Mission
The primary mission of the Stauffer Foundation is to preserve and promote the rich musical traditions of Cremona, with a particular focus on classical violin making, high education of string musicians, music history and musicology.
Committed to supporting the art of violin making, the Foundation pays tribute to the great luthiers who made Cremona a global centre of excellence. At the same time, through the creation of the Stauffer Academy, it fosters the artistic growth of young string musicians by offering world-class training programmes and building an international network of prestigious partnerships. These collaborations provide students with invaluable opportunities for artistic exchange, allowing them to engage with the highest standards of musicianship and establish themselves on the global stage. In this way, the Academy becomes not only a centre of education but also a cultural crossroads, where musicians can cultivate their potential and contribute to the worldwide dissemination of musical artistry.
Beyond its dedication to shaping the next generation of luthiers and string musicians, the Stauffer Foundation plays a pivotal role in stimulating the growth of cultural life in Cremona. It actively supports some of the city’s most important musical institutions, promotes excellence in the field of music and contributes to the international recognition of Cremona’s musical and artisanal heritage.
Values
The Stauffer Foundation is guided by a profound commitment to preserving and diffusing the musical heritage of Cremona, pursuing artistic and scientific excellence and training new generations of musicians and luthiers. Integrity, cultural responsibility and international openness are the core principles driving every initiative of the Foundation. Its engagement is to foster an environment where knowledge is shared, appreciated and continuously developed. Every project is deeply rooted in tradition, yet always open to innovation — embracing new ideas and approaches that enrich and strengthen its cultural foundations, ensuring a dynamic evolution and a creative dialogue between past and future.
The Foundation is devoted to reinforcing Cremona’s status as an international centre for string instrument education, violin making and musicology, supporting academic and editorial initiatives that enhance its cultural reputation. Its unwavering commitment to artistic and scientific excellence reflects the vision of its founder, Walter Stauffer, who envisioned Cremona as a true temple of music, where excellence in all its forms defines a unique and unparalleled cultural legacy.