Day 5 of the Tertis and Aronowitz competition

The Unveiling of Finalists at the Tertis and Aronowitz Competitions

The day began with a morning coffee in the company of esteemed colleagues: Françoise Gnéri, the host of the upcoming International Viola Congress in Paris in January 2026, luthier Kai-Thomas Roth from Shelton, and Thomas Selditz, viola professor in Vienna. This warm gathering set the tone for another inspiring day in the world of viola.

At 9:15, the competitions resumed with eight contestants in each event: the Tertis and Aronowitz Competitions. Today, I focused primarily on the Tertis Competition, as the program in this round offered full sonatas and excerpts from major viola concertos—an exciting prospect for any viola enthusiast.

Morning Session: A Showcase of Talent and Interpretation

The first contestant in this round was Francisca Galante from Portugal. A familiar face from the Britten Competition, Francisca currently studies in Amsterdam under Francien Schatborn and Nobuko Imai. She began her performance with the Rebecca Clarke Sonata, delivering a stunning rendition characterized by a vibrant second movement, excellent phrasing, and a rich tonal palette.

Francisca followed with Hindemith’s Der Schwanendreher. This concerto, steeped in German folk melodies, tells the tale of a minstrel who travels from town to town, sharing stories and songs. Francisca captured the narrative introduction beautifully, embodying the minstrel setting his wooden box down in the market square and calling out to his audience. Her performance was engaging and imaginative, bringing the music’s story to life.

Next came Brian Isaacs from the United States, an exceptional musician I recognized from the ARD Competition. He performed York Bowen’s Sonata in C Minor and also chose Hindemith’s Der Schwanendreher. Brian brought a unique, uplifting character to the first movement of the Bowen, taking interpretive risks that paid off. Pianist Sofia Rahman skillfully supported his vision, though some of his bold ideas weren’t fully carried through. However, his second movement was deeply moving, and the third brimmed with humor and fresh energy.

In the Hindemith concerto, Brian demonstrated his expertise as a soloist, expertly interacting with the pianist as if she were an orchestra. His charisma and communicative playing left no doubt that he could be ready to shine in a final round with orchestra.

Chinese violist Wanxinyi Huang impressed with her interpretation of Arnold Bax’s Sonata. This challenging work demands a profound understanding of phrasing and structure, and Wanxinyi delivered, immersing herself fully in the music. Her performance of Walton’s Viola Concerto also stood out. She demonstrated an acute awareness of the viola’s role within the dense orchestral texture—a key to making this concerto shine. However, should she perform with orchestra, she may need to rethink her balance to ensure her sound remains prominent.

Ami-Louise Johnsson from Sweden captivated us with her performance of Hindemith’s Sonata Op. 11, No. 4, showcasing powerful yet tender phrasing and an emotional depth that was nothing short of mesmerizing. Her Walton concerto was equally engaging, with flawless communication between her and the pianist. She demonstrated an intelligent approach to maximizing her instrument’s projection, often employing open strings or adding one or two octaves.

The morning concluded with Sam Rosenthal from the United States, who brought extraordinary energy to Bax’s Sonata and followed with the first movement of Bowen’s Viola Concerto. His bold, assured performance suggested he is more than ready for a final round with orchestra.

Afternoon Performances: Precision and Passion

After lunch, the competition resumed with Yanan Wang’s rendition of Hindemith’s Der Schwanendreher. Yanan’s rich tone was a standout feature, although her tempos were on the slower side. This measured approach allowed for an exceptionally clear articulation of the music’s intricate details. Her interpretation of Hindemith’s Sonata 1939, was equally compelling, demonstrating a deep understanding of both viola and piano parts.

Sarah Strohm from Germany/Switzerland opened with Walton’s Viola Concerto, delivering a breathtaking introduction full of character and vitality. Sarah’s dynamic presence on stage transformed her into a commanding performer. She followed with Brahms’s Sonata in E-flat, presenting a passionate and technically polished interpretation that convincingly showcased her chosen edition of the work.

Nicolas Garrigues closed the competition with a remarkable performance of Bartók’s Viola Concerto. His interpretation was uniquely personal, blending French elegance with an American sense of virtuosity. Over the three rounds, Nicolas has proven himself to be one of the most versatile performers in the field. His rendition of Hindemith’s Sonata was equally impressive, reflecting a thorough knowledge of the score and an undeniable flair.

Special Lecture and Results

After the performances, I attended a fascinating lecture by Cecil Aronowitz’s wife and longtime pianist. She shared intimate stories about his life and collaborations, offering valuable insights into the legacy of this remarkable violist.

Finally, the long-awaited results were announced. The finalists for the Aronowitz Competition are:

• Jaeyon Han

• Jackson Hill

• Xunyu Zhou

And for the Tertis Competition:

• Sam Rosenthal

• Ami-Louise Johnsson

• Nicolas Garrigues

Evening Concert: A Celebration of Viola

The evening concert featured jury member Robin Ireland, who delighted us with several of his own transcriptions. These included the opening movements of Bach’s First Sonata, reimagined for four violas, where he was joined by two Tertis contestants and Ásdís Valdimarsdóttir. He also performed Bach’s Adagio with two Aronowitz contestants, including Rotterdam’s Jolie Bisoendal.

Robin Ireland’s own composition, Ode to a Caged Bird, added a contemporary touch to the program. The concert concluded with Bach’s Sixth Suite, performed with profound artistry. It was a fitting end to another extraordinary day of viola music, as the competition continues to reveal the finest talents in our field.