Ames Asbell (USA)

Executive Secretary

Warmest greetings, viola friends! It is a great honor to serve the international viola community as a member of the IVS Board. 

I was first captivated by the beauty of the viola in my public school string classes in Columbus, Georgia, and once I started playing, I found that I couldn’t put it down. I completed my doctoral studies in the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas, where I joined Tosca Tango Orchestra and toured the US and Argentina, performing original music in the nuevo tango style. Two world tours with rock icon David Byrne (of Talking Heads) followed, and while performing in over 30 countries on 5 continents I learned that music truly does connect us all, no matter what language we speak. I feel so grateful to have been able to perform on viola in such a broad diversity of styles, all around the world.

I am currently Professor of Viola at Texas State University, where I have taught since 2005, and my active performance schedule includes regular performances with Austin Opera, Austin Symphony, Philharmonie Austin (historical performance), Arizona Musicfest, Victoria Bach Festival, and more. I also love solo performance and chamber music, and find as many opportunities as I can to share my viola voice onstage.

My first International Viola Congress was in Austin in 1997, and as Teaching Assistant to host Roger Myers I was fortunate to witness what it takes to organize such an important and meaningful event for our community. It was a truly transformative experience, and I have attended and performed at a number of Congresses since. They are truly a highlight that I look forward to every year.

I have a generous heart for service, and was first elected to the board of the American Viola Society in 2016. I have served on AVS Festival planning teams since 2018, including the 2022 AVS Festival & 47th International Viola Congress. I’m currently finishing a six-year term in AVS leadership, and look forward to applying the administrative and leadership skills I have learned in service of the IVS!

My vision for the International Viola Society is to help our organization increase our visibility and relevance in the viola community, especially through continued development of our website and mailing list. I hope the next few years will bring a growth in the number of our international sections, as well as in the vitality of all of our sections. I look forward to helping inspire the next generation of violists to join their sections and participate in future Congresses!