China (Shanghai) International Musical Instrument Exhibition opens, and global -new, strange and special- musical instruments are competing for excellence
The 2024 Shanghai International Musical Instruments Exhibition kicked off on October 10 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center, showcasing a wide array of high-quality international instrument brands. This year’s exhibition focuses on unique and innovative musical offerings, giving music enthusiasts a glimpse into the latest industry trends.
Among the highlights is a special exhibition of antique pianos that has captured the attention of attendees. Featured items include a 1936 Challen grand piano from the UK adorned with traditional Chinese lacquer art, a KLEMS upright piano from Germany dating back to 1890, and a stunning 1900 German upright piano featuring intricate marquetry inlaid with rosewood. Each of these antique pianos not only boasts an elegant appearance but also produces enchanting sounds, with staff noting that each model is uniquely one-of-a-kind.
The Shanghai International Musical Instruments Exhibition is designed to reflect current industry trends, offering insights into the global market. This year’s theme, “New Vitality, New Wave, New Future,” encompasses five key areas: trade, product launches, educational outreach, cultural performances, and information dissemination. Its goal is to establish a comprehensive platform for music exchange that energizes consumer demand, stirs a new wave in music, and paves the way for future musical innovation.
Representatives from 1840 companies across 26 countries and regions, including China, Albania, Austria, Spain, the UK, and the US, are participating in the exhibition. Among them are numerous international delegations and clusters from the domestic musical instrument industry.
In the section dedicated to traditional instruments, an eye-catching guzheng designed by national-level representative inheritor of lacquer art, Yin Liping from Chengdu, drew considerable interest. Inspired by a wisteria page from the Palace Museum’s collection, this guzheng features wisteria motifs that create a natural and dynamic design, appearing grand from a distance while showcasing intricate details up close.
Another standout is a ‘Cloud’ pipa, which merges tradition and innovation, embodying both classical and contemporary aesthetics. This pipa features a distinctive design, moving away from the traditional peony motifs, and utilizes solid craftsmanship with its cloud-patterned headpiece carved from Brazilian rosewood, set against a white bone powder disc. The instrument not only possesses a unique shape but also produces a pure, rounded tone.
The 2024 Shanghai International Musical Instruments Exhibition leverages its position as a major international trade platform to focus on stimulating consumer demand and potential. The music industry currently finds itself at a crossroads, facing a pressing need for innovation and transformation, particularly in response to the growing diversity of musical cultural activities and the evolving demands in music education. Addressing these challenges has become a key focus for industry leaders and related enterprises.
As an important aspect of the exhibition, industry forums this year will concentrate on new perspectives in the instrument market. Wang Shicheng, the chairman of the China Musical Instruments Association, and Muh Yuhang, president and CEO of the American International Music Products Association, will deliver keynote speeches, offering a macro-level analysis of the industry’s current development trends. Panel discussions will dive into how contemporary musical cultural activities and music education markets can thrive, exploring new trends and outlining a shared vision for the industry’s future.
In 2024, dubbed the “Year of Consumption Promotion,” the Shanghai International Musical Instruments Exhibition is collaborating with the Shanghai International Consumer Electronics Show to introduce the “Shanghai International Consumer Electronics X Music Consumption Festival.” This initiative brings together renowned domestic and international brands in musical instruments and consumer electronics, enhancing the integration of culture, sports, and commerce across major shopping districts in Shanghai through diverse showcases, pop-up events, and immersive experiences that drive consumption upgrades in the digital economy era.