~ by Ms. Monica
I am so excited after my time spent at the European Suzuki Viola Gathering 2019. There were 280 people there from 19 countries…all for the viola! Some were family members, but we had SO MANY VIOLAS all playing on stage together. Even though we didn’t all speak the same language, we were able to communicate through our music. https://youtu.be/vD_ei8OwnRM
I was invited to teach a parent class; isn’t it wonderful that you, like so many others around the world, are doing something so special with your children?? This is a one-of-a-kind event…I’ve never been to anything with so many violas in one place before, and with no other instruments! It was truly magical to be surrounded by our rich viola tone.
This year, the event was held in El Escorial, Spain. It’s about an hour north of Madrid, and was a former capital of Spain. I got to visit the Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We had students from Pre-Twinkle all the way up through Book 6, and it is growing each and every time we meet. Two years ago, we were in Watford, which is just outside of London. I feel so privileged to use Suzuki Viola as a way to explore the world, but especially as a way to meet students all over the globe. Perhaps in two years time, you’ll join me?