Meet the Team
Founding Members
The founding members of European Soundmakers – Musical Instrument Confederation are the leading associations of the European musical instrument and music equipment sector from the Czech Republic (AVHN), France (CSFI), Germany (CAFIM, SOMM), Italy (DISMAMUSICA) and Spain (COMÚSICA).
AVHN
Czech Republic
AVHN,The Association of Musical Instrument Makers of the Czech Republic, brings together both legal entities and individuals involved in the production of musical instruments, their components and accessories. Its main purpose is to protect, support, and promote the collective interests of its members in business and technical matters. The association fosters mutual cohesion and emphasizes the cultural significance of the industry. Additionally, it represents and advocates for its members' interests before governmental bodies and international organizations. AVHN actively promotes international collaboration within the European Union. The association was established on December 2, 1998, in Hradec Králové.
CSFI
France
The French Musical Instrument Organisation (La Chambre Syndicale de la Facture Instrumentale, CSFI) was founded in 1890 in Paris. It gathers companies and craftsmen who make, distribute and export musical instruments and their accessories. The CSFI also welcomes resellers and instrument makers associations (violin, guitar, piano). Its main objectives are the protection of its members and of the musical instrument making as a whole and the development of the instrumental practice for everybody.
CAFIM
Germany
The Confederation of European Music Industrie was founded in 1977 and is based in Frankfurt. CAFIM is a non-profit organization representing the interests of the European musical instrument industry. It promotes the interests of musical instrument manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and musicians across Europe. The association ctively works on international trade regulations, such as CITES (protecting endangered species used in instruments like ivory and Pernambuco wood) and EU environmental regulations like REACH regarding lead and nickel content in instruments.
SOMM
Germany
SOMM (Society of Music Merchants e.V.) is the umbrella organisation of the musical instrument and music equipment industry based in Germany (Berlin). It represents the interests of almost 750 European companies and organisations from the manufacturing, distribution, retail, publishing and media sectors of the music industry. SOMM advocates on behalf of the musical instrument and music equipment industry at national and European levels, promoting both cultural and economic interests. The objective is to enhance the competitiveness of the industry across all market segments, influence the political and legal landscape in alignment with industry needs, define market standards and provide services for members. Additionally, the association advocates for contemporary musical training and further education, and is dedicated to promoting active music-making and fostering the advancement of musical expertise in society.
DISMAMUSICA
Italy
Dismamusica, the Italian Association of the musical instrument and musical publishing industry, was founded in 1982. It represents the entire sector, gathering producers, importers, distributors, dealers, craftsmen and publishers. The Association aims at strengthening the industry and giving voice to its requirements towards Institutions and political bodies. Moreover Dismamusica is active in cultural, social and educational activities in order to promote and develop musical practice.
COMÚSICA
Spain
The National Association of Manufacturers, Importers and Distributors of Musical Instruments has national scope and was created in 1978. Comúsica gathers groups of companies dedicated to trade musical instruments in all its facets, from manufacturing to retail, as well as trade in sheet music, books and musical methodology. The fundamental functions of Comúsica are developed in two areas, firstly promoting musical practice in Spain and secondly supporting the development of the management of its members.
The Directors
President
Jérôme Perrod
Vice President
Manel Punti
Treasurer
Stelvio Lorenzetti
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