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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260605T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260605T163000
DTSTAMP:20260413T081528
CREATED:20260207T034942Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T023309Z
UID:47129-1780673400-1780677000@www.americanviolasociety.org
SUMMARY:The Invisible String\, The Position-less Fingerboard\, and Other Nifty Wisdoms from the Old School
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:\nDavid Rose\nThe viola can be a punishing instrument. If it weren’t so wonderful\, most of us would have run away screaming long ago! Many nuggets of wisdom passed down are well known and a part of our modern viola consciousness – helping us survive another day. Yet other techniques operate on such a subtle level that they can escape notice\, and thus be in danger of disappearing from our viola lives and pedagogy. This workshop takes a close look at these techniques – namely a left hand which “plays” 5ths most of the time (even if they don’t sound) – an old technique that makes everything physically easier\, and is a goldmine for much music (especially Bach!). We’ll also cover the sometimes befuddling fingerings which commonly appear in old editions\, and the philosophy of the fingerboard which is necessary to make them work…and perhaps even fall in love with them a wee bit.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.americanviolasociety.org/events/the-invisible-string-the-position-less-fingerboard-and-other-nifty-wisdoms-from-the-old-school/
LOCATION:Room 108/Large Band Room (Music)
CATEGORIES:Workshop
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260605T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260605T163000
DTSTAMP:20260413T081528
CREATED:20260207T034947Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260321T232113Z
UID:47116-1780673400-1780677000@www.americanviolasociety.org
SUMMARY:AVS Shared Recital: Pairings
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=””] \nPerformers:\nRichard Auldon Clark\nAlissa Rose (soprano)\nKevin Nordstrom\nStephen Nordstrom\nJames Logan (clarinet)\nDominic Dousa\nSamuel Kelder\nDanielle Wiebe Burke\nThree Laments for soprano and viola\, by Richard Auldon Clark (b.1964) \n\n “I Shall Not Care” (Sara Teasdale)\n “War is Kind” (Stephan Crane)  \n“Nothing Gold Can Stay” (Robert Frost)\n\nAlissa Rose\, soprano; Richard Auldon Clark\, viola \n  \nSpring Forth in Joy for clarinet and viola\, by Dominic Dousa (b. 1974) \nJames Logan\, clarinet; Stephen Nordstrom\, viola \n  \nMountain Song for Viola and Piano\, byDousa \nStephen Nordstrom\, viola; Dominic Dousa\, piano  \n  \n“Flow my Tears” and “If my Complaints\,” by John Dowland (1563-1626) \n“Songs My Mother Taught Me\,” Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904) \nNew work for two violas (world premiere)\, Bahar Royaee (b. 1988) \nSamuel Kelder and Danielle Wiebe Burke\, viola duo \n  \nPROGRAM NOTES: \nThree Laments for Soprano and Viola features the poetry of Sara Teasdale\, Stephan Crane and Robert Frost. Lyrical and dramatic\, this work is an important addition to the voice and Viola repertoire and celebrates American writers. \n*** \nStephen Nordstrom showcases a pair of contemporary duets by composer Dominic Dousa. The versatility of the viola as a duet partner is shown across interwoven musical dialogues with the clarinet and piano. Energetic and ebullient\, Spring Forth in Joy echoes some of the varied dimensions of joyous contentment\, from a sense of sparkling delight in simple pleasures to a calmer\, more thoughtful reflection on the true\, good\, and beautiful. Mountain Song is inspired by the majestic 14\,000-foot peaks of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. Throughout the work\, a beautifully lush theme is juxtaposed with more passionate and spirited themes\, which paints for the listener a vivid tapestry of brilliant sunshine and crisp air across a snow-covered landscape. \n*** \nThe viola duo set explores the relationship throughout history between viola and the human voice. Containing original arrangements and transcriptions of works by Dowland\, Dvorak\, and a world premiere by Bahar Royaee\, we will show the evolution of the viola’s voice through several lenses: song that occurs in the viola’s repertoire\, lyricism from the eye of a violist composer\, and the combination of voice and viola by performers.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.americanviolasociety.org/events/avs-shared-recital-pairings/
LOCATION:Recital Hall (Forbes)
CATEGORIES:AVSF Recital
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260605T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260605T170000
DTSTAMP:20260413T081528
CREATED:20260207T034933Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T023149Z
UID:47103-1780673400-1780678800@www.americanviolasociety.org
SUMMARY:AVSF Masterclass: Signature Artist\, Rudolf Haken
