The Italian city of Cremona, in Lombardy Region, is considered as the violin’s birthplace, where between the 17th and 18th century the Amati, Guerneri, and Stradivari families created some of the finest string instruments that the world has ever seen.
Over the last 12 years, each September Cremona has hosted the unique exhibition of handcrafted string instruments Mondomusica, attended by thousands of visitors including musicians, instrument makers, distributors, dealers and buyers, music teachers and students, collectors and investors.
Thanks to the development of professional relations with American representatives of the violin-making industry, in 2013 the format was exported in the United States with the launch of Mondomusica New York. A successful debut, attracting over 2,500 attendees from all over the world to enjoy not only the best of contemporary handcrafted productions but also seminars, lectures, and concerts.
The second edition of Mondomusica New York will be held on April 10-12, 2014 in Soho, with the support of the Violin Society of America and the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers. And this February, in order to present it, two of these priceless works of art traveled first to Chicago and then to Los Angeles on the occasion of a special Mondomusica New York Roadshow hosted by the Italian Cultural Institute.
The exclusive event featured the participation of an Italian delegation from CremonaFiere Spa, formed by President Antonio Piva and General Manager Massimo Bianchedi, as well as of American experts like Peter Seman, President of the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers, and master violin maker, restorer and conservator Georg Eittinger.
In his introductory remarks, the Acting Director of the IIC Massimo Sarti acknowledged the role of CremonaFiere Spa in gathering together skilled craftsmen and talented musicians from different countries, and in organizing such a massive annual trade show in Italy. He also thanked all the guests, including representatives of the Italian Institutions such as the Director of the Italian Trade Commission Carlo Bocchi, the Executive Director of the Italian American Chamber of Commerce West Letizia Miccoli, and the President of Assolombarda Gianfelice Rocca.
Mondomusica concept and its origins were illustrated by President Antonio Piva, who also underlined that, even if this type of initiatives usually targets a small audience of operators and enthusiasts, the experience gained in Cremona in over a decade has made this become a large-scale exhibition. By addressing a larger public “We can promote the violin not only as an instrument for those on the professional path, but also as a form of cultural education that enriches people’s personality and interactions”, he said.
In particular, with the goal of introducing this amazing world to the new generations, every year a number of string instruments are donated to a school in New York City, allowing the creation of music programs and activities for students from disadvantaged neighborhoods. “These is an investment in the future, as spreading the culture of music is the only way for us to give new impetus to the international market of instruments”, explained General Manager Massimo Bianchedi.
Mondomusica New York is aimed at creating opportunities and connections among members of the music industry, getting in contact with a huge potential market. In fact, as Antonio Piva reminded: “The United States represent the largest market for the violin-making sector and the home of many important theaters, orchestras, music schools and organizations, as well as of some of the world’s most qualified contemporary instrument makers.”
During the presentation, Peter Seman – who is also an expert violin maker and a member of the advisory board of Mondomusica New York – outlined the rich program of this year’s upcoming exhibition, including a lecture on the origins of the violin and seminars on the latest trends and problems that may affect the music community at present. Among them are the relationship between the musician and the instrument maker who receives a commission; the issues of international traveling with a musical instrument; musicians’ wellness and the treatment of health disorders caused by musical practice.
Concerts and demonstrations are also scheduled, and over 1,500 instruments will be on display.
Finally, the owner of Hans Weisshaar Inc. Georg Eittinger described the rare Italian violins on display at the IIC from his collection, which were handcrafted by Giovanni Paolo Maggini from Brescia in 1610 and Enrico Ceruti from Cremona in 1876. “As an exhibitor at Mondomusica New York 2013 my experience was positive. The trend in the music market is changing: there is more interest from the public in purchasing string instruments”, he commented.
The pleasant evening at the Italian Cultural Institute ended with an intense live performance by Trio West from the Los Angeles Philharmonic, formed by Mark Baranov (violin), Lina Targonsky (piano), and Barry Gold (cello) who played some of Beethoven’s most renowned symphonies.
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