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Lower Saxony Christmas Markets Face Music Fee Increases
Increased music licensing costs from GEMA are forcing many large Christmas markets in Lower Saxony to reduce their music programs. Some markets are finding sponsors, and the state is providing subsidies for smaller ones.
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- What is the reason for the increased costs associated with music at these markets?
- The cost increase is attributed to GEMA's recalculation of fees based on the total market area, leading to higher charges for some cities that had previously underestimated their space.
- How are cities like Göttingen and Hannover planning to manage the increased GEMA fees?
- Göttingen plans to reduce its music offerings and seek sponsors to cover GEMA fees, while Hannover will have a mix of GEMA-free and GEMA-licensed music days.
- What are some examples of how different markets are addressing the increased music costs?
- Some markets, like Hildesheim, will have no background music, allowing individual stalls to play music at their own expense. Others, such as Braunschweig, will have limited music at the opening and closing, and some a cappella performances.
- Why are many large Christmas markets in Lower Saxony reducing their music offerings this year?
- Many large Christmas markets in Lower Saxony, Germany, will have less music this year due to increased licensing costs from GEMA, the music rights organization.
- What kind of support is available for smaller Christmas markets in Lower Saxony regarding music licensing fees?
- The state of Lower Saxony is subsidizing GEMA fees for smaller, non-profit Christmas markets with a maximum area of 500 square meters, up to four events per year.