The ongoing 10th annual edition of prestigious SaMaPa Aalap Festival, 2016 by SaMaPa (Sopori Academy of Music And Performing Arts) featured spellbinding recitals on Day 8 of the Festival. The festival being presented in collaboration with Dept. of Tourism, Jammu, J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages and Dept. of Information & Public Relations, J&K witnessed captivating recitals by Eminent Santoor exponent Pandit Satish Vyas, Sufi vocal by Ragini Rainu and Dogri Geetru Folk dance by Ram Ditta & Party.The first session of the day was held at G.D. Goenka Public School and the concert was witnessed by over 1000 children and a large number of music lovers. Pt. Vyas is the son of one of the greatest vocalists of India, Late Pt. C.R. Vyas and disciple of legendary Santoor exponent Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma from Jammu. He mesmerized the audience with his presentation of Raga Parmeshwari commencing the recital with Aalap followed by Gats in Vilambit Jhaptaal, Madhyalaya and Drutlaya Teentaal. He was accompanied by Sh. Mukundraj Deo, a well known Tabla player of the country.
This was followed by scintillating Geetru Dance performance by the well known artist of the State Shri Ram Ditta and party who presented various songs enthralling the young children. Earlier maestro Abhay Rustum Sopori spoke on the occasion and motivated the young children to listen to music which is not only an identity of any individual but also helps to lead to overall personality development of a person making one more sensitive and balanced human being. Abhay Sopori at the event said SaMaPa will continue to work in the State. SaMaPa Aalap Festival is the premier music festival of J&K and one of the biggest music festivals of the country. The prestigious festival acts like a musical balm creating cultural awareness and new avenues for the younger generation. SaMaPa has made special efforts in shaping the latent of the youth and not letting it go waste. SaMaPa Aalap Festival has been a great medium for the local and upcoming musicians to share a platform with eminent musicians of national and international level. Dr. Rafeeq Masoodi, former DDG, Prasar Bharati was the Guest of Honour. Smt. Sanya Bansal and Principal Dr. R.P. Singh presented artists and guests with bouquets and mementos. The Principal thanked maestro Sopori for contributing to the culture of J&K in a path breaking manner and bringing a positive change in the society.The festival on 24th February will feature concerts at 3 venues featuring concerts at Rich Harvest School at 10:00 am, Lawrence Public School Sidhra at 11:00 am and Ved Mandir Balika Niketan, Amphalla at 5:00 pm.