Protesting Silent Christmas Markets in Lower Saxony
Feeling the pinch from increased music fees, Christmas markets in Lower Saxony, namely Goslar and Hanover, kept things quiet on Monday. In response to a "Day of Silence" call by Christmas market operators nationwide, these festive markets saw fewer tunes played from tape recorders and performers absent from stages. No loudspeakers could be heard at the Goslar market, either.
Gema, representing 90,000 rights holders in music such as composers, lyricists, and publishers, is under fire for alleged excessive music bills at Christmas markets. They defended themselves by stating that the fee hikes didn’t solely result from market growth, but also from errors in the reported area sizes.
The fuss over fees stems from Gema's calculation of costs for overall sound systems, which have been based on event area size since 2011. However, some operators in Lower Saxony are disgruntled about the increase and don't understand the rationale behind it. "We don't understand simply increasing the amount or calculating a different fee," shared Gregory Laubinger, spokesperson for the State Association of Market and Fairground Operators for Lower Saxony.
Christmas markets in Lower Saxony were bustling with visitors despite the music-related dispute. Some stall operators responded by playing Christmas carols from tape recorders or using the natural acoustics of their stalls, rather than resorting to live musicians or loudspeakers. Hanover encouraged locals and tourists to continue supporting the Christmas market, acknowledging that the dispute only concerned music-related aspects.
Music plays a significant role in creating a festive atmosphere during Christmas markets, and its absence is seen as an attack on the quality of life of Lower Saxony residents. Nonetheless, efforts are being made to find a resolution for the dispute, preserving the charm and tradition of these beloved festive markets.
Additional Insights
Composers and publishers have the right to be compensated for their work, but the high fees charged by Gema pose a significant challenge for Christmas market operators who struggle to keep costs under control. The financial pressure on these events has led some markets to consider alternative arrangements, such as using royalty-free music or negotiating lower rates with Gema.
The specifics of this dispute in Lower Saxony can be gleaned from local news sources or official statements from Gema and Christmas market operators. For the most recent and detailed information, consult these sources for a clearer understanding of the situation.
