The All India Radio has invited applications for its annual music competition aimed at unearthing new talent.
The AIR has instituted a special prize, Akashvani Ustad Bismillah Khan Vishesh Puraskar, in honour of the shehnai maestro for young musicians who win the first and second prize in shehnai/sundari category.
A new category on Western music has been introduced this year, according to an AIR release.
The competitions would be held in the following categories: Vocal music (classical, light and folk music-Hindustani and Carnatic and light classical for Hindustani and devotional for Carnatic music), instrumental music (classical), vrindgaan (chorus) and Western music – vocal instrumental and band.
The competitions, for persons in the age group of 16 to 24, would be held in two stages.
The preliminary competitions would be held at the every regional station of AIR between August 1 and 22.
The finals would be held in New Delhi for Hindustani and Western music and in Chennai for Carnatic music.
Applicants have to pay an entry fee of Rs. 300.
Those who wish to participate can get the application forms from the Station Director of Assistant Station Director the nearest regional AIR station.
The last date for receipt of entries in the prescribed forms is June 10, the release said.
