JAVS Summer 2026

focus. Experiencing this performance alongside fellow International Viola Congress participants felt especially meaningful within a congress shaped by ideas of legacy, diversity, and artistic exchange. Katrin Meidell: Hearing Marcin Murawski perform is always a treat, as he has an incredible technique and penchant for flair. While he did not perform live in this lecture-recital, he presented the inventive theory that, perhaps, the famous J. S. Bach Toccata and Fugue (BWV 565) for organ, may in fact have been composed for viola! His excellent transcription and thoughtful research made for a compelling argument. While the audience heard a recording of him playing his transcription, they also got to view the sheet music and hear commentary from Mr. Murawski on the technical/performance aspects of the work. As with all things Murawski, it was viola rock and roll at its best.

Ames Asbell: On Thursday, violist Matthew Dane presented a lovely recital of new works for viola d’amore by American composers Reena Esmail, Marcus Maroney, Dianne Link, Jonah Sirota, Conor Abbott Brown. His silvery sound and improvisatory feel perfectly suited the raga-inspired work by Esmail, while the addition of flutist Christina Jennings created an otherworldly, ethereal quality in the compositions by Link and Sirota. The warm lighting and wood-paneled walls of the Salon Vinteuil (CNSMDP) created a perfect setting for this intimate exploration of sound and emotion. These thoughts and impressions represent just a few of the incredible offerings of the 50th International Viola Congress in Paris, France. The 51st International Viola Congress will be held September 20-24, 2027 in Tenerife, in Spain’s Canary Islands. For those interested in performing or presenting, the Call for Proposals will be open August 1-November 1, 2026 and more information is available at the congress website.

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Journal of the American Viola Society / Vol. 42, Summer 2026 Online Issue