Alison Maugham

50th International Viola Congress. Paris January 19–23, 2026

The Portuguese Viola Society is happy to announce a call for proposals to all International Viola Society branches for the 47th International Viola Congress.

We are delighted to announce that the 50th International Viola Congress will take place from January 19–23, 2026, in the vibrant city of Paris, France. This milestone event will be centered at the spectacular Philharmonie de Paris, one of the world’s premier concert venues.

Details on the call for proposals will be shared soon, so stay tuned! This landmark congress promises to honor the rich tradition of the International Viola Society while uniting our global community in a grand celebration of the viola.

The lineup of featured artists will include some of the most remarkable talents in the viola world, ensuring an unforgettable experience. The dedication and vision of Francoise Gneri and her team at the French Viola Society have been instrumental in making this event possible, and their efforts deserve our highest praise.

We can’t wait to welcome you all to Paris in 2026 for what promises to be a truly exceptional gathering.

Alison (Test)

Thea

Where in the UK do you live...? Scotland, North East, London etc.

Manchester

What month is your Birthday?

November

Do you have any brothers and/or sisters?

I have one brother

Do you have any pets?

I have two guinea pigs

What is your first name?

Thea

If you were given a free 1st class ticket to travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Australia

We know you are awesome because you play the viola! What achievement are you most proud of?

I swam 3000 metres, which is equivalent to 120 lengths!

How did you end up choosing to play the viola?

I had a choice of violin, viola, cello and double bass. My brother plays cello so I wanted to be different, and then out of the other three viola was my favourite!

What do you carry in your viola case?

Viola, bow, shoulder rest, pencil (if I remember!), rubber, rosin, cleaning cloth, spare strings.

What is your favorite genre of music?

Pop

If you chose to play another instrument, what would you play?

Cello

Do you have a favourite....? You don't have to answer them all, this isn't an exam!

Film...

Wonder

Food...

Lasagne, sausage rolls or pizza!

Song/Piece of music...

The Firebird Suite - Stravinsky

Artist/Composer...

Katy Perry

Colour...

Blue

Key Signature...

A flat Major

Best time to practice?

Before School

(2/5)

After School

(4/5)

How much do you LOVE the viola?

What is your favourite way to make music?

Orchestra

(5/5)

Chamber group

(4/5)

Solo

(3/5)

With piano

(5/5)

String ensemble

(4/5)

Pop group

(3/5)

Folk group

(3/5)

Jazz group

(3/5)

Do you have a specific practice time?

16:00

How much do you LOVE....?

Scales

(3/5)

Arpeggios

(3/5)

Pieces

(5/5)

Shifting

(2/5)

Double Stopping

(2/5)

Treble Clef

(4/5)

Alto Clef

(5/5)

Octaves

(4/5)

Do you have a favourite Superhero?

This doesn’t really count but I think of Hermione Granger as a superhero!

Is there anything else you'd like to share that we haven't thought to ask?

I love Young Violas!

Author: Alison Maugham

50th International Viola Congress. Paris January 19–23, 2026

50th International Viola Congress. Paris. January 19–23, 2026

Alison (Test)

Thea

Thea