The Viola and The Maqam - Workshop

An introduction to a practical introduction to Interpretation techniques

Presented by Joseph Alfred, Violinist

“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''.

The IVC 2026 Program Committee has selected this contribution from a competitive field of 211 high-quality proposals, on the basis of originality and perceived strength.

This interactive workshop invites violists to explore the vibrant musical traditions of the Middle East through a combination of theory and practical exercises. Led by Middle Eastern string specialist Joseph Alfred, participants will discover how elements of Arabic, Turkish, and Persian music can enrich viola playing and expand expressive possibilities beyond Western classical techniques. The session introduces fundamental concepts of the maqam modal system, iqa'at rhythmic cycles, and the improvisatory taqsim form, along with microtonal intervals, characteristic ornamentation, and modal phrasing. Participants will apply these techniques directly on their instruments through guided exercises, call-and-response patterns, and short solo and ensemble passages. Emphasis is placed on bowing, vibrato, left-hand ornamentation, improvisation strategies, and modal intonation. Accessible to all levels, the workshop combines cultural context, historical insight, and hands-on practice, offering violists practical tools, fresh perspectives, and inspiration to integrate non-Western idioms into performance, pedagogy, and composition. 

As the host organization of the IVC 2026, the French Viola Society fully supports and endorses the ambition of Joseph Alfred to Paris in order to bring his work to the attention of the international viola community.