JAVS Summer 1998

59

The "Grand Finale" concert started at 2:30, with appropriate "thank you" remarks by John White. The program consisted en tirely of viola ensemble pieces performed by the young virtuosos (mostly female) we had heard earlier in the Congress: Elegy for Four Violas (originally four cellos), by Marie Dare; Fantasie for Four Violas, by York Bowen (edited by Thomas Tatton, who was present); and Introduction and Andante, Opus 5, for Six Violas, by Benjamin Dale (edited by John White). The last performance included all violists who wanted to play. There were thirty-four, in a semicircle around the stage, conducted by James Durrant playing Diverti mento for Twenty Violas, by Edward McGuire. What it lacked in clarity and deci siveness it certainly gained from enthusiasm. That many middle-fiddles all playing at once in a relatively small auditorium is a unique sonic experience. It was a fitting close. To sum up, the XXVI International Viola Congress was a thoroughly enjoyable and intense four days. One leaves with the im pression of Glasgow as a gracious and civi lized city that was pleased to have its viola guests. The organization and carrying out of the Congress was a virtuoso performance in itself, and the display of viola talent, artistry, and accomplishment shows that the viola is in fine and capable hands in the United Kingdom.

Aspen Music Festival and School

June 24 -August 22, 1999

50 years of Music with Altitude

David Zinman • MUSIC DIRECTOR

W. Harold Laster • DEAN

ThomasG. Hall Chapman University

Orchestral String Program Center for Advanced Quartet Studies

Note 1. J. S. Bach, transcribed and edited by Rowland-Jones, Simon, Six Suites for Solo Violoncello, BWV 1007-1012, Edition for Solo Viola (London: EDI TION PETERS No. 7489, 1998).

Application must be received by February I 5, I 999

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