YMS Joins the Viola Congress in Paris

Yehudi Menuhin School pupils Jaeyun, Bobbie, Victoria, Shan Ga, Kit, Jackson and Rodrigo  recently attended the Paris edition of the 50th Annual Viola Congress, organised by the Société Française de l’Alto, under the patronage and support of the International Viola Society. 

With the theme ‘New Horizons: Celebrating Legacy and Diversity’ the event brought together artists, musicians, professionals, enthusiasts and amateur music lovers for five days. 

Speaking about the experience, young violist Kit was quick to praise the ‘brilliant’ opportunity. The congress offered ‘complete immersion in the world of the viola and access to masterclasses, performances and presentations by some of the most skilled musicians.’ 

Joining this delegation were YMS Director of Music and internationally renowned violist Rosalind Ventris, alongside fellow acclaimed violist and YMS Professor of Viola Louise Lansdown, and Headmaster Robin Harskin. 

As part of the festivities, YMS pupil Jackson was delighted to participate in a masterclass with Lawrence Power, one of the world’s top violists. Power brought a wealth of experience both from solo performance (described by Scherzo as ‘extraordinary’) and from chamber music with the Nash Ensemble and Leopold String Trio.  

In addition, Rodrigo was thrilled to be selected for a masterclass with Tabea Zimmermann. Zimmermann is an artist in residence with the Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. In 2004, she founded the Arcanto Quartet, which performed until 2016. Several composers have written music for her, including György Ligeti, who composed the Viola Sonata for her, and she has made her own version of Bartók’s Viola Concerto from the composer’s sketches.

A highlight of the week was a stunning concert focused on viola repertoire by British composers featuring Benjamin Dale’s Introduction and Andante for Six Violas and Prelude and Canon for Two Violas by our Composer in Residence, Sally Beamish. 

Reflecting on the experience, YMS pupil Victoria said she ‘greatly enjoyed the week in Paris spent among violists, hearing inspiring performances from both students and professors.’ 

Professor of Viola Louise Lansdown echoed this sentiment: ‘exposure to world-class concerts, talks, masterclasses and conversations has left them all inspired and connected to the amazing viola network across the world. We are so very proud of them all.’ 

All the pupils involved extend their heartfelt thanks to Louise Lansdown, Robin Harskin and Rosalind Ventris for organising such a memorable experience, and to the Société Française de l’Alto and International Viola Society for their hospitality.