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X-WR-CALNAME:Welcome to the American Viola Society!
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260605T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260605T143000
DTSTAMP:20260417T041640
CREATED:20260207T035014Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T023759Z
UID:47139-1780666200-1780669800@www.americanviolasociety.org
SUMMARY:Tapping Into Your Roots: A Genealogical Exploration through Viola and Voice
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””] \nPresenter:\nGregory K. Williams\nOver the past 30+ years\, longer than I have been playing the viola\, I have been exploring my family tree\, absorbing the experiences of my ancestors\, learning stories from my grandparents\, and uncovering fascinating secrets\, photos\, and writings about various ancestors. Concurrently\, I have spent a significant portion of my life trying to absorb the musical traditions of my Greek ancestors\, largely due to my late grandfather\, Stanley Karayean\, who was a professional clarinetist and trumpet player. \nThis lecture recital is meant to share part of one of my newest musical journeys\, synthesizing my appreciation for genealogical exploration with all things viola-related. My plan for this lecture recital is to present several works for viola and voice that I have been composing\, sharing the stories of my ancestors. My goal is to show other musicians ways to incorporate the musical traditions of their heritage into art songs for their instrument. This will include works such as: \nO’ Pro Pappou- An homage to my great-grandfather\, Theodoros Karayeannis\, a tailor born in Lesvos\, Greece\, who arrived with his wife Stavroula Papasotiriou in the USA in 1921. \nAn Homage to the Hudson Valley- A song set to the text of Mary Cameron Benjamin\, the younger sister of my Great-great-great-grandmother\, Lodoiska Cameron Belding. Mary Cameron Benjamin was born in Columbia County\, NY\, situated in the Hudson Valley\, where her family farmed for several generations. After the Civil War\, Mary and her husband\, Dr. M. Francis Benjamin\, a Union Army physician\, relocated to Alameda\, CA\, where she spent the rest of her life writing poetry\, and spending time in several literary circles. \nAnita and Frank McGee- A song about the two younger siblings of my great-great-grandmother\, Elizabeth McGee Williams (1883-1918)\, who emigrated to the United States from Dundee\, Scotland\, in the early 1900s\, gave birth to her five sons\, before dying during the Influenza Epidemic. Her two younger siblings\, Anita and Frank McGee\, were actors on the Vaudevillian Circuit\, where they performed in Scottish regalia for audiences across the country.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.americanviolasociety.org/events/tapping-into-your-roots-a-genealogical-exploration-through-viola-and-voice/
LOCATION:Room 204 (Music)
CATEGORIES:Lecture-Recital
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260605T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260605T153000
DTSTAMP:20260417T041640
CREATED:20260207T034956Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260412T210801Z
UID:47133-1780669800-1780673400@www.americanviolasociety.org
SUMMARY:The Creative Process: A Journey from Performer to Violist-Composer
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””] \nPresenter:\nAmes Asbell\nViolist Ames Asbell shares her journey into composition from the performer’s perspective\, informed by a variety of creativity texts and interviews with active violist-composers. This session details her process of self-discovery and reflections on creativity\, identity\, and the expressive potential of the viola\, culminating in a performance of Blue Ridge Sketches\, a set of original miniatures inspired by the landscapes of the Blue Ridge Mountains and accompanied by visuals and poetry by a college friend who posts his own photos and thoughts on Instagram as @adam_red_dirt.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.americanviolasociety.org/events/the-creative-process/
LOCATION:Room 142/Choir Room (Music)
CATEGORIES:Lecture-Recital
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260605T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260605T163000
DTSTAMP:20260417T041640
CREATED:20260207T034937Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T023349Z
UID:47141-1780673400-1780677000@www.americanviolasociety.org
SUMMARY:A Belgian Addition to the Viola Repertoire: Joseph Jongen and his Viola Works
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””] \nPresenter:\nKunjing Dai\nThomas Weaver\nBelgian composer Joseph Jongen (1873–1953)\, famous for his organ and chamber works\, contributed significantly to the viola repertoire\, yet lesser-known. Jongen collaborated with Lionel Tertis and formed the Belgian Piano Quartet after moving to England during WWI. Many chamber works of Jongen paid great attention to the viola and brought out the instruments’ potential. \nJongen’s music reflect both French compositional style and Belgian folklore influence. This resulted in unique deigns on his melodic writing\, resulting in music both indulging and fulfilling. It is old yet new\, fresh\, and unheard\, rooted in tradition and is strikingly personal. The choice of assigning those melodies into a back-then “unheard” solo instrument further promoted such vitality. \nJongen’s work demonstrates a deep understanding of the viola acoustics. It highlights the warmth of the C string and extends brilliantly to all other strings and registers. In this way Jongen uses the viola to its fullest potential. The extensive mapping throughout the fingerboard of the viola may require certain editorial direction or choices to help the viola sound balance out through orchestra and piano accompaniment. The lecture recital will examine how Jongen successfully delivers this smoothing\, virtuosic yet personal viola voice through excerpts from his major viola works. I will also address the technical challenges such as registral playability\, projection and potential solutions as we cover the lesser-known pieces for all age-group performers. \nViolas need to showcase their own unique personality on stage\, distinct from that of violins and cellos. Jongen was able to recognize the unique voice the viola and brings and produce sonority that only violas have. The orchestration and piano writings also exemplify chamber works: Jongen understands the lower voicing of viola\, while lacking bass resonance\, needs special accompaniment writing to have it be audible. Jongen affirmed the viola’s potential as a solo instrument. His works deserve a place on concert stage and the soothing quality of viola deserves great discussion and wider public exposure.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.americanviolasociety.org/events/a-belgian-addition-to-the-viola-repertoire-joseph-jongen-and-his-viola-works/
LOCATION:Room 204 (Music)
CATEGORIES:Lecture-Recital
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T100000
DTSTAMP:20260417T041640
CREATED:20260207T034325Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T022832Z
UID:47181-1780736400-1780740000@www.americanviolasociety.org
SUMMARY:Expanding the Pedagogical Repertoire for Intermediate Violists: Lesser-Known Works from the Czech Republic\, Hungary\, and Bulgaria
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””] \nPresenter:\nLisa Nelson\nTeachers of intermediate viola students are familiar with the challenge of finding pedagogically useful and musically engaging pieces for their studio. The variety and depth of the viola canon can be enhanced by exploring lesser-known works from musical traditions abroad. Some of these might be well-known in their geographic region of origin but not widely played in the United States; others are “hidden gems\,” works that have the potential to become popular in the viola repertoire but have not had significant performance exposure. \nOn recent research trips to Eastern and Central Europe\, my focus has been on finding repertoire that is new to me and not readily known in the United States. The traditions of the Czech Republic\, Hungary\, and Bulgaria\, in particular\, represent a mix of genres\, styles\, cultures\, and influences from many different nationalities and native folk traditions. By introducing this music to teachers and students\, my hope is that these pieces will receive attention from American audiences and enrich violists’ teaching and performing options. \nThis AVS session will be a lecture recital that focuses on a representative group of works for viola and piano by Czech\, Hungarian\, and Bulgarian composers. I will discuss the unique musical elements that the pieces contain (modal harmonies\, asymmetrical rhythms\, tone color effects\, regionally-inspired ornamentation\, etc.)\, as well as their main pedagogical features. Attendees will hear a performance of excerpts (or complete shorter works/movements)\, and have an opportunity to look at the scores. They will also receive a spreadsheet with a list of pieces\, which will contain details about the composer\, date of composition\, style features\, pedagogical qualities\, and publication information.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.americanviolasociety.org/events/expanding-the-pedagogical-repertoire-for-intermediate-violists-lesser-known-works-from-the-czech-republic-hungary-and-bulgaria/
LOCATION:Room 142/Choir Room (Music)
CATEGORIES:Lecture-Recital
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T110000
DTSTAMP:20260417T041640
CREATED:20260207T034256Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T022405Z
UID:47187-1780740000-1780743600@www.americanviolasociety.org
SUMMARY:Minimalisn't: Philip Glass in 2025's Context
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””] \nPresenter:\nAmeila Hollander Ames\nWhile Philip Glass’s name is the first that comes to mind for many people when you say the word “minimalism\,” in fact his Songs and Poems\, newly transcribed for Solo Viola by Christine Rutledge\, contain grand gestures and a lot of big feelings. I recorded these works in Mérida\, Mexico\, in December 2023\, and performed them around the world (Mexico\, the US\, the UK\, Italy) this season\, in a program pairing them with music for solo viola by 4 contemporary American women and nonbinary composers— Emily Koh\, Jessie Montgomery\, Caroline Shaw and Mazz Swift. I enjoyed exploring the ways Glass’s music influenced- or\, in one case\, repelled!