Some recordings are irreplaceable. The physical media on which they are stored may hold the only surviving recording of a concert, a studio session or a performance.
These media deteriorate over time, often without visible signs. Playback equipment and the specialist skills needed to preserve their content are gradually disappearing.
The United Music Foundation’s mission is to preserve and enhance endangered musical heritage and facilitate its transmission. Recognised as being of public benefit, it operates on a non-profit basis.
Since its creation in 2013, it has brought together in Geneva the technical resources and specialist expertise required for preservation. It makes these capabilities available to archive holders and heritage institutions.
To date, it has preserved thousands of recordings. Its work has been recognised with two national awards: the Best Reissue Award from the Académie du Jazz (Paris) and the Memoriav – Swiss Commission for UNESCO Award (Bern).
It also contributes to research into the degradation and restoration of magnetic tape. Its work has led to a publication in the ARSC Journal and an article in npj Heritage Science (Nature Portfolio), co-authored with international researchers and specialists.
Our projects for UNESCO’s World Day for Audiovisual Heritage 2026
Your support enables us to treat fragile media before they become unplayable, fund preservation projects, keep essential equipment in working order and preserve specialist skills.
Support the United Music Foundation