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:\nRudolf Haken\nSignature Artist Rudolf Haken leads this masterclass featuring selected festival participants\, sharing his innovative approach to viola performance and technique. Drawing on his expertise with both traditional and electric viola\, he offers insight into sound production\, musical interpretation\, and expanding the expressive possibilities of the instrument. Observers are invited to experience his creative and forward-thinking perspective on viola artistry.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.americanviolasociety.org/events/avsf-masterclass-signature-artist-rudolf-haken/
LOCATION:Room 1115 (Forbes)
CATEGORIES:Masterclass
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260605T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260605T210000
DTSTAMP:20260413T081528
CREATED:20260207T034928Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T022957Z
UID:47121-1780686000-1780693200@www.americanviolasociety.org
SUMMARY:Signature Artist Evening Concert: Marina Thibeault — A Walk on the North Side
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=””] \nPerformers:\nMarina Thibeault\nJanelle Fung\nSignature Artist Marina Thibeault presents A Walk on the North Side\, a thoughtfully curated program exploring reflection\, transformation\, and the expressive depth of the viola. Featuring Grieg’s lyrical Violin Sonata\, Britten’s haunting Lachrymae\, Garth Knox’s imaginative quartet\, and Hindemith’s powerful Sonata\, Op. 11 No. 4\, this concert highlights a rich spectrum of voices and styles. Through works of intimacy and intensity\, Thibeault invites listeners on a compelling musical journey shaped by storytelling\, color\, and artistry.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.americanviolasociety.org/events/signature-artist-evening-concert-marina-thibeault-a-walk-on-the-north-side/
LOCATION:Concert Hall (Forbes)
CATEGORIES:AVSF Signature Artist Concert
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T090000
DTSTAMP:20260413T081528
CREATED:20260207T034924Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260207T035043Z
UID:47167-1780732800-1780736400@www.americanviolasociety.org
SUMMARY:Mass Ensemble Rehearsal
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://www.americanviolasociety.org/events/mass-ensemble-rehearsal/
LOCATION:Concert Hall (Forbes)
CATEGORIES:Mass Ensemble Rehearsal
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T123000
DTSTAMP:20260413T081528
CREATED:20260207T034918Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T225954Z
UID:47151-1780732800-1780749000@www.americanviolasociety.org
SUMMARY:Registration
DESCRIPTION:We are so excited to welcome you to the 2026 American Viola Society Festival! \nCheck in and pick up your festival credentials\, materials\, and swag bag! Registration is the first step in your American Viola Society Festival experience at James Madison University. Attendees will receive their badge\, program schedule\, and all the one-of-a-kind Festival merch. Our team will be available to answer questions and help you get oriented so you can make the most of the performances\, masterclasses\, lectures\, and special events ahead.
URL:https://www.americanviolasociety.org/events/registration/
LOCATION:Lower Lobby (Forbes\, Downstairs)
CATEGORIES:Registration
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T100000
DTSTAMP:20260413T081528
CREATED:20260207T034252Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T022914Z
UID:47191-1780736400-1780740000@www.americanviolasociety.org
SUMMARY:AVSF David Dalton Research Competition Winners Lecture: Emerging Scholar Artists
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=””] \nPresenters:\nKylie Baird\nNamgon Lee\nEmerging Scholar Artists present their award-winning research in this special lecture recognizing the winners of the David Dalton Research Competition. These presentations highlight new scholarship\, perspectives\, and discoveries that deepen our understanding of the viola\, its repertoire\, and its history. Attendees are invited to engage with the next generation of scholars whose work contributes to the ongoing growth and vitality of the viola community.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.americanviolasociety.org/events/avsf-david-dalton-research-competition-winners-lecture-emerging-scholar-artists/
LOCATION:Room 321 (Music)
CATEGORIES:Lecture
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T100000
DTSTAMP:20260413T081528
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:20260606T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T103000
DTSTAMP:20260413T081528
CREATED:20260207T034304Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T193855Z
UID:47161-1780736400-1780741800@www.americanviolasociety.org
SUMMARY:Empowered Self-Recording Workshop
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:\nSusanna Klein\nWe all know it\, and yet we take the plunge so rarely: recording ourselves in practice is the best way to improve faster. Although it’s easier than ever with our phones\, the psychological hurdle prevents us from using this\, the most powerful of all the tools in the practice dojo. \nThis workshop is about using technology for good\, as an incredible tool\, not an onerous distraction. It will teach tips for making self-recording more enjoyable\, focused\, and effective. This interactive workshop will demonstrate best practices for keeping self-esteem intact and getting the most out of our phones. The workshop will showcase a variety of apps that make recording easy and “rules to live by” that will make recording less painful. This workshop features a hybrid of technology and psychology content that will inspire students and teachers. \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.americanviolasociety.org/events/empowered-self-recording-workshop/
