JAVS Fall 1991

37

Ithaca in Review XIXth International Viola Congress by Robert Oppelt

What can be more inspiring than attending a convention which is intimate (about two hundred fifty registrants), of superb quality, and convened in outstanding facilities on a beautiful campus? The planning committee of the American Viola Society, consisting of Rosemary Glyde and Harold Coletta with Mary I. Arlin did a superb job in organizing the four-day event. Dr. Arlin, a faculty member of Ithaca College, as Host Chair, accomplished a Herculean work in behalf of the AVS, her school, and all participants. Those in attendance were top performers, attended lectures given by outstanding people i the profession, and browsed through commercial displays and an unusually fine viola makers' exhibition. The congress, by decision of president Alan de Veritch and the AVS board was dedicated to the memory of Louis Kievman, long-time AVS officer and board member. Those fortunate to attend came away enriched by the following well-planned, carefully chosen events with an excellent program format, balanced, exciting, and scholarly. Distinguised guests included Myron Rosenblum, founder and first president of AVSj Maurice Riley, AVS past president; David Dalton, immediate past AVS president; John White, professor of viola and head of instrumental studies, Royal Academy of Music, London; Uta Lenkewitz von Zahn, president of the German Chapter of the International Viola Societyj and Baird Knechtel, president, Canadian Viola Society. Outstanding lecturers were John Kella on "The Rehabilitation and Prevention of String

Current and past Presidents of the American Viola Society attend the XIXth International Viola Congress at Ithaca College. L to R: David Dalton (1986-1990), Maurice Riley (1978-1981), Alan de Veritch (1990-), Myron Rosenblum (1971-1981).