Criticism voiced by Josef Oster over GEMA during the silent night period
In a recent video conference, Josef Oster, a member of the German Parliament from Koblenz, expressed his concerns about the GEMA fees, which are costs associated with the public performance or reproduction of music. The conference, which was attended by more than 60 volunteers from the region, was held with two high-ranking representatives of the GEMA.
Oster, a strong advocate for volunteers who play a significant role in organizing events beyond Christmas markets, such as carnival events, fairs, and other festivals, considered the GEMA fee exorbitant and disproportionate, threatening cherished traditions. This sentiment was echoed by the attendees, who voiced their dissatisfaction with the fees.
The GEMA is a society for musical performing and mechanical reproduction rights, responsible for collecting royalties on behalf of composers and music publishers. However, longstanding tensions and negotiations with amateur and regional music groups such as choirs have been a point of contention, often revolving around the fees charged for public performances of copyrighted music.
In light of these issues, Oster suggested a model like the one in Bavaria or Hesse, where the state pays an annual flat rate to the GEMA, supporting numerous organizing associations. These models, which offer more favourable tariffs for amateur choirs and associations, sometimes including flat fees or exemptions for small-scale performances, have been proposed as templates to be adopted nationally or by other regions to resolve fee disputes.
Despite the ongoing discussions, no specific data on the status of GEMA fee negotiations with regional choir associations in Germany, including Koblenz, was found in the search results as of mid-2025. For the most accurate and updated status, contacting the local choir associations in Koblenz or regional cultural offices, or GEMA directly, would be recommended.
Oster's comments regarding a potential solution to the GEMA fee issue were made in context of the video conference with GEMA representatives. The fee regulation affecting public performance or reproduction of music also impacts events beyond Christmas markets, as the Christmas market in Koblenz hosted a silent protest by choir singers against GEMA fees. The protest was a silent one, with choir singers using their voices sparingly to express their discontent.
The protest was a response to the cancellation of the choir association's musical advent calendar, which was initially planned but had to be scrapped due to estimated GEMA fees of around 15,000 euros. Oster expressed sadness that beautiful actions like the protest were affected by GEMA fees. He emphasized the importance of preserving cherished traditions and taking good care of them.
- Oster, following his concerns about the GEMA fees and their impact on cherished traditions, proposed adopting a model similar to those in Bavaria or Hesse, where the state pays an annual flat rate to the GEMA to support organizing associations.
- The ongoing discussions between GEMA and regional choir associations, such as those in Koblenz, regarding the GEMA fees, continue to be a significant point of contention in policy-and-legislation and general-news related to politics.
