Sonerion, the emblematic association of Breton music, is facing an unprecedented financial crisis, forcing it to suspend its championship. With an alarming deficit of 115,000 euros, the organization is giving itself time to rethink its operation. This necessary break aims to ensure a more sustainable future for the association, while maintaining the essential: the transmission of Breton culture.
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The Sonerion association, a pillar of Breton music, is going through an unprecedented crisis. With a deficit of 115,000 euros in 2024, the structure is forced to pause its championship to rethink its operation. Maïna Daouphars, president of Sonerion, explains the reasons for this decision “difficult, but necessary”.
“The deficit is structural”confides Maïa Daouphars. For several years, losses have been accumulating: 25,000 euros in 2022, 67,000 euros in 2023, and today an abysmal hole of 115,000 euros. “We invest a lot of time and money in the championships, but they are not profitable”she adds. The reality is relentless: each edition costs more than it brings in.
The winter and summer championships, organized in different Breton towns, mobilize more than 3,000 musicians divided into 80 bagadoublis. Each competition represents a colossal investment in terms of logistics and human resources. “Volunteers and employees are overworked, and in the end, we lose money”explains the president.
Thanks to its savings, the association can cover these expenses, but it cannot continue to move in this direction.
Faced with this critical situation, Sonerion made a radical decision: pausing the championship after the one to come in February. “We must give ourselves time to rethink our organization”explains Maïna Daouphars. This break should allow the team to breathe and work calmly on viable solutions.
-The winter championship is maintained. “It would have been disrespectful to cancel the long-planned events”she specifies. The meetings in Brest (broadcast on France 3 Bretagne), Saint-Brieuc, Pontivy and Vannes will therefore take place, ensuring continuity for the musicians and the public.
To limit losses, several initiatives have been launched: increase in competition registration rates, renegotiation of quotes with venues and elimination of group catering costs. An online prize pool has also been set up to solicit public solidarity. “We must explore all avenues to restore our finances”explains Maïna Daouphars.
Beyond financial issues, Sonerion also faces internal tensions. “Everyone has to go in the same direction”underlines the president. The association, managed by 24 administrators, is sometimes perceived as disconnected from the realities of members. “We need to involve our members more to build the future of Sonerion together”she insists.
The objective is to achieve a new organization by next fall, but no precise deadline has been set. “We will take the time necessary to find the best solution”says Maïna Daouphars.
Despite the storm, one priority remains: the transmission of Breton culture. Breton music and culture classes taught by 60 teachers throughout the region will continue without interruption. “This is our essential mission, and we will maintain it at all costs”assures the president.
In this difficult period, Sonerion can count on the support of the Brittany Region and enthusiasts of Breton culture. “We have received many messages of support and the region has assured us of its support”indicates Maïna Daouphars. A meeting is also planned with elected officials in the region to discuss the solutions to consider.
The future of Sonerion is at stake today. This imposed pause is seen as an opportunity to rebuild a more resilient organization. “We must find a balance between our passion and economic reality”concludes Maïna Daouphars.
In the meantime, lovers of Breton music will meet on February 25 for the winter championship at Quartz in Brest, an event more crucial than ever for Sonerion.
