More than 300 participants from all over the world come to the IVC2018 in Rotterdam. Who are they? Why are they coming, and what do they expect from this congress?
In this mini-interview, South African composer Franco Prinsloo gives us his story.

IVC: Introduce yourself for our readers?

I am a composer from Pretoria, South Africa. I specialise in the composition of vocal music – choral music, opera and art song. Over the past few years I have been composing a lot of instrumental music as well, especially for the viola and violin. Elmarie van der Vyfer has commissioned me to compose new repertoire for the viola in 2016, and since then a fantastic collaboration between composer and viola player took flight.

2. How did you hear about IVC2018, and what made you decide to come?

In 2016 I collaborated with curator, Elani Willemse, in producing an interdisciplinary art exhibition and concert called “Urban Impressions”. During the concert, Elmarie van der Vyfer premièred my “Sonatina for Viola and piano”. After the concert we decided to create a concert programme “Transcript” in collaboration with composer Pieter Bezuidenhout and pianist Mathilda Horsfeld especially for the IVC2018 and for the 2018 New Music Indaba. New works were composed for the viola and transcriptions made from existing compositions to add to our repertoire for the viola. We created new, fresh South African viola repertoire to showcase at the IVC2018 and give the music an international audience.

What are your expectations for IVC2018, and what part of it are you most looking forward to?

I am extremely excited to attend “Sound Images from Africa: Exposing New and Unknown Repertoire for the Viola”, as part of the programme my newly composed work “Die Gebreekte Snaar” will be premièred. As a composer of contemporary music I believe that it is very important to communicate and collaborate. I looking forward in meeting performers and composers from all over the world and connect through music. The IVC2018 has a packed and interesting line-up. I am super exited to learn and explore more about this fascinating instrument – the viola.