(Ian Gustafson/paNOW Staff)

By Derek Craddock

MUSIC FESTIVAL

Musicians rejoice! The festival is back in P.A.

Mar 1, 2022 | 8:00 AM

With the Winter Festival now wrapped up, it’s the musicians’ turn to take centre stage in Prince Albert.

The 74^th Annual Prince Albert Music Festival starts Tuesday afternoon with events taking place at the John M. Cuelenaere Public Library.

Festival Coordinator Jesse Campbell said they’re excited about this year’s event because they can finally return to in-person performances.

“Last year it was an entirely virtual festival. So, the entrants to the music festival recorded their pieces, whether that was on an instrument or singing or in a band or a choral group, and they submitted their videos to us. Then we sent them to the adjudicators and the adjudicators are music professionals from different parts of the province.”

Campbell said not having the in-person component last year removed a crucial aspect, not just to the festival but to musicians in general, not being able to present their talents live.

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Now that COVID restrictions have been lifted across the province, the festival is back to having in-person sessions though this year’s event will be a bit smaller.

“When we were planning the festival starting back in the fall, COVID protocols were different from what they are now and those regulations conflicted with what the schools were permitting,” said Campbell, who referenced the different disciplines of piano, vocal, theatre, and band.

“Unfortunately, we weren’t able to have those school-based disciplines and groups registered so we are still doing piano and voice but we’re unfortunately not able to do band and choir and groups like that.”

The festival will culminate in a big concert on March 6 to recognize the people who have received scholarships this year.

Campbell noted all this would not have been possible without the ongoing support of the community.

“This festival would not be running without the support of our patrons and scholarship donors and volunteers. It allows music and the arts to continue to grow in our community.”

You can find more details and a schedule of the festival events on their website and Facebook page.

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @pa_craddock