09/10/2025
Dear friends and fellow violists,
When the Massachusetts Viola Society was founded in 2020, it was with the hopeful idea that, even in a time of distance, we could find new ways to connect and support one another. Through online workshops, live events, and conversations, we built a space where violists could share knowledge, inspiration, and encouragement.
At the beginning, none of us knew when we’d be able to meet or make music in person again. During our very first year, we sponsored eight events: a couple of friendly online chats; a Feldenkrais workshop, an Alexander Technique workshop, and a Body Mapping workshop—all on Zoom; a virtual conversation about diversity in orchestral programming; a virtual presentation on viola-making and instrument maintenance; and an in-person discussion and reading of music by Telemann. We then went on to host two in-person Viola Day events. Last fall we held an inaugural Competition for Young Viola Soloists. The first-place winner of that competition performed Bruch’s Romanze with the Apollo Ensemble of Boston this past spring.
Now, with the return of a full calendar of in-person commitments, both personal and professional, the board has been stretched thinner and thinner. The time and cost of administering the organization have grown to exceed our capacity. It has become clear that MassViola cannot continue in its present form, and at this week's board meeting we unanimously voted to dissolve the Society. Rather than fade away quietly, we want to mark our conclusion with gratitude.
As we bring this chapter to a close, we offer heartfelt thanks:
To our Advisory Council, for lending their wisdom and moral support: Elisabeth Christensen, John Harbison, Rodney Lister, and Emily Rideout.
To all past board members, who gave freely of their time and energy: Catharine Crawford, Emily Erickson, Jacob Litoff, and Emily Rideout.
To the workshop leaders who shared their artistry and insight with our community: Luca Antonucci, Eve Boltax, Joy Grimes, Vanessa Mulvey, Emily Rideout, Daniel Rowe, Lisa Sailer, David Siegel, and Peter Sulski.
To the 71 of you who supported us by becoming MassViola members and especially to the 18 contributing members whose financial support sustained our mission: Susan Adams, Ken Allen, Robert Bruce, Patricia Chane, Catharine Crawford, Arturo Fernandez, Peggy Garland, Michael Hamill, Mark Lakirovich, Chen Lin, Allyn McCourt, Arjun Mudan, Sergio Muñoz Leiva, Taisiya Sokolova, Kenneth Stalberg, Jane Starkman, Cassandra Sulbaran, and Arie Yaacobi.
Your generosity of spirit made the Massachusetts Viola Society possible. Even when attendance was small, the value of those moments of connection was never diminished.
We are no longer accepting membership fees or donations and our October 5th open meeting has been canceled. The balance in our bank account will be donated to the American Viola Society on October 15th. If you would like a refund of this year’s dues, please reach out to [email protected] with your name and mailing address by September 30th.
Thank you for helping create something meaningful during a difficult time. May the friendships and inspiration continue in studios, rehearsals, and concerts across Massachusetts and beyond.
With gratitude and warmest wishes,
The Massachusetts Viola Society Board
Ken Allen, president
Arie Yaacobi, vice president
Chen Lin, treasurer
