Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki Sangeet Mahotsav

The sixth edition of the Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki Sangeet Mahotsav will be held from January 7 to 9, 2011. Held in the name of the legendary vocalist, the festival will feature a range of musical performances that embody Indian artistic and cultural heritage.

Actor-singer Annu Kapoor will inaugurate the festival on January 7 at Yashwantrao Chavan auditorium, Kothrud, in the presence of Pune's mayor, Mohansingh Rajpal.

"The festival is meant to help people develop a genuine interest and taste in Indian classical music," said Shounak Abhisheki, Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki's son, at a press conference on Wednesday.

Bhavsargam' by Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar, Kathak performance by Pandit Rajendra Gangani, and vocal recitals by Abhisheki's senior disciple, Pandit Raja Kale, will open the festival on January 7.

A special segment for the youth, Yuvonmesh,' will be held on January 8 and 9, and will feature seven upcoming musicians and vocalists. "Young artistes are aware and well-informed. But, due to lack of suitable platforms are unable to showcase their talent. We hope this festival will give them the opportunity to reach out to the masses," said Shounak Abhisheki.

One of the highlights of the festival is Anubhuti,' a fusion of Indian classical and Western music conceptualised by musician, Abhijeet Pohankar, featuring vocalists Anup Jalota, Pandit Ajay Pohankar, Shounak Abhisheki and Sunil Mungi, among others.

"The effort is to take forward Indian classical music through the medium of fusion. It will feature a jugalbandi' between bhajans' by Anup Jalota and thumri' by Pandit Ajay Pohankar, with musical accompaniments like drums, guitar, saxophone and keyboards along with Indian classical musical instruments," said Abhijeet Pohankar.

Sampoorna Abhisheki,' will feature the natya sangeet performed by Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki, during his career. The segment will feature Pandit Ramdas Kamat, Pandit Ajit Kadkade, Asha Khadilkar and young vocalist, Mahesh Kale.

Two awards instituted in the name of Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki, will be given to veteran vocalist from the Agra and Jaipur gharanas,' Pandit Babanrao Haldankar and upcoming vocalist, Pushkar Lele. The awards, comprising cash gift and a citation, will be conferred on the recipients on January 7.

The music festival has been organised by Aapla Parisar and Tarangini Sanskrutik Pratishthan.