LOCATION:B71 (Music Building)
CATEGORIES:Workshop
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T103000
DTSTAMP:20260413T081528
CREATED:20260207T034320Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T022649Z
UID:47157-1780736400-1780741800@www.americanviolasociety.org
SUMMARY:AVSF Masterclass: Signature Artist Marina Thibeault
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:\nMarina Thibeault\nSignature Artist Marina Thibeault works with selected festival participants in this inspiring masterclass\, sharing her distinctive approach to sound\, interpretation\, and artistic expression. Observers are invited to experience her thoughtful and engaging teaching style while gaining insight into developing musical voice\, refinement\, and expressive depth on the viola.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.americanviolasociety.org/events/avsf-masterclass-signature-artist-marina-thibeault/
LOCATION:Room 1115 (Forbes)
CATEGORIES:Masterclass
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T120000
DTSTAMP:20260413T081528
CREATED:20260207T034312Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260404T210753Z
UID:47175-1780736400-1780747200@www.americanviolasociety.org
SUMMARY:Teacher in Residence: Open Lessons/Drop In Observation
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=””] \nTeachers:\nMolly Wilkens-Reed\nObserve master teachers in action during these open lessons with festival participants. Students will work one-on-one with Teachers in Residence in a traditional private lesson setting\, while attendees are invited to drop in and observe a variety of teaching styles\, techniques\, and approaches. Unlike a masterclass\, which takes place in a public performance setting\, these sessions reflect the more personal\, in-depth nature of everyday teaching. This unique opportunity offers valuable insight into the art of teaching and learning\, providing inspiration for performers\, educators\, and students alike. \nSign up for a lesson HERE.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.americanviolasociety.org/events/teacher-in-residence-open-lessons-drop-in-observation/
LOCATION:Room 119 (Music)
CATEGORIES:AVSF Teacher In Residence
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T130000
DTSTAMP:20260413T081528
CREATED:20260207T034212Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T230209Z
UID:47153-1780736400-1780750800@www.americanviolasociety.org
SUMMARY:Exhibitor Open Hours
DESCRIPTION:We invite you to explore the exhibitor hall and connect with distinguished luthiers\, bow makers\, publishers\, and vendors from across the viola world. Discover exceptional instruments\, browse sheet music and accessories\, and enjoy the opportunity to meet the experts who support and inspire our vibrant musical community.
URL:https://www.americanviolasociety.org/events/exhibitor-open-hours/
LOCATION:Forbes Lower Lobby (Downstairs) and Grand Lobby (Upstairs)
CATEGORIES:Exhibits
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T110000
DTSTAMP:20260413T081528
CREATED:20260207T034242Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T022525Z
UID:47177-1780740000-1780743600@www.americanviolasociety.org
SUMMARY:Simple Solutions: A New Look at Old Problems in Viola Pedagogy
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=””]Presenters:\nCarol Gimbel\nAlice Lindsay \nIn this engaging and practical 90 minute session\, violist-educators Carol Gimbel and Dr. Alice Lindsay invite participants to revisit persistent pedagogical issues with a fresh\, research-informed\, and experience-backed perspective. Drawing from decades of teaching\, performing\, and mentoring\, Simple Solutions offers insight into overlooked anatomical realities and ergonomic innovations that can influence and revolutionize technical fluency\, comfort for violists\, and artistic fulfillment. \nParticipants will leave with tangible techniques and “studio-ready” exercises that can immediately benefit students and professional players alike. Framed within the broader Congress theme of heritage and diversity\, this session blends tradition with innovation—grounded in the historical wisdom of master teachers (including Paul Doktor\, Joseph DePasquale\, and Samuel Applebaum\, all of whom shaped Dr. Lindsay’s pedagogical lineage) and enhanced by contemporary anatomical awareness. \nThis “hands -on” proposal is not only a celebration of pedagogical heritage—it is a call to adapt\, question\, and refine how we teach and play the viola across generations and geographies.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.americanviolasociety.org/events/simple-solutions-a-new-look-at-old-problems-in-viola-pedagogy/
LOCATION:Room 108/Large Band Room (Music)
CATEGORIES:Workshop
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T110000
DTSTAMP:20260413T081528
CREATED:20260207T034247Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T022437Z
