MUMBAI: Satellite radio service provider Worldspace has launched two 24-hour Indian classical music channels.
Shruti is dedicated to Carnatic music while Gandharv is for lovers of Hindustani music.
Shruti and Gandharv will function as quality resources for all aspects of classical music and aptly reflecting the current classical music scenario.
The programming mix of these channels will have not only stimulating content for connoisseurs, but also include programs that cater to beginners and lay listeners. Apart from exploring various aspects of pure music in the Carnatic and Hindustani Music genres, the content will include music-based informative programs to educate and widen the listener base of Indian Classical Music.
These programmes will comprise features, informative and educational programs, interactive sessions, talent promotions, audience - artist interfaces and comparative studies.
Violin virtuoso Dr L Subramaniam added, "If these channels play in homes all the time- while the family is having dinner, or the kids are playing, children will automatically develop an ear for classical music. We should encourage them to imbibe our rich classical music and appreciate it".
Leading vocalist Ashwini Bhide Deshpande said, "We have a very rich tradition and heritage of Indian Classical Music, which is not very easily accessible to a lot of people. I am sure channels like Gandharv and Shruti will bring Classical Music as well as and artists closer to music lovers. They will also help us artists reach a wider audience and give classical music its due".
Through its two satellites Afristar and Asiastar, Worldspace beams music and information to millions of households across the world. Worldspace also works closely with a number of government and other key institutions, and lends its technology to them for social development causes, like distance education and forecasting.
Worldspace boasts of a range of over 30 channels across genres- from Jazz to Classical, to Old Hindi film Music and Rock. WorldSpace now offers regional Indian channels that include KL Radio (Tamil), Sparsha (Kannada), RM Radio (Malayalam) and Spandana (Telugu) on its network.