- each of them\, both in correspondence with the composers\, all of whom I’m lucky to call friends\, and in the way their notes juxtaposed with those by Glass’s. To play Glass’s music requires a commitment to every single note: so often there are repetitions\, therefore if you don’t find a variety of colors and textures\, it can be very boring. His Songs and Poems revolutionized my playing in terms of my attention to left-hand details and right-hand sound-producing variation. Rutledge’s transcription of these pieces from the original for cello provides a valuable addition to the solo viola repertoire: a work by one of the most important minimalist composers that utilizes the widest possible range of the viola. \nProgram:\nSongs and Poems— Philip Glass (1937– )\, arr. Christine Rutledge\n(mega)byte (2020)— Emily Koh (1986– )\nRhapsody #2 (2020)– Jessie Montgomery (1981– )\nInvisible\, for Trayvon Martin and His Family (2012)— Mazz Swift (1975– )[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.americanviolasociety.org/events/minimalisnt-philip-glass-in-2025s-context/
LOCATION:Room 204 (Music)
CATEGORIES:Lecture-Recital
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T120000
DTSTAMP:20260417T041640
CREATED:20260207T034233Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T022305Z
UID:47183-1780743600-1780747200@www.americanviolasociety.org
SUMMARY:Lillian Fuchs’s Sonata Pastorale and the Evolution of Her Compositional Voice
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””] \nPresenter:\nKatrin Meidell\nLillian Fuchs (1902–1995) is a central figure in the development of modern viola repertoire. Celebrated equally for her artistry as a performer and skill as a pedagogue\, Fuchs left behind a body of work that continues to shape how violists train\, perform\, and teach. Her Twelve Caprices laid the groundwork for a technical and expressive approach to the instrument\, but it is her Sonata Pastorale—composed shortly thereafter—that reveals her compositional voice at its most expansive and personal. \nThis presentation centers on the Sonata Pastorale as a pivotal work in Fuchs’s output: a concert piece that bridges her virtuosic early writing with the pedagogical refinement found in her later Sixteen Fantasy Etudes and Fifteen Characteristic Studies. Written for solo viola\, the Sonata Pastorale is a richly expressive work featuring modal colors\, contrapuntal texture\, and idiomatic writing. Without departing from her pedagogical focus\, it reflects her core musical values—expressiveness\, clear phrasing\, and solid technique. \nThough often overshadowed by her études\, the Sonata Pastorale can be understood as a compositional turning point: a fully realized artistic statement that would go on to inform and inspire the design of her later teaching materials. This session will examine connections between the sonata and her pedagogical works\, highlighting recurring technical motifs (such as intervallic shaping\, double stops\, and modal inflections) and shared expressive aims. \nThe presentation will culminate in a complete performance of the Sonata Pastorale\, offering audiences a chance to hear Fuchs’s musical voice in full bloom. In re-evaluating this work within the broader context of her compositional timeline\, we gain not only a deeper appreciation for the sonata itself\, but also a richer understanding of the artistic foundation beneath her enduring pedagogical legacy.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.americanviolasociety.org/events/lillian-fuchss-sonata-pastorale-and-the-evolution-of-her-compositional-voice/
LOCATION:Room 142/Choir Room (Music)
CATEGORIES:Lecture-Recital
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T143000
DTSTAMP:20260417T041640
CREATED:20260207T034204Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T022018Z
UID:47185-1780752600-1780756200@www.americanviolasociety.org
SUMMARY:Violists in the Military: Service Through Music
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””] \nPresenter:\nJulia Clancy\nThe violists in Pershing’s Own\, the President’s Own\, and the Air Force Strings serve a unique roll in the orchestral\, chamber\, pedagogical\, and solo music ecosystem in Virginia and beyond. We would like the chance to present on the path to becoming a performing artist through the military. Pershing’s Own\, specifically\, employs the most violists out of all the military ensembles (4 total). We perform as a viola quartet as well as in trios and duos. Julia Clancy is our arranger and has created custom arrangements for different occasions. Due to the nature of our job and how “missions” are assigned\, we will only be able to guarantee how many of us can perform (including possibly our pianist) once we go through official channels to make this a government mission on the books\, however\, we would like to plan for 4 of us\, along with a pianist to present (depending on approval from our command). We would like to dedicate a portion of the recital to playing our original arrangements for viola quartet as well as original compositions for four violas\, and part of the recital to speaking about life as a military musicians and answer questions about the audition process and going through military recruiting.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.americanviolasociety.org/events/violists-in-the-military-service-through-music/
LOCATION:Room 142/Choir Room (Music)
CATEGORIES:Lecture-Recital
END:VEVENT
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