JAVS Fall 1997

72

small membership. Would the cost of with drawal be the possible dissolution of the IVG? Probably not, but again, I do not know. Financial considerations are not everything. What would be the cost in terms of our re lationship with the other viola societies, nur tured over many years? As the largest section, are we not the most powerful and influential? Do not the others look to us for leadership and example? Do we wish to be in the same relationship to the international viola com munity as the NYVS has been perceived by some people relative to the AVS? Let us consider the timing. Under pressure primarily from the Americans, the entire IVG board has resigned effective July 1998 to make way for election of a new slate of offi cers at the Glasgow Congress next summer or in close conjunction therewith. Having applied pressure to truly internationalize the organization, a goal now firmly within our grasp, is it prudent to withdraw at this time? Furthermore, it has been suggested that there is no longer a need for an umbrella organization to oversee viola activities on an international level. In a June 1997 document distributed to IVG statutes-revision person nel, I listed several long-range goals that a revitalized and reconstituted international viola organization-call it what you may might wish to consider over time. These included the following: 1. Commission new works from both estab lished and younger composers. (The IVG has lacked funding to pursue this.) 2. Either sponsor an international viola com petition or offer official support to existing competitions. 3. Sponsor an international instrument build ing competition with awards in craftsmanship and tone. 4. Update and/or expand the IVG award structure. (Honorary IVG Membership, Silver Viola Key, presented annually.) Possible Long-Range Goals for the IVG

The following letter contains AVS Historian Dwight Pounds's response to President Thomas Ti:ttton's proposal to terminate the AVS's affilia tion with the IVG (See "From the President, " page 3 in this issue of JAVS) I f you have read President Thomas Tatton's letter at the opening of this issue, you know that he announced his intent to recom mend to our executive board that the AVS withdraw membership from the IVG. A summary of Torn's thoughts, as I understand them: (1) we do not have a consensus on the fundamental matter of the IVG's purpose; (2) there is little enthusiasm for its perpetuation, and indeed its very existence may be a hin drance to viola activities; (3) therefore, many people question a viable role for the IVG. Citing a conclusion reached this summer in conversations between Uta Lenkewitz and John White, and paraphrasing Tom: Viola events are more important than rules and organizational forms of the IVG. Continuing his argument, Tom suggested (1) that viola activities be organized much as they have been in the past; (2) that these activities be as inclusive as possible, and (3) that we (presum ably the various national viola societies) be supportive of one another. He concluded by resigning from IVG committees. My purpose in writing is neither to agree nor disagree with these actions but to pose questions relevant to their consequences. Our Canadian friends have suggested to me personally that they feel comfortable as members among equals in an international organization. How would withdrawal of the U.S. mega-section from the IVG affect the smaller IVG member sections, i.e., Canada, Croatia, Finland, Sweden and others? Are Americans paying more than our share of IVG costs? We have always paid according to the same formula used by other member sec tions but likely put more money into IVG coffers than any other section because of our large membership. I suggest, however, that the monies are put to good use if in the ser vice of the viola and violists in countries of