FAQ
Ticket office, wristbands, passes
Where can I collect my tickets?
You can collect your tickets at the general reception desk on Monday, January 19th, starting at 8:30 am at the CNSAD (2bis Rue du Conservatoire, 75009 Paris). You will receive a bag containing your wristband (depending on the type of pass you purchased), your tickets for certain concerts, or the gala dinner.
If you purchased a 1-day pass, you can collect your wristband and ticket at any Congress venue, but it is strongly recommended that you collect them on Monday, January 19th.
Is there a ticket office during the Congress?
Yes, there will be a ticket office during the Congress. It will be possible to purchase passes (5 days, 1 day) or tickets for the Gala Dinner. The ticket office will be located at the main venues each day:
- Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at the CNSAD (2bis rue du Conservatoire 75009);
- Thursday at the CNSMDP (209 Avenue Jean Jaurès 75019);
- Friday at the Opéra Bastille (Place de la Bastille 75012).
Please note that it will be easier and faster if you buy your ticket directly online. Here is the link to the ticket office.
How will people know which type of pass I have purchased?
You will be given a color-coded wristband that allows organizers to easily identify which areas you can access, which days your pass is valid, and which concerts are included.
If you have purchased a 5-day pass, your wristband will be non-removable and must be worn for the entire duration of the Congress.
Do I need to buy an additional ticket for the Gala Dinner?
Yes, you need to purchase another ticket to access the gala dinner.
Here is the link to the ticketing page.
Please note that if you are a former organizer of a previous IVC, you are invited by the International Viola Society to this gala dinner. In that case, you do not need to purchase an additional ticket.
Are lunch and dinner included in my pass?
No, meals are not included in your package. We invite you to discover French and Parisian cuisine on your own. However, we encourage you to go to the Viola Café where you can have lunch with other conference attendees and you will benefit from a preferential rate. Veuillez noter qu'il est interdit de manger sur les lieux du congrès.
I only want to visit the luthiers’ exhibition — do I need to buy a ticket?
You do not need to purchase a ticket to access the violas and bow makers’ exhibition. However, you are still required to become a member of the Société Française de l’Alto for a fee of €20.
I am the composer of a piece that will be performed during the Congress — can I attend this event for free?
Of course, that's your right as the author.
I do not have a pass — can I still attend the Congress on Wednesday, January 21, to see my children perform?
Yes, but you will only have access to certain parts of the CNSAD and only during certain hours. For security reasons, you will not be able to wander freely throughout all areas of the CNSAD.
I can no longer attend the Congress — how can I request a refund?
You have to send an email to: contactivc2026@gmail.com
Site logistics (access, map, toilets, lockers…)
Where are the main venues of the Congress?
You can add the location of the main venues https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1P3DYSUmWpEdSagGGEIVBTHn1c_e-LH8&usp=sharing
Is there a notice board with the main news and updates?
Yes, there will be a general information board at the entrance to the main Congress venues. However, for quick access to information and updates, we invite you to join the WhatsApp community via this link.
I am a person with reduced mobility — will I have access to all Congress venues?
If you have reduced mobility, you will be able to access most of the Congress events. Here are the details of the rooms with and without reduced mobility access.
Place Room name Reduced mobility acess
CNSAD Théâtre Yes
CNSAD Hall d'entrée Yes
CNSAD Jouvet Yes
CNSAD Girod No
CNSAD Bouquet Yes
CNSAD Touchard Yes
CNSAD Vitez No
CNSAD Cazares No
CNSAD Stratz No
CNSAD Miquel No
CRR de Paris Auditorium Yes
CRR de Paris Fauré Yes
CMA 9 Auditorium ?
CMA 9 Salle ? No
CMA 19 Auditorium Yes
CNSMDP Hall Public Yes
CNSMDP Hall Josephine Baker Yes
CNSMDP Salle d'Orgue Yes
CNSMDP Salon Vinteuil Yes
CNSMDP Salon Dukas Yes
CNSMDP Salon Ravel Yes
CNSMDP Plateau 5 Yes
OPERA Hall entrée Yes
OPERA Amphithéâtre Yes
OPERA Studio No
Is there a place where I can leave my belongings or my instrument during the day?
Yes, there is a dedicated room for storing your instruments and personal belongings. However, please note that management accepts no responsibility in case of loss or theft. Also note that only conference attendees will have access to this room.
Do I need to reserve my seat for the Congress events?
You do not need to book to participate in Congress events (conferences, workshops, masterclass attendance, etc.). However, room capacity is limited; for safety reasons, we must adhere to capacity limits, so we reserve the right to refuse entry if the room is already full.
Additional events (Gala dinner, Viola Orchestra, tribute, etc.)
What is the “Gala Dinner”?
The dinner will be held at Compagnie 1837 in Paris (1 Cours de Rome, 75008),within the majestic Saint-Lazare station starting friday evening at 7:30 PM, and will mark the final official event of this special anniversary edition of the 5Oth IVC. It will be a unique opportunity to end the week in a warm, relaxed, and friendly atmosphere, celebrating the many artistic and human connections made throughout the Congress.
It is the perfect occasion to reflect on the week, exchange final thoughts, and close the 50th IVC in a memorable and elegant way.
- Between 8:00 and 8:30 p.m.: welcome reception with a glass of sparkling wine and a bite to eat
- 8:30 – 9:30 p.m.: IVS awards ceremony
- 9:30 p.m.: official opening of the buffet
- 10:00 p.m.: start of traditional music performances
- 12:30 a.m.: end of the evening
You need to purchase a specific ticket for the gala dinner. Here is the link to the ticket office.
