Get us to know
The European Clarinet Association (ECA) is a vibrant community dedicated to the promotion of clarinet music across Europe. Since our foundation, we have aimed to create a network of artists, teachers, researchers, and enthusiasts to celebrate the rich tradition and innovative future of the clarinet and its music. Our website will offer in the near future a platform for members and those interested to learn about current events, educational resources, and special events like our annual European Clarinet Congress. We are proud to play a key role in the European clarinet community and welcome all who share our passion for this wonderful instrument.
History & Heritage
The European Clarinet Association was founded in 2009 by clarinet enthusiasts from all over Europe (Matthias Mueller, Stephan Vermeersch, Pedro Rubio, Arkadiusz Adamski, Eddy Vanoosthuyse, Simone Weber, Heike Fricke, David Campbell and Luigi Magistrelli) in response to the growing need for a comprehensive organization for clarinetists in Europe, where the clarinet was born. Since then, the ECA has grown into an important voice in the world of the clarinet, known for its innovative programs and support for artists and educators.
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Mission
Our mission is multifaceted and inclusive: to promote the art of clarinet playing, to provide educational opportunities, to support research, and to offer a platform for the exchange of ideas and resources. We are committed to supporting all aspects of clarinet performance, from classical to contemporary music, and nurturing the next generation of clarinetists, co-operating with national clarinet associations in Europe and closely with our sister organization, the International Clarinet Association (ICA).
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Board
We would like to inform our members and friends of the European Clarinet Association about an important change in our board:
In June 2025, Filipa Nunes stepped down as President of the Association. We thank Filipa sincerely for her tireless commitment, energy, and invaluable work in supporting and shaping the ECA during her tenure.
We are very grateful that Nadia Sofokleous has kindly agreed to serve as Interim President until our next board elections in November 2025. Nadia will help ensure continuity and support the ongoing organizational work in this transitional period.
What Lies Ahead
We are currently preparing for a fresh start with a well-organized association, officially registered in Germany and protected under German non-profit law, guided by a democratically elected board.
Timeline Until the End of the Year
• Now – October: Recruitment of new members
• October – November: Nomination of the new board and Vice President (more details will follow)
• November 30 at 5 PM CET: Online General Assembly to elect the new Board and Vice President.
All positions will be elected by the General Assembly for a two-year term, with the possibility of re-election. We look forward to building something democratic, meaningful, and lasting with all of you—an association that strengthens communication, improves clarinet education and artistry, and fosters collaboration with instrument and accessory manufacturers.
You will also receive an update soon about the planning of the next edition of the ECA Congress, which will take place in 2026.
Thank you all for your understanding, support, and trust in this important phase of renewal and development!
Membership
Become part of our community and enjoy exclusive benefits, including access to our events, educational resources, and a vast network of clarinetists and music professionals. Through membership, you can actively contribute to shaping the future of clarinet music in Europe while benefiting from the diverse resources and opportunities we offer.
NB: You can apply for a membership as soon as we’ve received the status of a registered association in Germany and have opened a bank account. Please check back on this page soon to learn more. Also, we will inform about membership fees and options on this page, soon.

Thank You for an Unforgettable Festival in Salerno!
From October 30th to November 2nd, 2024, the European Clarinet Association proudly presented its 13th Clarinet Festival in the beautiful city of Salerno, Italy.
We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this edition such a success: to our sponsors and partners, whose generous support was essential; to the city of Salerno for its warm hospitality; to Maestro Gaetano Falzarano and his entire team for their tireless work, artistic vision, and exceptional dedication; and to all artists, exhibitors, staff, and participants for their enthusiasm, talent, and professionalism.
Together, you all helped create four days filled with inspiring performances, lively masterclasses, fascinating workshops, and a bustling trade fair that truly celebrated the clarinet in all its forms.
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We are already looking ahead: the next Festival of the European Clarinet Association will take place in 2026. Details will be announced here soon—so please stay tuned!
Thank you once again for being part of our international clarinet community.
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How can I apply for performing at this years' ECA festival in Salerno?The program proposals have been submitted and our artistic director has selected the clarinetists for the concerts throughout the day. A full schedule of the congress will be published on this site, soon We appreciate your understanding and interest in participating in the festival.
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Who decides about the invitations to the festival in Salerno?The artistic direction, led by Maestro Gaetano Falzarano, exclusively decides on festival invitations. Invitations or rejections have been sent out to the email addresses provided in the proposal forms.
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How do I signal my willingness to offer a masterclass?The applications are now closed. We have received all the applications for holding a masterclass during the ECA Congress in Salerno and the invitations/rejections have been sent out to all colleagues via e-mail.
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As a student, how can I register for a free masterclass?The applications are now closed. You will be notified about your lesson via e-mail, shortly.
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Are accompanists available?Yes, a limited number of festival pianists are available, provided the submitted program is confirmed by the artistic direction and complete sheet music is submitted with the application.
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When will the exact festival program be finalized?The definitive program for the European Clarinet Congress 2024 is published on this site. Please scroll up a bit and click on the black button to download the programme booklet as a PDF file. No printed programme books will be available.
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Where exactly will the festival take place?The festival will take place in the city center of Salerno, including venues like the Conservatorio Giuseppe Martucci (Conservatorio Giuseppe Martucci), the Teatro Augusteo, the Teatro Pasolini, the Cappella Palatina, and the Palazzo Fruscione. The fair will only be held at Palazzo Fruscione. More detailed information will be provided shortly. Here attached you can see an approximate map of the distances between the different venues. Google Maps links: Palazzo Fruscione Cappella Palatina (same location as Palazzo Fruscione, because it's right next to it) Teatro Augusteo Teatro Pier Paolo Pasolini Conservatorio Martucci
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How can I participate as a sponsor of the festival?We are very happy to welcome our sponsors in Salerno, soon. We are unable at this point to accept more exhibitors due to capacity reasons at the Palazzo Fruscione.
