The Society was originally founded as the English Viola Society in September 2007 by the late Professor John White and Dr Louise Lansdown (President).

The society exists for the benefit of violists and aficionados of the instrument.

It has expanded to become the British Viola Society with charitable objectives, aiming to support, promote and encourage every aspect of playing, teaching, composing and research relevant to the viola in Great Britain.

The British Viola Society’s inaugural meeting was held at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester on 14 October 2012.

The British Viola Society is a member of the International Viola Society (IVS). 7% of members’ subscriptions go to the IVS, bringing together around 1500 violists across eighteen countries.