Musicians celebrate after the Music Festival Gala last April, marking the event's 75th year. (Prince Albert Music Festival/Facebook)

By Derek Craddock

P.A.'S SOUND OF MUSIC

P.A. celebrates best young musicians and professionals at annual Music Festival

Feb 26, 2024 | 1:00 PM

Following a successful diamond anniversary, Prince Albert’s best musicians are ready to grace stages all across the city.

The 76^th edition of the Prince Albert Music Festival officially kicks off on Monday with piano being the first instrument on display at Messiah Lutheran Church.

For President of the Festival Jesse Campbell, it’s always an exciting time when festival season comes back.

“I think there’s excitement because we know that all of the entrants are reaching that point where they’re going to share the fruits of their dedicated work and the many, many hours of practice that goes into learning and like really getting proficient with their musical pieces,” she said. She added it’s also an exciting time for music teachers in the area as it gives audiences a glimpse into what goes on in their studios and homes.

The Festival runs from Monday until March 22 when the instrumental awards are due to be handed out. Once again, a major gala concert will run at the end of April, something that was first performed last year and became a massive hit.

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“We did do that last year in part to celebrate the 75th anniversary. It was such a wonderful event, and it was so well received that we decided to do it again,” Campbell said.

Monday and Tuesday’s piano performances will be followed by choral and voice students Thursday through Saturday. Instrumental performers get their spot in the limelight March 4-5 with band musicians wrapping up the events on March 11-14.

The awards portion of the Festival begins on March 3 with the piano honours, followed by the voice awards on March 8 and ending with the instrumental awards on March 22.

Following last year’s successful 75^th Festival, Campbell is hoping they can carry to momentum heading into this year’s event.

She said the entire celebration would not have been possible without the ongoing support of volunteers and sponsors as well as the Friends of the Festival.

Campbell said the festival continues to receive support from the Prince Albert Kiwanis Club which shut down in 2019.

“Even after they folded, they left a very nice endowment. So, we are always really grateful for their vision to support music in Prince Albert.”

At the end of the day, Campbell said the Music Festival is all about the performers and the vast amount of musical talent that exists in Prince Albert.

“I think it’s actually an opportunity to glean really useful and interesting information and ways to interpret music from people who are practicing professionally. While it is a public event, it really is for the benefit of our young local musicians and their music education.”

There is no charge to attend the performances this year and you can find more details on the Prince Albert Music Festival website.

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com