2008 AVS Primrose Competition Update

ONE OF THE WORLD'S MOST PRESTIGIOUS INTERNATIONAL STRING COMPETITIONS TO BE HELD IN TEMPE, ARIZONA JUNE 1-8

Phoenix, AZ - The Primrose International Viola Competition (PIVC), one of the most renowned string instrument competitions in the world, takes place June 1 through June 8, 2008 at Arizona State University's Herberger College of Music.

The 11th Competition features the world's best young violists up to age 29. The competition received a record number of entries this year - up thirty percent from 2005. The 75 competitors represent the countries of Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Israel, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Mexico, New Zealand, Romania, Taiwan, Turkey, and the United States. The 2008 Competition awards over $30,000 USD in cash and prizes, including a viola by Italian master luthier Carlo Testoni and select engagements in the United States and Europe. The Competition offers the Phoenix area one week of exceptional international competition, exquisite music and an exhilarating finish. All rounds are open to the public, and audiences can expect to hear a broad survey of the viola repertoire.

Renowned violist and 1993 Competition First Place winner Nokuthula Ngwenyama serves as current director of the Primrose International Viola Competition. She is joined by former Competition director Claudine Bigelow of the United States, who serves as this year's jury chair. Joining the Competition as jurors for the first time will be Amir Shiff of Israel, Bruno Pasquier of France, Steven Tenenbom of the United States, Eugene Sarbu of Romania, and Ensik Choi of Korea. Carol Rodland of the United States will return having served as juror for the semi-final and final rounds in 2005.

In addition to the performances, which include the world premiere of Recitativo for solo viola by New Orleans composer and violist Scott Slapin, there will be many exhibits and educational symposiums as part of the 36th International Viola Congress, concurrently held June 4 through June 8, 2008.

Founded in 1979 as the first international competition solely for violists, William Primrose served as chair of the jury for its inaugural year. The American Viola Society (AVS), through an endowment established by memorial contributions made by friends, collegues, artists, and admirers, has sponsored the competition since 1986. The Competition continues to function as an inspiration to young artists. Over the last thirty years it has continued to attract the most distinguished jurors and most talented applicants worldwide. The Competition has an international reputation for identifying the talent of tomorrow and is respected for its artistic and professional integrity. Its laureates occupy principle seats of major symphony orchestras, act as professors in major centers of higher education, and have achieved success as international soloists.

Opening ceremonies and the competitors' drawing of lots are held Sunday, June 1, 2008 at 5 PM. Competition performance rounds begin Monday, June 2 at 9:30 AM.
For more information email info@primrosecompetition.org or go to www.primrosecompetition.org.