Wide-ranging brands and a symphony of innovation elevated the 21st edition of Music China, which attracted 119,083 visitors from 105 countries and regions and saw a 10% increase in overseas buyers compared to last year. The fair closed on 13 October, after welcoming over 1,800 exhibitors from 26 countries and regions for four days of international business at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. Alongside classical instruments, the latest digital technologies were met with enthusiasm across a performance-lit fairground spanning 14 halls and 150,000 sqm. Industry players developed and cultivated valuable connections, and lauded the show as an essential platform for expanding sales channels across the international and Chinese markets.
With an increase in the diversity of visitors from different countries and regions, visitors joined primarily from Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and the US. Meanwhile, an abundance of international exhibitors featured across the fairground, and in dedicated pavilions from the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, and the UK.
Major brands across the fairground, both international and domestic, showcased an exceptional array of products. Key exhibitors included the likes of ABRSM, Adams, Algam, Apogee, Avantone Pro, AVID, BAM, Bluethner, C. Bechstein, Central Music, Conn-Selmer, D’ Addario, Fatar, Fazioli, Fender, Focusrite, GEWA, Godin, Gretsch, Henri Selmer Paris, Ibanez, Jinbao, Jin Yin, KHS, Korg, Ludwig, M-Audio, Martin, Medelli, Moog, MOTU, Nektar, Novation, Pearl River, People’s Music Publishing House,Petrof, RME, Sabien, Samick, Salvi, Savarez, Seiko, Seiler, Sennheiser, Shanghai Music Publishing House, Shure, Sonarworks, Sony, Steingraeber, Studiologic, Superlux, Tama, Tascam, Taylor, Thomastik, Viscount, Yamaha, and Yanagisawa.
Highlighting the fair’s success, Ms Judy Cheung, Deputy General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, stated: “It is uplifting to see Music China continue to serve as a dynamic and uniting force within the global music industry. The increase in overseas visitors and diversity of exhibiting countries and regions signify the fair’s strong international influence, while the impressive innovations showcased reflect the changing landscape of how music is created and shared. There is a growing demand for live shows and cultural expression in China, and the strong buyer intent we have seen underscores the need for both technological advancements and traditional quality. One especially exciting aspect this year was watching musicians unlock new possibilities by utilising the advanced capabilities of top-tier recording equipment.”
