Raza foundation to stage 2 performances by young artists every month in Delhi

Hindustani classical vocalist Mandar Gadgil and Odissi dancer Paridhi Joshi will be the first artists to perform live on stage under The Raza Foundations new "Aarambh" series aimed at providing a platform for promising young Indian artists from classical music and classical dance.

According to the foundation, "Aarambh" will invite two artists from different genres from various parts of India every month to perform before discerning audiences in the capital. A total of 25 artists will perform under the series in the next one year.

Mandar, a Pune-based artist specialising in Khayal gayaki, and Paridhi, a dancer with the Bangalore-based Nrityantar Dance Ensemble, will perform for 45 minutes each at the Triveni Kala Sangam on September 27.

The Raza Foundation will organize and fully support the performances of the artists. "Aarambh" is in keeping with the mission of its founder, the late artist S.H. Raza, to support and nurture young talented artists.

"Excellence is not confined to seniority or experience: so the Raza Foundation while celebrating seniors is forever making opportunities for the young available both for expression, dialogue and debate," said Ashok Vajpeyi, Managing Trustee of the Raza Foundation.

Mandar has been training in Hindustani classical music for the past 16 years under the tutelage of Pt. Vijay Koparkar (a disciple of Pt. Jitendra Abhisheki and Dr. Vasantrao Deshpande). Paridhi is currently learning Odissi under the guidance of Madhulita Mohapatra at the Nrityantar Academy of Performing Arts in Bangalore.

The Foundation provides support and platforms for various arts, publications and fellowships, especially aimed at young talent.

--IANS

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