The success and popularity of the Bengal Foundation Classical Music Festival at the Bangladesh Army Stadium this week, is great proof of how widely music is appreciated in our country.
Its high profile provides a sharp reminder of how sorely the country lacks venues exclusively designed and built for live musical performances.
Music is a significant part of many peoples’ daily and family lives. It is enjoyed and experienced across all walks of life, from a rickshaw puller’s humming of a tune to their passengers’ sporting of headphones during their daily commute.
It is a matter of great regret that so little is being done to cultivate venues for live performances. Existing venues often charge hefty entry fees which exclude most citizens and do little to encourage fresh talents.
Performers and audiences alike need more accessible platforms and encouragement to allow musicians to develop and thrive.
The government should facilitate the development of new spaces for live music performances, from amphitheatres to small-scale music clubs.
It should also promote the virtues of music to children by introducing comprehensive music classes in all public schools. These should not be limited to singing lessons but also include options for learning different instruments.
As the most organic form of art, music strikes many chords and is important for our cultural industries. The popularity of music festivals shows that we have the audience available. We need more initiative and imagination to nurture our talents, both old and new.