(repeating deleting matter in para two)

New Delhi, Apr 5 (UNI) The finale of the 12-concert "Jalsa" series will be held here at Purana Quila on Saturday where well known musicians like L. Subramanium, Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma and Pt. Hari Prasad Chaurasia, among others will perform in an all-night concert.

The concert series is organised by the Indian Music Academy in association with Idea Cellular company, and is supported by the Pandit Chatur Lal Memorial Society, IMA spokesperson Durga Jasraj told newspersons last evening.

The Indian Music Academy was formed to promote young musicians in the field of Indian classical music. It was launched by President APJ Abdul Kalam in February last year.

Durga's father, eminent Hindustani vocalist Pandit Jasraj, who was also present at the press conference, is one of the founder patrons of the academy. The other founder patrons include Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma, Javed Akhtar, Pt. Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Ustad Zakir Hussain and Amjad Ali Khan "Jalsa is a movement by the musicians for the musicians," Durga said about the 12 city concert series that has already covered Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, Pune and Varanasi among others.

She said Jalsa seeks to fulfil IMA goals of promoting a new and upcoming classical musician chosen by the IMA patrons at every concert and pairing them with a grand master.

Eleven of these concerts held in various cities have received an enthusiastic response from the audience, she added.

The entry to these concerts is free and also features an interactive session with the musicians.

Pandit Jasraj pointed out that Indian music is both scientific and spiritual in content and the invasion of western music cannot lessen its popularity.

He regretted that there were not many as many musicians in this country as opposed to doctors and engineers.

Durga, however, said classical music continued to maintain its popularity as 40 to 45 per cent of the audience to these concerts comprised of young people between the age of 18 to 35.

IMA is not only for the Indian Classical music but for all kinds of music, both Hindustani and Carnatic, she said.

Pandit Jasraj lamented that financial assistance provided to musicians was a pittance even if the artiste was a Bharat Ratna.

Speaking on the occasion, Idea Celllular's Chief Operating Officer, Delhi circle Rajendra Chourasia said the mobile company planned to launch "Madhur", which will provide Indian classical music ring tones.

Future plans of the academy include a 24-city concert tour to promote folk music, ghazals, qawwalis and bhajans. The academy will also honour, like in previous year, five legends of Indian music.

They are maestro Ali Akbar Khan, Vidhwan Dr M Balamuralikrishna, vocalist Girija Devi, maestros Ilaiyaraaja and Asha Bhonsle. The awards will be given away by the President, Durga said.

The IMA, with 1,000 members, also provides medical assistance to needy musicians by giving 50 to 85 per cent discounts on their medical bills through tie-ups with hospitals.

Any person aspiring to be a member of the music academy must have ten years experience in any field of music and the membership is free.

UNI