UID:47163-1780740000-1780743600@www.americanviolasociety.org
SUMMARY:AVS Shared Recital: Postcards from the AVS
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=””] \nPerformers:\nJacob Adams\nAndrew Cannestra\nJulia Clancy\nArnaud Ghillebaert\nNicholas Starr\nConvergent Paths\, by Liliya Ugay\nPohádka\, by Leoš Janáček\nThe Magic Hour\, by Kenji Bunch\nRegrets\, by Amanda Harberg Strube\n \nJulia Clancy\, viola and Nicholas Starr\, piano \nProgram TBA \nJacob Adams\, viola with piano (TBD) \n\nPostcards From NY\, by Colin Pip Dixon: \n\nScarlet Bride\nMemorial\n\nArnaud Ghillebaert\, viola with piano (TBD) [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.americanviolasociety.org/events/avs-shared-recital-viola-and-piano-in-partnership/
LOCATION:Recital Hall (Forbes)
CATEGORIES:AVSF Recital
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T110000
DTSTAMP:20260413T081528
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:20260606T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T120000
DTSTAMP:20260413T081528
CREATED:20260207T034238Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260207T034537Z
UID:47169-1780740000-1780747200@www.americanviolasociety.org
SUMMARY:Exhibition of Modern Violas & Bows: Tone Competition
DESCRIPTION:Explore an exceptional exhibition of modern violas and bows presented by contemporary makers\, celebrating the artistry and innovation of today’s luthiers and bow makers. As part of the tone competition\, each viola will be performed anonymously behind a screen by Daniel Foster\, Principal Violist of the National Symphony Orchestra\, allowing listeners to focus solely on the instrument’s tonal qualities and character. This unique format offers a rare opportunity to hear and compare the remarkable range of sound in modern viola making.
URL:https://www.americanviolasociety.org/events/exhibition-of-modern-violas-bows-tone-competition/
LOCATION:Concert Hall (Forbes)
CATEGORIES:Exhibition of Modern Violas & Bows: Tone Competition
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T120000
DTSTAMP:20260413T081528
CREATED:20260207T034217Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260207T034523Z
UID:47159-1780743600-1780747200@www.americanviolasociety.org
SUMMARY:Greenroom Live: Interview with Dwight Pounds\, AVS Historian
DESCRIPTION:Join AVS Historian Dwight Pounds for a special Greenroom Live interview exploring the rich history and legacy of the American Viola Society. Through stories\, insights\, and reflections\, this conversation offers a unique perspective on the people\, milestones\, and moments that have shaped the viola community. Attendees are invited to listen\, learn\, and engage with the living history of the Society.
URL:https://www.americanviolasociety.org/events/greenroom-live-interview-with-dwight-pounds-avs-historian/
LOCATION:Room 1115 (Forbes)
CATEGORIES:AVSF Greenroom Live
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T120000
DTSTAMP:20260413T081528
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:20260413T081528
CREATED:20260207T034140Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T022228Z
UID:47179-1780752600-1780756200@www.americanviolasociety.org
SUMMARY:EMVB Panel: Makers and Tone Competition Winners
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:\nBill Scott\, Jr.\nJoin Luthier-in-Residence Bill Scott\, Jr.\, along with winners of the EMVB Tone Competition and distinguished exhibiting makers\, for an engaging panel discussion on the art and craft of modern viola and bow making. Panelists will share insights into their creative process\, tonal goals\, materials\, and evolving innovations in the field. This session offers performers\, educators\, and enthusiasts a unique opportunity to learn directly from today’s leading makers and explore the relationship between craftsmanship and sound.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.americanviolasociety.org/events/emvb-panel-makers-and-tone-competition-winners/
LOCATION:Studio Theater (Forbes)
CATEGORIES:Panel
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T143000
DTSTAMP:20260413T081528
CREATED:20260207T034148Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260411T184545Z
UID:47113-1780752600-1780756200@www.americanviolasociety.org
SUMMARY:AVS Shared Recital: Daphne Gerling and Ayn Balija
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=””] \nPerformers:\nDaphne Gerling\nAyn Balija\nI-Jen Fang\nResonance: Women Creating Sound\, features the innovative and creative spirit of American women composers and performers. Judith Shatin describes the resilient and defiant spirit of a Southwest desert plant\, in Mariola for viola and marimba. Caroline Shaw’s Limestone and Felt challenges the listener to consider as two opposing ways we experience history and design our own present. Leah Reid explores the emotional and timbral soundscapes associated with telephones\, communication\, and miscommunication in Crossed Wires.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.americanviolasociety.org/events/avs-shared-recital-daphne-gerling-and-ayn-balija/
LOCATION:Recital Hall (Forbes)
CATEGORIES:AVSF Recital
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T143000
DTSTAMP:20260413T081528
CREATED:20260207T034156Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T022134Z
