MUMBAI: Unifying power of music, 1008 Veena artistes will come together in a first-of-its-kind concert titled 'Sahasra Veena Jhenkara'. The concert will be held on 28 March at Bangalore, in the presence of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of The Art of Living.

The initiative will feature Veena exponents from Bangalore, Mangalore, Udupi, Mysore, Kollegala, Mandya, Tumkur, Chitradurga, Shimoga and more. The event hosted by The Art of Living and Ranjini Kalakendra will also include performances by senior Vainikas Veena Gurus along with their disciples.

Speaking about the event Ranjini Kalakendra secretary Dr. Suparna Ravishanakar said, "The inspiration behind this idea was the Art of Living Brahm Naad event that took place in 2008 and brought 1094 Sitarists on one platform for the first time in the world. It led me to realize that we need to create forums that will not only uplift practitioners of the ancient arts but will also enhance exposure and awareness of Indian classical music."

The music for this 1008-piece Veena orchestra is based on ancient ragas Hamsadwani, Sriraga, Mohana, Mayamalavagowla, Brindavani, Kapi, Dhanashree (Thillana), Yaman and will also showcase a special composition of fusion music in Raga Malika.

Commenting on the music, Art of Living spokesperson Shri Ravindra Prasand said, "The purpose of music is to create silence deep within you and the purpose of silence is to create dynamism in life. This concert is a musical Yagna where hundreds have joined together to create that silence and bring that dynamism in life."