A few Carnatic music rasikas and performing artistes in Chennai have joined hands to launch 'Sankeerthana'.

Their main aim is to provide opportunities to young, talented musicians who are not in the limelight for want of a platform to perform. This body will also promote classical Carnatic music among youngsters.

This group will launch itself on April 10 evening at the mini hall of Narada Gana Sabha. The sabha's secretary R. Krishnaswami is the chief guest.

A concert by Savita Narasimhan will follow.

The President is S, Rajagopal, Secretary is S. Natesan, Treasurer Roopa Rajagopal (a violinist), committee members are Vatsala Natesan, Kumbakkonam Swaminathan (a mridangist), R. Rahul (performing violinist) and N. Harish, a performing vocalist).

"We intend collecting details of youngsters along with their performance CDs. After assessing the quality of the artists we will provide opportunities to them once a month. We will have concerts every month, " says Natesan, secretary.

Details can be had from 98404 68971 (Chennai).