UID:47193-1780752600-1780756200@www.americanviolasociety.org
SUMMARY:May the Music Never End: Medicine for Musicians
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:\nDr. François DeAsis\, DO\nIt is no secret that musicians will inevitably experience some type of physical injury over the course of their careers. However\, when these occur\, it can be difficult to know who to turn to for proper advice. Performing Arts Medicine is small field in medicine dedicated to supporting the health and wellbeing of performing artists. Because it is rather small\, many performers are either not aware it exists or have minimal exposure to it. In this lecture/workshop\, I will briefly introduce the audience to performing arts medicine\, how to find healthcare professionals within the field\, and the ways we can help. Then\, I will give an overview of the most common types of injuries that musicians experience\, how to recognize them\, and when to seek a healthcare professional. My philosophy is centered around preventative care\, and so for final part\, I will discuss straightforward strategies that musicians can implement into their own daily routines and share with their studios in order to reduce the risk of injury. There will also be an interactive portion\, where I teach the audience a simple and quick exercise band warmup routine for string players.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.americanviolasociety.org/events/may-the-music-never-end-medicine-for-musicians/
LOCATION:Room 321 (Music)
CATEGORIES:Lecture
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T143000
DTSTAMP:20260413T081528
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
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T173000
DTSTAMP:20260413T081528
CREATED:20260207T034136Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T234020Z
UID:47171-1780759800-1780767000@www.americanviolasociety.org
SUMMARY:Signature Artist Concert: Emad Zolfaghari -- Phantasy\, Space\, and Fire
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=””] \nPerformers:Emad ZolfaghariThomas Weaver\n  \nSignature Artist Emad Zolfaghari brings the festival to a compelling close with a program that explores the viola’s boundless imagination\, virtuosity\, and expressive depth. From the lush romanticism of York Bowen’s Phantasy to the inventive sound worlds of Garth Knox’s Viola Spaces\, the first half journeys through color\, texture\, and playful experimentation\, culminating in the electrifying brilliance of Paganini’s La Campanella in William Primrose’s virtuosic arrangement. \nFollowing intermission\, the program turns inward with Arshia Samsaminia’s In Eternity\, a contemporary Iranian work of striking atmosphere and reflection\, before concluding with the sweeping intensity and emotional breadth of Arnold Bax’s Viola Sonata. This dynamic and wide-ranging program celebrates the viola as both storyteller and showpiece\, offering a powerful and memorable finale to the festival. \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://www.americanviolasociety.org/events/signature-artist-concert-emad-zolfaghari/
LOCATION:Concert Hall (Forbes)
CATEGORIES:AVSF Signature Artist Concert
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T183000
DTSTAMP:20260413T081528
CREATED:20260207T034128Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260223T042505Z
UID:47173-1780767000-1780770600@www.americanviolasociety.org
SUMMARY:AVSF Closing Ceremony
DESCRIPTION:Join us for the official closing of the American Viola Society Festival as we celebrate the achievements and shared experiences of the week. The ceremony features a mass ensemble performance of Moonlit Flight\, the festival’s commissioned work by Kevin Day\, bringing together festival participants in a powerful collective presentation. Awards will be presented in recognition of outstanding performances and contributions\, and the location of the 2028 American Viola Society Festival will be announced. This meaningful finale offers a moment of celebration\, reflection\, and anticipation for the future of our vibrant viola community.
URL:https://www.americanviolasociety.org/events/avsf-closing-ceremony/
LOCATION:Concert Hall (Forbes)
CATEGORIES:Ceremony
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T210000
DTSTAMP:20260413T081528
CREATED:20260207T034118Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T034238Z
UID:47155-1780770600-1780779600@www.americanviolasociety.org
SUMMARY:AVS Final Reception
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a relaxed and festive closing reception celebrating the conclusion of the American Viola Society Festival. Enjoy food and drinks while reconnecting with colleagues\, making new connections\, and reflecting on the week’s inspiring performances and shared experiences. This informal gathering offers a wonderful final opportunity to mingle and celebrate the vibrant viola community together. \nReception tickets are available at the registration table and through Online Registration
URL:https://www.americanviolasociety.org/events/avs-final-reception/
LOCATION:Forbes Lower Lobby (Downstairs) and Grand Lobby (Upstairs)
CATEGORIES:AVSF Final Reception
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR