AMR celebrates its 40th anniversary

Founded in 1973 by musicians with a passion for the jazz and improvisational music scene, the Association pour l'encouragement de la Musique impRovisée (AMR) has campaigned for the creation and development of a Geneva music scene, and regularly organizes concerts and music workshops. Eight years after its creation, it was recognized by the authorities, who made available the building at 10 rue des Alpes, nicknamed the "Sud des Alpes". Since then, the AMR and its music center have become a focal point of Geneva's cultural life. Every year, the association presents more than two hundred public musical evenings and two festivals (one free and open-air in the Parc des Cropettes at the end of June, the other for a fee in the spring). It organizes 45 weekly orchestral workshops and numerous training courses. In 2005, it signed a tripartite subsidy agreement with the Department of Culture of the City of Geneva and the Department of Public Education of the State of Geneva. In 2009, it was awarded the "Artistiqua" quality label and accreditation within the CEGM.

AMR's activities are threefold:

• Distribution - festivals, concerts, jam sessions and "carte blanche" composition mandates for local musicians.
• Pedagogical work - orchestral music workshops open to the whole community, internships and a professional curriculum organized in collaboration with the CPMDT.
• Animation and management of "Sud des Alpes", AMR's music center in Geneva's Pâquis district.

A.M.R. publishes its own journal, Viva la Musicawith information on activities at home and abroad, presentations of artists and shows, record reviews and news from the Swiss music scene.

The AMR celebrates its 40th anniversary on Saturday September 14 at the association's premises at 10 rue des Alpes in Geneva.

On the program:

• 4pm-5pm - Parade of the "Fanfare des Quarantièmes rugissant" (created for the occasion) from the Parc des Bastions to the AMR.
• 5:30 - 6:30 pm - Short speeches + complimentary long aperitif
• 6:30 pm - 11 pm - Banquet
• 6:30 pm - 11 pm - Various screenings, archives (room 24)
• 6.30pm - 11pm - Music in structured groups in the concert hall.
• 6:30 pm - 11 pm - Instant scores in the cellar
• 6:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. - Open stage at hall 34
• 11 p.m. - midnight - Group concert
• midnight to 2 a.m. - Grand bal
• Admission is free.

More info: www.amr-geneve.ch