What is the Viola Orchestra? Can I join it if I missed the first session?
The Viola Orchestra is a temporary, participatory orchestra that comes together for the duration of the Congress. It is composed of all Congress participants who wish to join. On Friday, January 23, the Viola Orchestra will present a concert that will have been rehearsed throughout the previous week. The first rehearsal of the Viola Orchestra is on Monday, January 19, at 10:30 a.m. It is not possible to join the Viola Orchestra if you do not attend the first session.
What is the tribute to Patrick Robin? Do I need a ticket for it?
Patrick Robin was a renowned French luthier especially respected for his modern violas, admired by professional violists for their powerful, warm sound, balance, and playability. His instruments were often inspired by historic Italian models but refined with a contemporary approach tailored to the needs of violists. Many soloists and orchestra players chose his violas as their main instruments.
Patrick Robin is remembered as one of the key figures who helped elevate the status of the viola in modern lutherie.
You don't need a specific ticket to attend the tribute to Patrick Robin. It's also open to the general public.
Program, rehearsals, projects
I would like a record of my project — will the Congress be recorded on video?
The projects presented during the Congress will not be filmed. However, we will provide tripods for your use on which you can mount your phone or camera.
Can I exchange my rehearsal booking slots?
Yes you can exchange your rehearsal booking slot directly on the reservation platform via this link:
https://ivc2026.zohobookings.eu/#/253549000000049010
The system will remain open until Monday, January 12. After that date, the rehearsal schedule will be finalised and shared with you.
Will there be live translation for conferences held in French?
Conferences in French will be translated live into English. All conferences in languages other than French will not be translated (most conferences will be in English).
What is the “Ensemble Concert” on Wednesday, January 21?
This is a concert featuring emerging young violists (under 30) from various regions of France. They embody the motto of this 50th Congress: "New Horizons, Celebrating legacy and diversity".
Useful tips
What is the “Viola Café,” and what can I find there?
Located at the Royal Bergère (200m from the CNSAD, 24 rue Bergère 75009), the Viola Café is the official gathering place for all congress participants. It’s where you can meet colleagues, relax, enjoy a drink, or grab a bite in a friendly atmosphere. For the 50th IVC, we’ve arranged exclusive perks for all of you :
- Happy Hour prices all day long
- A complimentary coffee with any lunch ordered
The Viola Café is open during all the day from 6.30 AM to 2:00 AM
How can I stay informed about news and updates during the Congress?
A dedicated WhatsApp community has been created for the Congress. During the event, this will be our main channel for sharing real-time information, last-minute updates and practical reminders. We warmly invite you to join it now so you are fully connected during the Congress.
https://chat.whatsapp.com/E5odyiRFq5QAgiXBA7mLu8
There also will be a general information board at the entrance to the main Congress venues.
How can I join the WhatsApp Community?
During the event, this will be our main channel for sharing real-time information, last-minute updates and practical reminders. We warmly invite you to join it now so you are fully connected during the Congress.
Is Wi-Fi available at the main Congress venues?
No, there is no Wi-Fi in the Congress venues. However, you will find it at the Viola Café (24 rue Bergère 75009).
Can I have any tips for getting a mobile phone plan?
You can buy SIM cards on arrival at the Airport kiosks, tobacco shops, supermarkets (Lyca Mobiles). If your phone supports eSIM : [simbye France eSIM]
What items do I need to bring?
Don't forget to bring warm clothes and a water bottle. You don't need a transparent bag.
I lost an item; where could I find it?
The lost and found will be located near the ticket counters in the main halls of the Congress. You can also ask the staff on site (recognizable by their badges around their necks and their light blue sweaters).
What is the difference between IVC, IVS, and SFA?
IVC : International Viola Congress
IVS : International Viola Society
SFA : Société Française de l’Alto (French Viola Society)
How can I get around Paris?
Paris Transport Essentials (2025)
Single metro/RER ticket
2,50€ Weekly Pass
31,60€ Airport ↔ Paris ticket
13,00€ Vélib’ (City bikes)
Day pass from 5€
Single ride from 3€
Download the “Bonjour RATP” app to easily plan all your public transport journeys.
Vélib stations are available everywhere, and bikes can be picked up/dropped off at any docking point.
The weekly pass is ideal for you.
Always buy a dedicated airport ticket for Charles De Gaulle or Orly.
You will need to buy a rechargeable card to load your metro tickets onto it.
The €2.50 ticket works for any metro or RER trip inside the Paris network (except airport routes).
Who are our main partners and sponsors?
The main organizations that finance part of this 50th IVC are: the City of Paris, SACEM, and the Salabert Foundation.
We also benefited from two patrons, as well as the technical and logistical support of the Paris municipal conservatories (CMA9 and CMA19) and the CNSMDP.
I dont know which events I should choose, how can you help me ?
We disign a Personality Test to help you make the most of the 50th International Viola Congress. We’ve created a set of personalized pathways tailored to different types of participants. By answering this short personality test, you’ll discover which profile matches you best, and unlock a curated program designed especially for your interests, your rhythm, and your way of experiencing the Congress. Let the Congress carry you, and enjoy a program that truly resonates with who you are.
Your personality is represented by a distinctive symbol (□⭘△◇). As you browse through the schedule, look for it to discover the events that might resonate most with you—whether conferences, recitals, or concerts. Let your symbol guide you through the congress.