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At what dates will the trade show be held?We welcome our exhibitors throughout the entire festival from October 30th to November 2nd. This segment is specifically dedicated to clarinet makers, producers of reeds, mouthpieces, and accessories. The trade show provides an excellent opportunity to showcase products, network with musicians and other exhibitors, and discover the latest developments in the world of clarinet music.
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What are the travel options to Salerno?By Car: Driving to Salerno from Northern Europe typically involves routes through Switzerland or Austria into Italy, then taking the A1 motorway towards Naples, followed by the A3 towards Salerno. By Plane: Nearest international airports are Naples Airport (NAP) (Naples Airport) and Rome-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) (Rome-Fiumicino Airport). From Naples, travel to Salerno by direct bus, train, or rental car. From Rome-Fiumicino, take a train to Rome's stations (Roma Termini or Tiburtina), then a high-speed train like Frecciarossa or Frecciargento to Salerno. The journey from Fiumicino to Salerno, including transfers, is around 3 hours. Please refer to the Trenitalia (Trenitalia) website. By Train: Trenitalia (Trenitalia) offers high-speed Frecciarossa and Frecciargento trains from major Italian cities, providing direct and comfortable travel options to Salerno. For international travelers, consider connecting through major hubs like Rome or Naples. By Bus: Flixbus (Flixbus) provides budget-friendly and comfortable bus services from various European cities directly to Salerno.
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How can I find affordable accommodation options?For accommodations, explore options on Airbnb (Airbnb) and Booking.com, offering a range of lodging from hotels to apartments. Ensure your search aligns with your stay dates for the festival. Additionally, we are pleased to announce that during the European Clarinet Congress, the following hotels in Salerno will offer discounted accommodation rates to our participants. We kindly ask attendees to contact the hotels directly to make their reservations in a timely manner. Hotel Centro Congressi Polo Nautico Via Lungomare Colombo, 132, 84129 Salerno Phone: +39 089711196 - Fax: +39 089750609 Email: info@hotelpolonautico.it Hotel Montestella 1914 Corso Vittorio Emanuele 156, 84122 Salerno, Italia Phone: +39 089 225122 (Reception) Fax: +39 089 229167 Email: info@montestella1914.it GRAND HOTEL SALERNO Lungomare Clemente Tafuri, 1, I-84127 SALERNO Phone: +39.089.704.20.27 Email: info@grandhotelsalerno.it For reservations, please fill out the linked form and send it to the hotel. HOTEL MEDITERRANEA via Generale Clark 54 / 84131 Salerno – Italy Phone: +39 089 2967811 Email: info@mediterraneahotel.it For reservations, please fill out the linked form and send it to the hotel. HOTEL PLAZA Piazza Vittorio Veneto, 42 / 84123 Salerno (SA) - ITALY Phone: +39 089 22.44.77 Email: info@plazasalerno.it For reservations, please refer to the prizes found in the PDF document below. Discounted room rates can be viewed in the PDFs. We encourage participants to arrange their accommodations as soon as possible to ensure availability.
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Do I need to be an ECA member to perform at the festival or to attend?No, ECA membership is not required. We don’t say no though. Our membership doesn’t cost much and strengthens our association.
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How much does it cost to attend the European Clarinet Congress?We are happy and proud to announce that attending the congress as well as all the concerts will be free of charge. 😎
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Apart from the Clarinet Congress, what is there to discover in Salerno?Salerno, nestled on the spectacular Amalfi Coast, offers a unique blend of historical, cultural, and natural beauty, making it an enchanting destination for tourists. The city is rich in history, with landmarks such as the Salerno Cathedral, which houses the relics of St. Matthew, and the Arechi Castle, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. The city’s historical center is a maze of narrow streets filled with traditional shops, cafes, and restaurants, where visitors can savor authentic Italian cuisine, especially seafood dishes that are a specialty of the region. For those interested in exploring beyond the city, Salerno serves as a perfect base for visiting the famous Amalfi Coast. Towns like Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello are easily accessible by bus or boat, offering breathtaking views, exquisite gardens, and vibrant architecture. The ancient ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum are also within reach, providing a fascinating glimpse into the life of ancient Roman civilization. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its pristine landscapes, hiking trails, and the beautiful caves of Pertosa-Auletta. The weather in Salerno towards the end of October and beginning of November is generally mild, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). While the days can be warm and pleasant, evenings tend to be cooler, making it advisable for visitors to pack layers. This period also marks the transition into the rainy season, so carrying an umbrella recommended. Salerno’s combination of historical sites, natural beauty, and delicious cuisine, along with its mild autumn weather, makes it a captivating destination for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in Italian culture and explore the wonders of the Amalfi Coast. For additional information about Salerno, including attractions and travel advice, please visit the city’s official website (City of Salerno) and the local tourist office (Salerno Tourist Information). Also, it's worth to have a look at Tripadviser following this link here.
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How can I become a member of the ECA?We are in the process of obtaining registered association status in Germany and setting up a bank account. Once these steps are completed, we will introduce a range of membership options available for you to choose from, right here on this page. Please keep an eye on our updates for further information!
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What is my membership fee used for?We allocate membership fees to cover the essential operational costs of the association, including web hosting, email services, domain registration, website development packages, and compensation for graphic designers. These expenses are directly related to the practical work of the association. It is important to note that as a European non-profit organization, all our financial activities, including income and expenses, are meticulously overseen by our treasurer. Additionally, an independent reviewer annually examines the treasurer's report to ensure transparency and accountability.
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Get in Touch
If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact us – we are always open to hearing from you. Whether you need information about membership, events, or any other aspect of the ECA, our team is here to assist.