*
banner

Geneva Group increases DNA profile

The Geneva Group has announced a new chapter in their ambition to link their DNA to produce world class instruments with world class workers at a world class factory.

Geneva
  The factory has a long and proud history

4BR has been told that 2019 is to be a year of opportunity and innovation for the Geneva Group as they announce the opening of a new chapter in their development.

It comes with AMATI-Denak, as the Geneva Group becomes the proud owners of an iconic brand and custodians of one of the most historic centres of brass and woodwind instrument making in the world.

Cradles

Brass and woodwind instrument making first appeared in the Czech city of Kraslice as far back as the 17th century. Lying on the border of Vogtland in Saxony it has long been regarded as one of the cradles of European musical instrument making.

In the 18th century, developments in orchestral music saw the area flourish with renowned craftsmen producing wind instruments in addition to violins, whilst a desire to innovate in the 19th century saw great technical improvements with the makers of Kraslice becoming increasingly in demand for their expertise.

In 1840, the first bespoke musical instrument factory in Kraslice was set up and by the end of the 19th century 11 more followed, employing around 300 people, with an infrastructure of sellers, merchants and retailers springing up alongside them.

World renowned

Later, in the Czech town of Hradec Kralove, V.F.Cerveny was founded — becoming world renowned for its invention of what became known as the Wagner tuba, whilst the 20th century heralded almost 60 manufacturers moving to the area in and around in Kraslice.

Companies such as Bohland & Fuchs, Huller & Co., AK Huttl, Julius Keilworth, Karl Puchner, Adolf Rolz and A.Kohlert were established as major employers in the region and soon after the end of the Second World War the AMATI-Denak cooperative consisting of several of these musical instrument makers was founded and the name of AMATI was born.

A little later V.F.Cerveny was affiliated to AMATI and in 1993 the company was privatised and received the suffix, Denak, which simply means 'wind instruments Kraslice'.

Legendary

Today that history and tradition remains as strong as ever as the Geneva Group honours and is inspired by those legendary forefathers.

The current factory building now combines the skills of approximately world class 250 employees, accompanied in their work by the scent of processed wood and the sounds of hammered brass permeating the air.

4BR was informed that Geneva Group is proud to have brought together generations of talent and expertise with modern production techniques and technology to produce instruments of passion, dedication and artistic professionalism.

I've always dreamed of having world class instruments built in a world class factory by world class craftsmen and womenCEO, Tim Oldroyd

Dreamed

Speaking to 4BR, CEO Tim Oldroyd, the founder and owner of Geneva Instruments said it was always a dream of his to link his own passion to a historic centre of excellence. "I've always dreamed of having world class instruments built in a world class factory by world class craftsmen and women.

That's why in 2015 the Geneva Group bought the AMATI factory because I was convinced that history has shown that the best instruments in the world were built there."

He added: "The acquisition has laid down the foundation for the further development and innovation of AMATI-Denak affiliated companies and brands. AMATI-Denak is now part of Geneva Group (England), which includes Geneva Instruments, Oldroyd Cardinal, OW Lineage, V.F. Cerveny, AMATI, Boosey & Hawkes (Musical Instruments), Bohland & Fuchs and many more.

It proves our ethos of innovation through lineage. It's in our DNA."

Find out more:

https://genevainstruments.com/

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Youth Fest

Brass sounds fill the air at Youth Fest in Barnet

July 8 • BBE's 'Brass Fest' event saw over 200 young players provide fantastic entertainment and great music making in Barnet.


Steve Phillips

Central England lead for Phillips

July 8 • The experienced Steve Phillips has become the new Musical Director of Brass Band of Central England.


Anthony Smith

New solo euphonium at Cory

July 8 • Anthony Smith becomes the new solo euphonium player at the Brass in Concert champion ahead of their British Open challenge.


Gota

Gota goodbye to Thomsen

July 8 • The successful musical partnership between Swedish champion Gota Brass Band and conductor Michael Thomsen has come to an end.


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


The Hepworth Band - A Summer Proms Concert

Sunday 20 July • Hepworth United Sports Club, Far Lane, Hepworth, Holmfirth. HD9 1RN


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Petworth Town Band

July 7 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, TUBA and BASS TROMBONE. We are an enthusiastic band with a full calendar of engagements. We would welcome you to join us and our inspirational MD Paula Streeter.


Epping Forest Band

July 7 • Epping Forest band have a vacancy for solo horn. We are a friendly 3rd section band with a variety of gigs through out the year. We have our own band hut with close to links with London Underground central line and the M11 motorway.


Concert Brass Poynton

July 4 • Concert Brass Poynton: No Contesting - Not a learners Band. Rehearse on Wednesday Evenings between 8.00 to 10.00pm (short comfort break). We seek a front row cornet and a Tenor Horn and A Tenor Trombone and Bass Trom too..


Darren R. Hawken

PGdip, BMus(hons) PGCE, dipABRSM, LRSM
Conductor, Arranger, Teacher, Adjudicator, Band Trainer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd