At the closing ceremony of the American Viola Society Festival, University of North Texas Associate Professor of Viola, Daphne Gerling, was presented with the AVS Founders Award. The notification letter from festival coordinator, Christina Ebersohl-Van Scyoc, reads, “On behalf of the American Viola Society, I am delighted to share the wonderful news that you have been selected as the 2026 recipient of the AVS Founders Award—a high honor recognizing extraordinary contributions in performance, scholarship, composition, instrument building, philanthropy, and service to the AVS community. Your work has had a profound and lasting impact, and this award is a reflection of your tremendous dedication, talent, and generosity.” 

More information at: https://music.unt.edu/people/daphne-gerling.html