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.

Adarsh Saxena began learning music at the age of six from Shri Mahesh Chandra Sharma. He has since graduated with music and has gone on to win national level competitions, a Ministry of Human Resource Development scholarship and awards. He has performed for organizations like SPICMACAY, Sankalp, Kalabati Sangam Kala group, and others in different parts of India. He has also performed for All India Radio. Adarsh was a scholar here between October 2005 and November 2011 under the tutelage of Pandit Arun Bhaduri. At this Wednesday Recital held on February 2,2011, Adarsh was accompanied by Sandip Roychowdhury on tabla and Jyoti Goho on harmonium.