The Congress
New Horizons: Celebrating Legacy and Diversity
A warm and sincere instrument with a human-like voice, the viola holds a unique place in the musical landscape. Its sound, both rich and nuanced, strikes a captivating balance between power and fragility, enchanting a growing number of performers and listeners worldwide.
The International Viola Congress brings together passionate musicians in a different country each year to pay tribute to this exceptional instrument. Through a series of concerts, meetings, and artistic exchanges, it offers violists a unique opportunity to share and deepen their common passion: the viola.
This Parisian edition, organized in January 2026 by the Société Française de l'Alto under the aegis of the International Viola Society, will be themed New Horizons – Between Heritage and Diversity. It reflects a desire to reconcile the rich musical heritage of the French and international viola schools with the boldness of contemporary creations and the diverse ways of integrating the viola into musical projects.
Renowned performers, representing a wide range of styles and generations, will bring the viola to the stage at its highest level, accompanied by partner orchestras and ensembles. They will also contribute to
knowledge-sharing through
meetings, workshops, and masterclasses.
" In the string quintet of the orchestra, for me, the viola represents the human part of the sound. "
Serge Collot
The new generation of French violists and the work carried out by their teachers across the country will also be honored through concerts featuring students from all regions.
A significant part of the Congress program will be shaped by an international call for applications. This innovative and participatory process will highlight new works while rediscovering lesser-known repertoires and showcasing promising talents.
Amateur violists will also play a key role in the event. A concert bringing together a hundred musicians will be dedicated to them, in partnership with the CNSAD (Conservatoire National d'Art Dramatique).
A lutherie and bow-making exhibition will showcase artisans from around the world, offering them unique visibility.
Each morning, congress participants will rehearse a program combining new creations and arrangements for a viola ensemble. These sessions will be open to schools, ensuring accessible cultural and artistic education for all. Parisian schools and conservatories will be closely involved in the event.
The congress will take place in iconic venues across the city, allowing participants to engage with and explore Paris, an exceptional setting.
As an instrument at the heart of the register, the viola creates bridges between instrumental voices, becoming a metaphor for togetherness, cooperation, and collective harmony. The 2026 International Viola Congress will be a
true celebration, highlighting the
unifying nature of the viola and emphasizing essential values such as
diversity,
sharing, and
transmission.
Performance
Concerts will highlight participants, soloists, chamber music ensembles, and partner Parisian orchestras such as the Orchestre de chambre de Paris.
Transmission
The transmission of knowledge and heritage will be at the heart of the event. A closing gala will showcase French savoir-vivre, while video capsules will illustrate the French Viola School.
Meetings
The congress will be a crossroads for inspiring international meetings, bringing together violists from diverse backgrounds, coming from all over France and more than thirty countries worldwide.
Creation & Diversity
The congress will commission composers and incorporate both classical and popular music from different cultures, celebrating cultural diversity and the many facets of the viola.