Organised by the Sopori Academy of Music And Performing Arts (SaMaPa), the premier classical, Sufi and folk music festival of Jammu & Kashmir state is being held for the eighth time now, said Abhay Rustum Sopori, Santoor maestro and Secretary of SaMaPa.
"The fortnight long SaMaPa Aalap Festival 2013 will be held from February 1-15 featuring around 35 presentations at more than 25 different venues in Jammu," Sopori told reporters here today.
Over 35000 students, music connoisseurs and general public are expected to witness the event, he said, adding that the festival was started in the year 2006 for one week and over the years it has grown to be the biggest and most prestigious music festival of not only J&K but also the country.
The youth-oriented cultural feast has been conceived by Sopori himself.
He said the festival will also feature some special presentations like concerts at Jammu Press Club specially designed for the journalists and media personalities of J&K.
As part of the Cultural Social Responsibility Initiative of SaMaPa, concerts will also be held at the border areas like Khour, RS Pora, etc, he said, adding that a special concert will also be organised at the District Jail, Jammu.
Concerts will also be held at various orphanages, child care and old age homes, blind schools, etc.
Sopori said that the festival acts like a musical balm creating cultural awareness and new avenues for the younger generation to come forward with career in fields like arts and music. (More)
