9 Third Time Lucky ESVG 2022, the third European Suzuki Viola Gathering, was held from October 7-9 at the resort hotel Vayamundo, in Ostende, Belgium. Two previously scheduled dates, in February 2021 and 2022, had to be cancelled on account of the pandemic, so this was n example of “third Ɵme lucky”. The overall goal of ESVG is greater visibility for the viola within the ESA community. Like its predecessors in Waƞord, UK (2017) and El Escorial, Spain (2019), ESVG 2022 approached this goal through noncompeƟƟve community building, exploring ways of developing the viola within individual studios, and of course playing and enjoying a huge range of viola music throughout the weekend. AƩendance The event was a hugely successful, vibrant and exciƟng experience. We were delighted to welcome nearly 200 parƟcipants. This number included close to 80 viola students of all ages and levels, a similar number of parents, and nearly 30 Suzuki teachers and observers. The parƟcipants came from a dozen ESA countries, as well as from Canada, the USA, and Hong Kong. Given the extremely difficult circumstances arising from the pandemic, it was understandable that this was something of a decrease from previous aƩendance figures. At the same Ɵme, it was parƟcularly encouraging to see a larger number of more advanced students – the book 4 and 5 classes were large, and we had a number of students in books 7, 8 and 9. We also had a promising number of beginning students. And we were delighted to see a large number of younger Suzuki teachers, many aƩending for the first Ɵme, and all volunteering to act as faculty and teach classes. These increases augur well for the future of both ESVG and the ESA viola community. OrganizaƟon A five-person organizing commiƩee, comprising Juan Drown and Joanne MarƟn (joint musical directors), Mona Kodama and Peter King classroom space therefore; we could offer very reasonable registraƟon rates, with special provisions for families, parƟcularly those with several Suzuki students. The lower registraƟon fees were very welcome, in the face of financial problems faced by many in the immediate post-COVID era. ESVG will be expressing its thanks to the ESA for invaluable assistance by making a donaƟon to the European Suzuki Teaching Development Trust. Conclusion and What Next for ESVG We can claim with confidence that ESVG 2022 was, in all respects, a great success. We were delighted that we had such a large aƩendance at this difficult Ɵme and that we were able to offer a full spectrum of classes and other events for all to enjoy. We heard many expressions of thanks, delight and enjoyment over the weekend. And when the quesƟon was asked during the final concert of how many would like to aƩend a future ESVG, every hand was raised. So the discussion now is not “whether” but “where and when” the next ESVG will take place. Stay tuned! Final Words To end we would like to share a few comments made by a parent, a teacher, and some pupils aŌer ESVG. “… a wonderful weekend of musicmaking and friendship. It was lovely to have everyone in one place again and … the venue worked well both in terms of geƫng there & faciliƟes. The whole thing was over far too quickly!” “… an amazing weekend! … My daughters and I loved every moment!” “My son loved the gatherings, the concerts and so on (and also the kid games...). “ “Everything was perfectly organised. I did not expect such a good level of music! Thanks also to the teachers who were so kind and enthusiasƟc!” “I would like to thank you and all your colleagues for organizing such a beauƟful event as the ESVG 2022! My daughter and I have enjoyed it very much. It was both interesƟng and learning!” European Suzuki Viola Gathering, Belgium Peter King (administraƟon) and Pusinne Leung (local arrangements) undertook the organizaƟon of the event, coping philosophically with the difficulƟes associated with the need to postpone twice! Geert Van Renterghem acted as webmaster, and Katrien de Munter, Laura Keutzenkamp and Paloma Ortas Gabarre provided invaluable service as assistants during the event itself. As ever, there was an overall willingness of all present to help with things as they arose – in true Suzuki spirit. LocaƟon Vayamundo certainly fostered our community spirit. We had comfortable and reasonably priced, accommodaƟon, all parƟcipants could enjoy the pool and children could choose from a selecƟon of physical acƟviƟes – but only aŌer they had finished pracƟcing of course! What happened at ESVG ESVG 2022 comprised a large variety of acƟviƟes, all related to our basic goals as described earlier. The acƟviƟes included: Opening play-in, Suzuki Repertoire group classes, Viola ensembles at four different level, Parents’ viola classes, A, ever=popular “viola for violinists” class, Teacher led seminars, open to all, Discussion sessions for Suzuki teachers, Final concert, featuring all the classes held during the event In addiƟon, there was a splendid Saturday evening viola and chamber recital given by a group of local musicians, followed by an informal recepƟon, which offered further opportuniƟes for networking and discussion. Costs and Budget ESVG 2022 followed the approach successfully used at ESVG 2017 and 2019. All those who aƩended ESVG 2022, including parents, teachers, observers and pupils, paid their own expenses. Those who taught classes and led discussion sessions did so on a volunteer basis. We were fortunate in being able to negoƟate favorable rates for accommodaƟon and
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