Indian Music Academy

Hi frens, came across this piece of information.Will this be able to give Indian Classical music much deserved dignity and place in today's generation.Half knowledge music directors have anyway spoilt the popular version.Lets hope the effort from dignitaries pays off.

http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=87817

MUMBAI, FEBRUARY 12: When maestros like Pandit Ravi Shankar, Gangubhai Hangal, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Pandit Kishen Maharaj and Lata Mangeshkar come together for a cause, it is a success in the making.

These five personalities have chosen to promote a venture that promises to be the first-of-its-kind in the country: The Indian Music Academy. It has been set up by The Indian Express and Art and Artistes, a five-year-old organisation working in the field of music and entertainment. Says IMA spokesperson Durga Jasraj: "We thought it was high time Indian music got the attention it deserves. Musicians in our country require a formal platform on which to grow and be recognised and with this academy, we intend to supply that." With Ustad Zakir Hussain as the academy ambassador, Lata Mangeshkar and Pandit Ravi Shankar as honorary patrons and the support of the entire classical music community, the organisation has already made a headstart. "The academy is dedicated to promoting all genres of music in the country, but the foundation remains classical," says Jasraj. "We intend to focus on promoting new talent and connecting with the next generation. So, many musical maestros and patrons have come on board." The academy's agenda in the first year is primarily launching a nationwide talent search. It also plans to have 12 concerts a year, introduce awards for genres of Indian music and initiate a medical scheme for artistes. Listening classes will be held for formal students of music, in which accomplished musicians will introduce another's work. Louis Banks, another patron, says: "In today's educational environment, musical aspirants do not get time and support from their family or society. With the IMA eventually intending to take regular batches of students and tie up with music institutes abroad, the future seems more promising." The organisers have planned a launch, where maestros Pandit Jasraj, Dr Balamurali Krishna, Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Dr Lalgudi Jayraman, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Asha Bhosle, Javed Akhtar, Louis Banks and Pyarelal—will come together for a unique event.

Bottom line is it will still require great canvassing and promotion in TV and other media to generate attention. Sponsors will also be needed. How many people are willing to take take that risk?
I like the idea though and hope it will take off.
Thanks for sharing the info.

Originally posted by: raghav64

Bottom line is it will still require great canvassing and promotion in TV and other media to generate attention. Sponsors will also be needed. How many people are willing to take take that risk?
I like the idea though and hope it will take off.
Thanks for sharing the info.

I agree...unfortunately we need promotion for Classical music.It is the sorry state of affairs that the louder is the better heard.

I think, more frequent concerts,dedicated slots for classical concerts on private channels(some Tamil channels like Sun,Jaya do have slots) and enough awareness of the same on internet is also required.Atleast things are moving in right direction.I sincerely hope this turns a successful effort.