NEW DELHI: A vocal recital by Nitin Sharma accompanied by Shubhash Kanti Das on Tabla and Damodar Lal Ghose on Harmonium enthralled listeners at the Ammucare – Mohanji Ka Aangan during the SaMaPa Aalap Festival (SAF) in Jammu.

The fortnight-long Festival is being presented by Sopori Academy of Music And Performing Arts) in collaboration with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Jammu & Kashmir Police and Department of Tourism, Jammu.

SaMaPa has made special efforts in shaping the latent of the youth and creating avenue for them so that they can have a choice to make music as their career contributing to the State and national cultural treasure.

Sharma presented various compositions in different ragas. He concluded his recital with various Bhajans like ‘Payoji Maine’ and ‘Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram’. The concert was specially organised for the underprivileged children living in the slums.Listeners were captivated with his performance. While explaining the subtle technicalities, he also encouraged the young children, who were attending their first music concert, to sing with him.

Sumit Gupta spoke about the Ammucare activities and the difference the NGO has made in the lives of the enrolled children. Mrs. Sakshi Gupta presented mementos and bouquets to the artists and the guests.

Music Maestro Abhay Rustum Sopori spoke to the children focusing their attention on the rich music and culture of the country. He said every child needs to be musically oriented and carry forward the rich legacy of the State and country.

SAF, over the years, has been a medium for the local and upcoming musicians to share a platform with eminent musicians of national and international level. In this direction SaMaPa invited Prof. Jasmeet Kaur from Jammu to perform at the SNS Vidhya Mandir, DBN School, Talab Tillo, Jammu. Jasmeet commenced her recital with Raga Nat Bhairav presenting the Bandish ‘Bhor Bhaye Panche Jaagey’ in Madhyalaya Ektaal followed by Bandish ‘Jiyara Larje Ma’ in Madhyalaya Teentaal and Tarana in Drut Teentaal in Raga Jaunpuri. She concluded her recital with the Meera Bhajan ‘Rana Ji Me To’. She was accompanied by Shri Neeraj Verma on Tabla and Shri Damodar Lal Ghose on Harmonium.

SAF 2014 on 16 February will feature Sarod recital by Pt. Joydeep Ghosh at Maharja Surajmal Institute, Rangpur Maulania, R. S. Pora at 11:00 am.