JAVS Fall 2000

63

FROM THE IVS PRESIDENCY

by David Dalton

May I recommend to you the following excel lent and thorough review by Dwight Pounds of the XXVII International Viola Congress, 4-8 August 2000, held in the lovely town of Linkoping. If you were offered an authentic Swedish smorgasbord, deliciously flavored, of infinite variety, one that would leave a pleas ant and lingering taste on the palette, and all at a reasonable price, could you resist? Sadly, too many violists did. That is, the attendance around the table of this viola smorgasbord was unfortunately too low. Those of us who were there felt for those other teachers, students, and aficionados who missed a most excellent repast. It would be presumptuous to expect that many North Americans, for instance, would make the long trip, although theirs was a sizable representation among the presenters. But one could hope and expect more from European violists. After all, congresses remain the preeminent function of the IVS.

Our good colleague, Otto Freudenthal, knows the preoccupation of over a year-as other host chairs of viola congresses past-that the organizing, hosting, and presenting of a congress demands. Our deep appreciation to him and his supportive colleagues. It was a unique experience to be exposed in a concen trated way to the artistry and repertoire of Nordic violists and composers. The playing standard was high, the music compelling. We now look forward to the first viola con gress held in another part of the world than Europe or North America: New Zealand, and coming soon in April. The program and events in that antipodean site are already tantalizing. All violists are invited to come to the table. David Dalton President, International Viola Society

by Dwight Pounds IVS Executive Secretary

first full orchestral viola section to perform at an international viola congress. Congress host Otto Freudenthal provided interesting and varied programming, excellent accompanists (himself among them), and a truly international selection of artists and lec turers. He also arranged for the delegates to have a dedicated "clubhouse," an official meet ing place for meals and socializing-a unique and very nice touch, much enjoyed and appre ciated by those present. The IVS Presidency conducted four business meetings at Lin koping, two with the Assembly of Delegates

The Linkoping Congress had several unique features, as have all international viola congresses. It was the first International Viola Congress to convene in Scandinavia and the first to include a koto in chamber music with the viola. It was the first to witness the forma tion of a new international section during the congress, a Nordic Section consisting of Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and eventually Iceland. The Chicago Symphony Viola Section has bragging rights on opening a major league baseball game, but the Oslo Filharmoniens Bratssjolister ( OBS!) was the