Opinion: Let the music speak for itself at Nova Scotia festivals

I attended the Celtic Colours concert at St. Matthew’s Church in Inverness on Oct. 10. It was an outstanding afternoon of music, featuring exceptionally talented local musicians performing in one of Cape Breton’s most beautiful venues.

The concert was a reminder of the extraordinary musical heritage we are fortunate to enjoy in Cape Breton. Unfortunately, one aspect of the afternoon struck a discordant note.

During the concert, the emcee spoke at some length about the festival’s importance to the local economy, including its significance to his own hotel business. There was also mention of the nightly admission fee to the Festival Club at St. Ann’s.

There is no question that Celtic Colours makes an important contribution to Cape Breton’s economy, particularly at this time of year. But is a concert really the appropriate occasion to discuss its economic benefits?

Audience members, many of whom have travelled considerable distances and spent substantial sums to attend, are there to experience our music, culture and hospitality. They hardly need reminding of the economic value of their presence.

What makes Celtic Colours special is not its economic impact but the music, traditions and sense of community that draw people to Cape Breton from around the world. These are things to be celebrated for their cultural value, not measured in dollars and cents.

I believe that discussions of economic impact belong in tourism reports and promotional materials, not on the concert stage.

As my mother would have said about bringing money into such a wonderful cultural experience, “It cheapens it.”

I look forward to returning to St. Matthew’s next year for another memorable afternoon of music.

Joan M. Rankin, Dartmouth and Mabou Harbour