JAVS Fall 2024

International Viola Congress Review

The 49th International Viola Congress by Ye Zi

From July 17-21, 2024, nearly 180 enthusiastic violists and viola lovers from twenty countries across the globe gathered at the Arts Institute of the State University of Campinas, located southeast of São Paulo, Brazil, for the 49th International Viola Congress (IVC). Before the start of the Congress, I had the pleasure of joining several International Viola Society (IVS) board members on an excursion to Rio de Janeiro. Renowned for its breathtaking coastal beauty, Rio de Janeiro offered us an enchanting escape. We soaked in the splendor of its iconic landmarks, the 4-kilometer stretch of golden sands at Copacabana Beach where the sun-kissed shore met the azure waves in a mesmerizing embrace. We ascended the majestic Sugarloaf Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which provided panoramic vistas that seemed to stretch endlessly across the bay. The awe-inspiring Christ the Redeemer statue, the world’s largest Art Deco sculpture, stood sentinel over the city, its outstretched arms a symbol of welcome and peace. We explored the legendary Maracanã Stadium, a hallowed ground of football history. This enriching experience was a perfect rejuvenation, and just the right preparation for the demands of the upcoming Congress and its intensive sessions.

Board members of IVS at the peak of Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro . Photo courtesy of Ye Zi.

This year’s Congress, titled “Celebrating the Fusion of Culture: A World of Music for Viola,” centered on inclusivity, opportunity, and the exploration of new musical works. Over the course of five enriching days, artists unveiled more than twenty world premieres, alongside several Brazilian premieres. In addition, the Congress embraced a rich and varied music program, spanning from baroque to contemporary style, solo performance to large ensemble, classical to jazz genre— there was something for everyone. Each evening, attendees were captivated by orchestral performances or recitals, immersing themselves in the realm of viola music and engaging in dynamic cross-cultural

Board members of IVS at the Maracanã Stadium, in Rio de Janeiro. Photo courtesy of Karin Dolman.

Journal of the American Viola Society / Vol. 40, No. 2, Fall 2024

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