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."
