Music festival

An update on the 80th season of the New Glasgow Music Festival

Organizers thanked the community for their ongoing support as the 80th annual New Glasgow Music Festival is set to end on Sunday with its grand finale at Pictou’s deCoste Centre.

More than 800 children and youth took part in the festival in band, solo, jazz, piano, string, choral and operatic performances starting April 17. Performers hailed from both Pictou County and the Antigonish area.

“We hope we’ll build on the success that we’ve had over the last 80 years, and we just encourage anyone who has their children involved in the festival to seek out teachers in Pictou County and Antigonish, who will help their kids develop their love of music,” said festival secretary Pat Duggan.

Performing in the festival can open the door for future careers in music for students. Indeed, past performers have themselves become teachers and adjudicators for the next generation.

Duggan expressed her thanks to the parents, teachers, students and volunteers who helped pull off another successful festival. She was especially appreciative of both the North Nova Education Centre and local churches who opened their doors to festival performers.

Duggan also praised the skill of both the students and their music teachers.

“It was well attended. We had good crowds, especially for the choirs, those were really popular,” said Duggan. “Everyone’s really on board.”

The Stars of the Festival Concert is starting at the deCoste Centre at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.

The first half will be selected performances by students, followed by an awards ceremony.

Those winning awards have already been notified that they will win something, but have not been told what exactly. Winners will earn both trophies and prize money for their performances.

Admission to Stars of the Festival is $8 for a regular adult ticket, $5 for students and seniors and families $15. Please visit www. newglasgowmusicfestival.org for more information.