Time to show the viola a little love.
This slightly larger sibling of the violin will take the full spotlight at the Chicago Viola Festival, running 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. March 20 at Ravinia’s Bennett Gordon Hall in Highland Park.
“The Chicago Viola Festival is an opportunity for students and viola enthusiasts of all ages to gather to enjoy and learn about viola,” said Evan Fojtik of the Midwest Young Artists Conservatory, which hosts the annual event.
“This year we have world-class clinicians from the University of Illinois, Chicago Symphony Orchestra and other institutions from around the Midwest,” he said. “The clinicians will present on topics ranging from electric viola technique to historical performance practice.”
About 30 student violists from all over the region, ranging in age from 5th graders to high school seniors, will be participating in the “day of exceptional instruction from extraordinary musicians.”
“There are chances to perform in master class settings and chances to participate in interactive presentations,” Fojtik said. “Regardless of skill and experience level, there will be something at the festival that will take your playing to the next level.”
When it comes to stringed instruments, violas tend to get the short end of the stick.
“Their sound can hide in the orchestra, and it’s much more common to see a violin or cello concerto at an orchestra concert than it is to see a viola concerto,” Fojtik explained. “Anyone who has acquainted themselves with the viola will know that this is an unjust predicament for violists.”
In the spirit of that, the conservatory wanted to create an opportunity to celebrate the viola. The first Chicago Viola Festival occurred in 2012.
“One reason we created this festival is to serve violists in Chicagoland and beyond as an instrumental community that is sometimes overlooked,” Fojtik said. “We had to cancel the festival in 2020 and 2021, so we are especially excited to continue the tradition in 2022.”
äThe festival wraps up with a public performance by clinicians and students at 4 p.m., featuring a range of composers and styles.
“Guests can expect a performance by a student viola ensemble and performances by our illustrious clinicians,” he said.
The concert lineup includes “Treacherous Cretins” (1979) by Frank Zappa, arranged by Rudolf Haken; “Chahagir” for solo viola (1944) by Alan Hovhaness; preludes of the “Cello Suites” No. 1 and No. 6 (1723) by Johann Sebastian Bach; “Tooth and Nail” (2010) by Missy Mazzoli; and “Märchenbilder,” a.ka. “Fairy Tale Pictures,” (1851) by Robert Schumann.
The Midwest Young Artists Conservatory hosts three instrumental festivals throughout the year, including the Chicago Double Reed Festival and the Chicago Bass Festival.
“I can’t think of opportunities like these festivals to work with such accomplished musicians in a casual and supportive setting,” Fojtik said. “The enthusiasm for music and the instrument is almost tangible in the air.”
Chicago Viola Festival
When: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 20
Where: Ravinia’s Bennett Gordon Hall, 201 St. Johns Ave., Highland Park
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Tickets: Free
Information: violafest.mya.org
Jen Banowetz is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.