a proposal, an individual or group is agreeing to be available any time between June 3 and June 6, 2026. We are unable to accommodate requests to be programmed on a specific date. Performers who require a pianist may either bring their own or may hire a local pianist from a list the AVS will provide; the AVS is unable to provide rehearsal or performance fees. The AVS and its university host are able to accept and consider proposals including percussion and harpsichord. Should a proposal be selected that requires additional instrumentation ( harp, flute, etc..), it is the responsibility of the presenter to pay for and schedule the additional performer and their instrument. The AVS is unable to provide additional instruments or performers. Further, the AVS will provide rehearsal space but cannot guarantee rehearsal time in actual performance spaces due to the complexity of the Festival schedule. 

All proposals will be evaluated by the Proposal Selection Committee, which includes international representatives.

Please contact Anthony Devroye, Proposal Selection Committee Coordinator, at 2026proposals@americanviolasociety.org with any questions about the proposal submission process.

Deadline for Submission

All submissions must be received via the online proposal form by August 15, 2025. All applicants will be notified by September 15, 2025, regarding the status of their proposal.

Proposal Requirements

Proposals should fall into one of the formats outlined below. Please contact the Proposal Selection Committee Coordinator by August 8, 2025, if you are unclear which format best matches your proposal or you wish to propose an event in a special format.

All submitted materials must include names, presentation titles, and complete program information. If selected, this information will be used in the official program materials.

Performance & Presentation Formats

Shared Recital
An individual or chamber ensemble may propose to perform for a maximum of 30 minutes on a shared recital. Any repertoire or musical style is eligible; preference is given to lesser-known music and underrepresented composers.

Group Recital
A group of violists (two or more) may propose a full program (60 to 75 minutes’ duration). Any repertoire or musical style is eligible. Preference is given to recitals on a related theme (i.e. Works by Underrepresented Composers, Jazz Improvisation, Chamber Music for Viola and Brass, etc.).

Lecture Recital
One or more individuals may propose to present a lecture recital on any aspect of the viola, violists, viola technique, or viola repertoire. This 50-minute lecture recital session must be divided approximately into a 20-minute lecture, 20-minute performance, and 10-minute Q&A session. Any repertoire or musical style is eligible; preference is given to lesser-known music and underrepresented composers. 

Lecture
One or more individuals may propose to present a lecture on any aspect of the viola, violists, viola technique, viola repertoire, viola pedagogy, composing for viola, alternative styles, lutherie, health and wellness, entrepreneurship, and/or collaborative projects. This is not a performance category. Proposed sessions may be either a 50-minute full-lecture session divided approximately into a 40-minute lecture plus 10-minute Q&A, or a 25-minute half-lecture session divided into a 20-minute lecture plus 5-minute Q&A.

Workshop
One or more individuals may propose a workshop involving audience participation of some kind (e.g., body awareness, effective practicing, technical topics, etc.). 40 minutes plus 10-minute Q&A.

Panel
One or more individuals may propose a panel discussion involving at least three panelists with expertise on the panel’s subject. 70 minutes plus 20-minute Q&A. 

Special Opportunities for Early-Career Violists

As part of our commitment to supporting the next generation of violists, we extend the following opportunities to emerging violists under the age of 35 as of June 3, 2026. Applicants in these categories will be required to upload a picture of a government-issued identification to verify their age.

Emerging Artists Recital
One shared recital will be reserved for emerging artists under the age of 35 as of June 3, 2026. Individuals or small chamber ensembles may propose to perform (up to 25 minutes). Violists under 35 who would like to be considered for this honor should apply under this category, rather than through the shared recital category above. (The application requirements are identical, and applicants for the Emerging Artists Recital will automatically be considered for the shared recital.) Applicants must include a letter of recommendation from an individual familiar with their playing.

Emerging Teachers Masterclass
One or more early-career viola teachers will be selected to teach a masterclass for young violists and/or amateur violists. To be eligible, an applicant must be either (1) a violist under the age of 35 with significant teaching experience at the pre-college level, or (2) a college-level viola professor of any title or rank (no age requirement, but preference will be given to non-tenured faculty). Applicants must include a letter of recommendation from an individual familiar with their teaching.

Emerging Researchers Lecture
One or more early-career scholars will be selected to present a lecture on the viola, violists, viola technique, viola repertoire, viola pedagogy, composing for viola, alternative styles, lutherie, health and wellness, entrepreneurship, and/or collaborative projects. The proposed session will be divided into a lecture of up to 40-minutes followed by a 10-minute Q&A. Applicants must include a letter of recommendation from an individual familiar with their research.

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.

Application for each will be through the Acceptd portal. (Portal opens October 1, 2025.)
Deadline for submissions: December 15, 2025

2026 Exhibition of Modern Violas and Bows

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.

Registration

Festival registration opens on January 1, 2026, 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.

2026 American Viola Society Festival 

June 3-6 2026, James Madison University, VA, USA 

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 return the 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.

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.

Merchandise

Festival merchandise is available for pre-order during registration 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.

T-Shirt

• Pre-Order: $20

Hoodie

• Pre-Order: $40

Shirts will be available for purchase during registration.