Global Community

The International Viola Society (IVS) is a globally connected organization devoted to the celebration, promotion, and advancement of the viola and its repertoire. Established in 1968 by Austrian violist and scholar Franz Zeyringer—originally as Die Viola-Forschungsgellschaft—the IVS has grown into a dynamic network of national and regional viola societies spanning six continents.

Through its support of performance, education, research, and community-building, the IVS brings together violists of all backgrounds, including students, professionals, educators, composers, luthiers, and enthusiasts. The Society coordinates international events such as the annual International Viola Congress, publishes scholarly resources, and fosters cross-cultural exchange to enrich the global viola community.

Whether promoting new works, preserving historical repertoire, or advocating for greater accessibility and representation in the arts, the IVS continues to serve as a vibrant platform for collaboration, inspiration, and innovation in the world of viola.

Members Only Discounts

As part of our commitment to supporting violists, luthiers, and scholars at every stage of their journey, Egyptian Viola Society members enjoy exclusive discounts on a range of offerings. These include 1:1 mentorship sessions, workshops, specialized training courses, and access to performance and research resources. Members also receive early notification about upcoming international festivals, masterclasses, and collaborative events—creating opportunities to engage with the global viola community. Whether you're a student, educator, performer, or just love the viola, your membership opens the door to a vibrant, inclusive, and professionally enriching network.

Join the Egyptian Viola Society NOW!

What membership includes?

Membership in the Egyptian Viola Society offers more than access—it opens doors. Members gain eligibility for performance and scholastic scholarships, as well as participation in national and international competitions that highlight emerging and established talent. You’ll also have the opportunity to submit lecture proposals and performance programs to festivals and congresses around the world, helping to elevate Egyptian voices on global stages.

Beyond professional development, membership fosters meaningful connection. Our growing community brings together violists from Egypt and across the globe to share resources, collaborate on projects, and build lasting relationships that transcend borders.

Join us in shaping a more connected, visible, and inclusive future for the viola.

  • Enjoy exclusive access to scholarships, competitions, international performance opportunities, and discounted training. Connect with a global network of violists and share your voice on stages and platforms around the world.

  • Stay inspired with weekly videos, interviews, practice tips, and features on Egyptian and international violists. Fresh content every week to support your growth, spark creativity, and keep you connected to the global viola community

  • Join a vibrant network of violists dedicated to connection, collaboration, and cultural exchange. From forums and member directories to joint projects and international partnerships, the Egyptian Viola Society is building bridges across borders.

  • The Egyptian Viola Society offers personalized 1:1 sessions designed to support both students and educators in their musical and professional development. These sessions focus on:

    • Individual Mentorship: Tailored guidance for violists at all levels to refine technique, expand repertoire, and prepare for performance and professional opportunities.

    • Educator Support: Pedagogical coaching for teachers seeking to enhance their studio practices, with special attention to inclusive teaching methods.

    • Residencies & Exchange: Facilitating local and international residencies, educational exchanges, and cultural collaborations that connect Egyptian violists with institutions, festivals, and artists around the world. These initiatives promote artistic growth, intercultural dialogue, and global visibility for the viola community in Egypt.

    • Specialized Training & Global Engagement: Offering courses, workshops, masterclasses, and invitations to international festivals that promote the viola, its repertoire, and the artists devoted to it. These programs connect Egyptian violists with leading global educators and foster artistic exchange across cultures.

    • Resource Development & Member Connectivity: Providing access to orchestral excerpts and diverse viola repertoire from around the world along with a member directory to support collaboration, mentorship, and professional networking within the international viola community.

FAQs

  • The Egyptian Viola Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the viola and supporting violists in Egypt and beyond. We provide education, resources, mentorship, and opportunities to connect with the global viola community.

  • Yes, the Egyptian Viola Society is an officially recognized nonprofit organization affiliated with the International Viola Society, committed to advancing the viola community in Egypt and fostering international collaboration.

  • While the Egyptian Viola Society primarily serves violists, we welcome educators, composers, luthiers, and viola enthusiasts who support our mission to promote the instrument and its music.

  • Many of our resources and events are open to the public, but full access to scholarships, discounts, and exclusive programs is reserved for members of the Egyptian Viola Society.

  • The Egyptian Viola Society is open to violists, educators, students, and anyone passionate about the viola and its community—both in Egypt and worldwide.

  • Members enjoy access to scholarships, competitions, exclusive training, discounted events, a global network, and opportunities to perform and present at international festivals.

  • The Egyptian Viola Society is led by a dedicated board of violists, educators, and community advocates committed to supporting and advancing the viola in Egypt and internationally.

  • Joining the Egyptian Viola Society is easy—simply visit our website, complete the membership form, and choose the membership level that best fits your needs. Welcome to the community!

  • You can get involved by attending events, participating in workshops and competitions, volunteering for projects, and connecting with fellow members through our online community and collaborations.

Upcoming events

  • Launching Egyptian Viola Society

    10.21 7:00-8:00PM

    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.

  • International Viola Congress

    19 - 23 January 2026

    Paris, France

    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.