Music China, the largest trade fair in the Asian musical instrument industry, takes center stage from October 26 – 29 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.
Featuring over 1,800 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions showcasing the latest products in 10 halls across 113,000 sqm, the show brings together the best of music appreciation, knowledge expansion and business networking to the profitable Chinese market, where the value of the imported musical instruments continued to grow in the first quarter of 2016.
According to official figures from China Customs, the total value of imported musical instruments between January and March this year was USD 74.32 million, up 7.3% compared to the same period in 2015. Among the importing regions, the share of the BRIC countries (excluding China) and the EU increased 17.7% and 16.5% respectively. As for categories, there was strong growth in the import value of various musical instruments: Electronic and electric instruments grew 140%, string instruments 87%, percussion instruments 48% and grand pianos 32%.
A full spectrum of exhibits is the very essence of what makes Music China the premium sourcing platform for the industry. This year is no exception as top-notch musical products from a complete panorama will be unveiled, including pianos and keyboards, bowed and stringed instruments, electronic and electric instruments, woodwind and brass, percussion instruments, as well as Chinese and traditional instruments. There will also be a brand new zone for music education, and an enlarged area for bowed instruments and pianos. In addition, a stellar line-up of notable local and international brands, as well as long-standing international pavilions from Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, Taiwan and the UK will congregate at this industry event, providing broad sourcing options for professional buyers.
Many of the exhibitors have expressed their eagerness in capitalising on the emerging market opportunities in China and the rest of Asia through Music China. American company Soultone Cymbals decided to return in 2016 after experiencing the massive potential of the Chinese market last edition, and will showcase a full line-up of their Soultone Intro cymbals series developed exclusively for the Chinese market. Director of Soultone Cymbals China Mr Darren Kopas remarked, “2015 was our first year of participation and we instantly realised the significance of this industry event as we want to operate in the Chinese market.”
BG Franck Bichon, another repeat exhibitor of brass and woodwind accessories from France, is also eyeing the lucrative Asian markets. Owner of the company Mr Franck Bichon acknowledged the show as an essential platform to reach international customers and he commented, “As the Chinese market is becoming increasingly influential, we hope to meet local artists and dealers to introduce our latest Duo Soprano ligature and straps. Music China has agents from various Asia countries coming to visit, and it is definitely the place to be seen!”
Crafter Guitars, a long-time Korean exhibitor of acoustic guitars, also values the show as a vital stage to access the Chinese market. CEO of the company, Mr In Jae Park said, “As a well-respected global brand exporting guitars to over 40 countries, international markets are very important to us. Music China gives us the opportunity to promote our Crafter series to many Chinese guitar players and dealers in this fast-growing market.” The company will be highlighting its high-end models KGLXE-7000 and -9000 produced with the finest tone woods.
Immersive Fringe Events
An all-encompassing schedule of concurrent events on business networking, music education and culture appreciation is fuelling increased enthusiasm for the upcoming edition. The highly acclaimed NAMM CMIA Forum and NAMM University Courses will return, offering attendees a chance to broaden their market knowledge and hear the best business strategies from MI industry experts. This year’s programme will also feature a blend of inspirational forums and classes on traditional Chinese and Western music, as well as special zones for music education, global forums on traditional Chinese music, and seminars on technology and innovation. Master trial classes will also be conducted for music enthusiasts to cultivate their musical talents.
Exciting live performances account for an enormous part of this musical celebration. Over 1,000 indoor and outdoor live concerts and demonstrations will be staged, covering a variety of music genres such as rock, jazz, folk, heavy metal, pop and classical music. Also taking place during the fair is SchoolJam, where a winning school-band team from Germany will perform. The Drum Circles will also allow participants to explore a diverse range of musical and rhythmic expressions.
Music China will open to the trade for four days from October 26 – 29, and end-users and the public are welcome to visit on the last two days. An admission fee has been introduced starting from this edition, but visitors who pre-register online on or before 20 September can enjoy free entry to the show. Entry will cost RMB 30 from September 21 – October 24, and RMB 50 from October 25 – 29.
For more details about Music China 2016, please visit www.musikmesse-china.com or send an email to music@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com.
