Upcoming artistes in the State will get an opportunity to showcase their talent as the All India Radio (AIR) has invited applications for its annual music competition, which will be held between July 10 and 28 at all regional stations.
The 63-year-old competition has in the past propelled several artistes to fame, including Karnataka’s khanjira ambassador Amrit N. (32) and vocalist S. Shankar. Other artistes, who have participated, include the Rudrapatnam Brothers, D. Balakrishna, T.V. Gopalakrishnan, Sudha Raghunathan and Ranjani Gayathri.
Introduced in 1954, the competition was initially focused on Carnatic and Hindustani music. “Over the years, based on response, it now has 50 categories,” said Dr. K. Vageesh, former Deputy Director General (Music), New Delhi, AIR and a vocalist himself.
“Western music made its way into the competition just last year and was welcomed in Bengaluru,” according to Dr. N. Raghu, programme executive, Akashvani, Bengaluru.
Public response determines the addition or deletion of categories. For instance, a category of Music Composers was introduced two years ago, but was discontinued following a dismal response.
The most popular categories among participants are Geet-Ghazal, Rabindra Sangeet and Vrindagaan (chorus). Nadaswara and mridanga are also seeing a swarm of applications and also requests that they be made separate categories. Akashvani came up with sub-categories for some instruments, including plucked (stringed), bowed and wind.
“Classical music and light music received such unprecedented response that we had to create separate categories for girls and boys,” says Vinod Kumar, Programme Executive, AIR Bengaluru.
Winners get the coveted title of B-Grade artist of AIR. “Such incentives help young artistes climb the Akashvani grade ladder faster,” said Mr. Vageesh.
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National Programme and the National Orchestra came about in 1952 while the Sangeet Sammelan and National Music Competition emerged in 1954. “It was at the insistence of the then Union I&B Minister B.V. Keskar that classical music received a major push,” said N.S. Krishnamurthy, who served AIR for 33 years and retired as director Akashvani Bengaluru in 1995.
“Keskar introduced seminars as part of the Sangeet Sammelan, in the face of opposition by the then Madras AIR Station Director G.T. Shastry. Carnatic veterans, such as G.N.B. and Hindustani expert Ratan Jankar presented papers, which are part of AIR’s rich legacy.”
The AIR competitions are precious, as India is the only country to have such events, he added.
Details of the competition
The annual music competition will be held in two stages
Preliminary competition: July 10-28
Venue: Regional stations
Winners will participate in the finals to be held at Delhi (Hindustani) and Chennai (Carnatic).
Eligibility
Age group: 16-24 (as on June 30, 2017)
Not ‘already approved and graded performing music artistes’ of AIR
How to enter
Application forms available with Station Director/Assistant Station Director
Entry fee: ₹500
Last date for entries: June 9
Categories
* Vocal music (Classical, light music & folk music — in Hindustani & Carnatic)
* Light classical (Hindustani)
* Instrumental music (Classical, light music & folk music — in Hindustani & Carnatic)
* Vrindgaan (Chorus)
* Western music (Solo, Instrumental, Bands)
