2008 International Viola Congress here I come!!!

June 3, 2008 at 11:14 AM

It's 4am and I cannot sleep. I'm too excited because tonight I will leave San Diego and drive 5 and a half hours to Arizona for the International Viola Congress held at ASU. This afternoon I was listening to the Primrose Competition live (or was it Tertis Competition...) via the internet and I was blown away by what I was hearing. Not only were most of the violists playing the infamous Bartok Concerto but they were playing works by Sarasate like La Campanella and Zapateado as well...works that are difficult even for violin! I've never felt so proud and inspired to be a violist...I never felt like I belonged so much in my life...yet I feel so inferior.

Tomorrow I will be able to watch these talents live and in person and I don't know what to say or do. I've never been to a congress so I don't know what to expect. I will feel so intimidated like I shouldn't be that because my abilities are not up to par with what I'm hearing. I wish I know what when on in the heads of talent musicians. What are they doing/thinking to make them play the way that they do? I have my digital camera and video camera packed with plenty of tapes so hopefully I will gain much insight and inspiration this week. I can't wait!

Arizona, here I come!

From Laurie Niles
Posted on June 3, 2008 at 9:11 PM

Paul, you are officially our V.com Viola Congress Correspondent and ambassador to the viola world for this week; be sure and take notes! ;)

From Mendy Smith
Posted on June 4, 2008 at 4:46 AM

Violist rule!

Please, do take notes and tell us what it is like. I wish I could go!!!!! I'm so jealous!

This entry has been archived and is no longer accepting comments.