50th International Viola Congress - Paris 2026
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.
“Viola and Maqam” A Workshop in the 50th International Viola Congress - Paris 2026
Viola and Maqam - Workshop
An introduction to a practical introduction to Interpretation techniques
“During the Congress, Joseph Alfred has been invited as a contributor to the 50th International Viola Congress (IVC) in Paris, France from January 19th to 23rd, 2026. The proposed contribution is in the form of a workshop titled ''viola and Maqam, an introduction to a practical introduction to Interpretation techniques''.
Presented by Joseph Alfred, Violinist and President of CANTOS
Safe Spaces: Out There & Within
Can art heal? In a world overwhelmed by noise, pressure, and uncertainty, Safe Spaces invite us to pause and breathe. Through exhibitions, residencies, performances or community-based art projects, artists and audiences in Egypt and Czechia explore how art & creativity can become a refuge — a space where minds recover, emotions connect, and collective resilience grows. Because caring for mental health begins with listening, creating, and imagining together.
Let’s together explore our Safe Spaces out there and within!
The Grand Egyptian Museum Opening Ceremony
A Historic Performance at the Grand Egyptian Museum
On November 1, 2025, Dr. Christina Ebersohl-Van Scyoc, co-founder of CANTOS for Arts | كانتوس للفنون, proudly represented the United States as the only American violist in an orchestra of musicians from 79 countries, performing before world leaders at the opening ceremony of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
Under the unwavering direction of Maestro Nayer Nagui, the international ensemble performed a powerful work by Egyptian composer Hisham Nazih, whose music captured the grandeur and spirit of the occasion.
Dr. Ebersohl-Van Scyoc shared a stand with the distinguished Egyptian violist Suzan Saber, and formed enduring friendships with fellow musicians from across the Arab world. She describes the experience as “forever etched in my heart—a reminder of how music transcends borders and unites us in shared purpose.”
This remarkable performance continues to inspire her work in developing CANTOS for Arts, alongside co-founder Joseph Alfred, as a platform for cross-cultural collaboration and artistic exchange.
A special thank-you is extended to Concrete for providing the stunning performance attire—and for letting the musicians keep it!
A Tale of Tow cities "between Geography & Mystery"
From the opening ceremony of the #exhibition "Geography & Mystery" September 1 in the Greek Roman #museum in #alexandria by the Artists: Stefano Cagol & Marina Ballo
The exhibition is Curated by Alessandro Castiglioni and organized by Art D’Égypte
Alexandria .. City and Life
In an artistic evening and a festive atmosphere, the exhibition "Alexandria... City and Life" was inaugurated.
Launching The Egyptian Viola Society
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.
