Ever since its inception nearly twenty-five years ago, the Wednesday Recital has been a tradition with ITC-SRA. The recital plays a pivotal role in the training of our scholars as it is aimed at moulding an artist as a performer. After the initial training, each of our scholars has to learn to perform before a discerning audience, consisting of the Experts Committee, gurus, critics, fellow scholars and music lovers. The Wednesday Recital thus provides a platform where not only the scholar’s vocal skills but also his or her knowledge of stagecraft and presentation skills in acknowledging seniors, accompanists and the audience are put to the test.

This session is recorded and is evaluated subsequently. The scholar’s performance is graded and necessary guidance offered is by the Experts Committee. Each scholar's turn at this Wednesday recital comes once in three-four months. Non-performing scholars help organise the whole show, from arranging the seating to managing the stage and from welcoming the guests to comparing.

However, Wednesday Recitals are not restricted to scholars only. On the last Wednesday of each month, gurus of the Academy or guest artistes are invited to perform.

This feature brings to you excerpts from our Wednesday Recital archives. This fascinating collection of music spread over twenty-five years, features an eclectic mix of scholar/performers – from budding artistes to performers who are today stalwarts in the field.

Sucheta Ganguly joined ITC Sangeet Research Academy in 2000 as a General Class student under the tutelage of Pandit Arun Bhaduri and from 2003 she has been a full time residential scholar. She is also a disciple of Vidushi Girija Devi, from whom she learns Thumri and Dadra. Sucheta`s memorable performances include solo recitals at the `Guru-Shishya presentation` (2006), ITC Sangeet Sammelans at Mumbai and Kanpur, a jugalbandi performance at the `Navonmesh Utsav` (2008) and at the Chennai Festival in 2009. In 2009, she stood first in her graduation in music from SNDT Women`s University. She is presently completing her post-graduation. This Wednesday recital performance took place on March 25, 2010. She was accompanied by Samar Saha on tabla and Rupashree Bhattacharya on harmonium.