Proposal Guide

Introduction

For many violists, presenting at an International Viola Congress is an exciting step and sometimes a first experience. It is a unique opportunity to share your work with an international community of performers, teachers, students, and enthusiasts.

At the same time, it is important to understand how a congress is organized.

Hosting an International Viola Congress requires a significant financial and organizational effort. Each congress is organized by a local host team, working largely on a voluntary basis. Before being approved by the International Viola Society, the host must present a solid financial plan and organizational proposal to ensure a successful and sustainable event.

If you are considering submitting a proposal, please be aware that participation is based on shared contribution. In most cases, selected presenters are not paid for their participation and are expected to cover their own congress pass and travel expenses.

The International Viola Congress is built on a spirit of exchange and community. It is a place to share knowledge, but equally to learn, to discover, and, perhaps most importantly, to connect with violists from around the world.

Presenting at a congress is therefore not only about performing or speaking. It is about becoming part of an international network that continues to grow through collaboration, curiosity, and shared passion.

How to Prepare a Proposal

Performance / Recital

If you would like to perform at an International Viola Congress, it is important to realize that you will be playing for an audience of fellow violists, many of whom are performers themselves. This can be inspiring, but also demanding. You should feel confident on stage and ready to present your work at a high artistic level.

Your Program

The choice of program is crucial.

If you propose well-known repertoire, for example a Brahms sonata, remember that most violists already know these works. In that case, your proposal should offer something extra:

• a new perspective or interpretation
• a connection with research
• a combination with a lecture or introduction
• a clear artistic story that adds value to what is already known

Often, proposals become more interesting when they focus on lesser-known repertoire. Ask yourself:

• Does this program reflect your artistic identity?
• Do you have a personal connection to the composer or the music?
• Have you discovered or revived unknown repertoire?
• Did you create your own arrangement?
• Have you recently recorded this music and would like to share it?

The congress is a place to discover, not only to repeat.

Format and Length

Keep in mind that a congress program needs to include many participants from many countries.

• A full one-hour recital is rarely accepted.
• Shorter programs or shared recitals are much more common.
• Be flexible and open to performing alongside other artists.

Only in exceptional cases (when a project is truly unique) will longer formats be considered.

Final Thought

A strong proposal is not only about playing well. It is about having something meaningful to share with the viola community.

Ask yourself: Why should other violists hear this program?

If you can answer that clearly, you are already on the right path.

Lecture Recital

The lecture recital is one of the most common and valued formats at an International Viola Congress. It offers a unique opportunity to share not only your playing, but also your ideas, research, and artistic vision.

A lecture recital gives the audience insight into:

• why you chose a certain repertoire
• how you approach interpretation
• your thoughts on technique
• your research or discoveries
• your own compositions or arrangements
• new perspectives on performance

In short: it answers the question why you are here and what you would like to share with the viola community.

What Makes a Strong Lecture Recital?

The most engaging lecture recitals combine speaking and playing in a natural and balanced way. They invite the audience into your thinking process, while also allowing them to hear the results in sound.

There are many possible formats:

• solo presentation
• with pianist
• with your ensemble or viola class
• combining music with theatre, movement, or even singing

Creativity is very welcome, as long as your message remains clear.

Focus and Clarity

A strong proposal focuses on one clear idea. Avoid trying to say everything at once. Instead, guide your audience through a well-defined topic.

Ask yourself:

• What is the main idea I want to communicate?
• What will the audience learn or discover?
• How does the music support this idea?

Keep It Concise

As with recitals, time is limited. Lecture recitals are usually short formats, so clarity and structure are essential.

Final Thought

A lecture recital is not about presenting everything you know. It is about sharing something meaningful in a way that connects with others.

What insight can you offer that others can take with them?

Lecture

A lecture is the place to share your ideas, your research, and your questions with the viola community.

This can be:

• your PhD research
• a Master’s research project
• a topic you are passionate about
• a question that fascinates or challenges you
• your own “egg of Columbus”  a new idea or solution you want to share

Make It Engaging

A lecture is not just about information. iI is also about how you present it.

Reading a foreword from a publication alone will not capture your audience. A strong lecture is dynamic and alive. It can become a performance in itself.

Think about:

• how you structure your story
• how you involve your audience
• how you combine speaking, playing, or demonstration

You can be creative:

• use visuals or a strong PowerPoint
• include live examples
• involve the audience through questions or interaction
• experiment with format and presentation

Attract Your Audience

During a congress, many sessions take place at the same time. Your lecture needs to stand out.

Start with a strong title.

Your title should already make people curious and invite them to attend.

Final Thought

A good lecture shares knowledge.
A great lecture connects, inspires, and stays with the audience.

What will your audience remember after your lecture?

Opportunities for Everyone

An International Viola Congress is not only about listening, it is also about participating.

Many attendees come as listeners, but are equally eager to play and be involved. This includes students, amateurs, and professionals alike.

One of the most inclusive activities is the Viola Orchestra, where everyone can take part. The repertoire is chosen so that the level is balanced and accessible, allowing violists of different backgrounds to play together and share the experience.

Workshops offer another important opportunity for participation. These sessions can be more flexible in length and format, and are designed to actively involve participants. We warmly encourage proposals that invite interaction and shared music-making.

In addition, masterclasses are always a highlight of the congress. While featured artists will present masterclasses, there is often space for other teachers to contribute as well. Many students are eager to participate, and fresh perspectives are always welcome.

So whether you would like to perform, teach, or simply share your ideas, there are many ways to be part of the congress.