JAVS Fall 1993

3

FROM THE PRESIDENCY

XXI INTERNATIONAL VIOLA CONGRESS

'~ True Success in Every Way!"

This past June over two hundred-fifty violists stormed the lovely campus of Northwestern University in search of inspiration, education, repertoire, recordings, musical

Alan de Veritch, AVS President products, instruments, bows, advice, artistry, ideas, camaraderie-and they were not disappointed! For the five-day period from June 23-27, Evanston, Illinois, became the center of the Just imagine outstanding Luthier exhibits, commercial displays, viola ensemble readings, mixed solo recitals, featured artist and chamber music recitals, master classes, lectures, demonstrations, panel discussions, a gala orchestral and chamber orchestra concert, and the Primrose International Scholarship Competition, all in one place at one time! What a week! These weeks don't just happen over night, nor are they the result of the effort of a single person. This year's congress was a collaborative venture betw~en the American Viola Society and the Northwestern University School of Music and was approximately twenty months in the making. The tremendous success of this event was due primarily to the blood, sweat, and tears of many active and dedicated individuals. Unquestionably at the forefront of this effort was congress host chair, Peter Slowik. Peter's organizational skills and leadership abilities, combined with his imagination, flair for the artistic, and just plain personal energy, made him the ideal orchestrator. Working closely with Peter for many months were the AVS Liaison Committee (William Preucil, Mary Arlen, Lisa Hirschmugl and Baird Knechtel) and the Luthiers Committee (Eric Chapman, Greg Alf and William Lee). Due to the limited space of this column, it is unfortunately impossible for me to list by name the myriad of other wonderful individuals, representing the AVS and Northwestern University, whose talents and efforts added greatly to the success of the historical week. But to those colleagues and friends, as well as to the tremendous performers, lecturers, teachers, and exhibitors taking part in the XXI International Viola Congress, goes a huge personal THANK YOU! I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to elaborate on a couple of other note worthy happenings that took place during the Congress in addition to those already itemized above. First, at our official banquet not only did I have a chance to acknowledge and make presentations to the chairpersons of our various congress organizing committees, but those of us in attendance had the opportunity to see Maurice Riley bestow the very first "Maurice W. Riley Award" on David and Donna Dalton. This award was originally conceived by Rosemary Glyde, who made the initial contri bution as well. The intent of this award is to honor an individual or individuals for their extensive contributions to the world of the viola. David and Donna are certainly worthy of being the charter recipients of this award. CONGRATULATIONS! Congratulations go also to our beloved colleague Maurice Riley. To him and his wife, Leila, and their children, the XXI Congress was dedicated by vote of the AVS board. Finally, it was my great pleasure at the congress to formally announce AVS plans to go forward with the formation of local chapters. At this very moment we are in the process of viola world.