Idea to hold jalsa concert series in Shimla

Shimla, Nov 18 (UNI) Leading cellular service provider, Idea is holding the Jalsa concert series here which will feature famous playback singer Suresh Wadkar performing bhajans and songs.

Accompanying him would be newcomers Ritesh and Rajneesh Mishra, from the house of the famous Benaras Gharana, introduced by the Indian Musical Academy (IMA).

Going down memory lane, Mr Wadkar, who spoke to the media before the concert, said he would be performing in Shimla after 42 years.

''Then, I had come with my Guruji, performed at the town hall and for accommodation had put up in a dharmshala,'' he said.

Durga Jasraj, daughter of maestro Pandit Jasraj and founder of IMA said the concert series was an effort to conserve and develop Indian classical music.

''IMA was conceived with the objective of introducing Indian classic music to younger generations as well as presenting upcoming maestros of classic vocal as well as instrumental music,'' Ms Jasraj said.

Introducing the Mishra brothers, she said they were the sons of Pandit Rajan Mishra from the Beneras Gharana of music.

Speaking on the occasion, Peter Cherian Vice-President and circle head for Himachal said, ''Idea has always maintained its objectives of contributing to social causes and making an impact in areas outside their business.'' It is the second year of collaboration of IMA with Idea and plans are afoot to hold 24 concerts in 22 cities till February 8.

Last year, 12 concerts were organised.

The doyens who will perform in other concerts include Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Zakir Hussain, Pandit Jasraj, Kialash Kher, Pankaj Udhas and Jagjit Singh, Ms Jasraj added.

UNI