Bengal Foundation made an official announcement on Sunday that it would host the second edition of the Bengal ITC-SRA Classical Music Festival 2013 at the end of November this year. In a "Meet the Press” event at Hotel Sonargaon, director general of the Foundation Luva Nahid Chowdhury read out an official announcement confirming the congregation of the foremost classical music and dance maestros from November 28-December 1, 2013 at the same venue as last year, the Army Stadium.

In association with the ITC Sangeet Research Academy (SRA) in Kolkata, the festival will feature some 50 prominent names in music and dance, with new names including sitar maestro Rais Khan, Carnatic music vocalist Jayshree, rudra veena player Bahauddin Dagar and Swapan Chowdhury on tabla, alongside the big names who entranced audiences last year, including Vidushi Girija Devi, Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Us tad Rashid Khan, Pandit Ajoy Chakravarty, Vidushi Kaushiki Chakravarty, Pandit Rajan and Sajan Mishra, and Purvayan Chatterjee. The artistes from Bangladesh will include Asit Dey on vocal, Tamanna Rahman and her troupe in Manipuri dance and a group tabla performance by four artistes. The performances will continue from evening till dawn on all four days of the festival.

Speaking at the press meet, executive director of ITC-SRA Ravi Mathur said last year's festival had exceeded their 'wildest expectations', and sought cooperation from journalists in disseminating the message of goodwill that music brings.

Anjan Chowdhury, managing director of Maasranga TV, said last year's festival "lit up the

country's image", adding that it would not have been possible without people's participation, and expected a better turnout this time.

Anisul Hoque, associate editor of the Daily Prothom Alo, said there was great reason for optimism about the people of Bangladesh, because they had proven that they were great aficionados of good music and arts. He also pledged his organisation's support to all worthy initiatives.

Editor of Star Arts & Entertainment, The Daily Star, Sadya Afreen Mallick could not conceal her excitement at the return of the event, terming it a "wonder". She said music listeners of Bangladesh have not moved away from classical music, and the Classical Music Fest last year was a vivid example of that. She also lauded Bengal Foundation for bringing about a "cultural revolution" in the country.

Chairman of Bengal Foundation, Abul Khair spoke last at the press meet. He credited the partners of the event, namely The Daily Star, The Daily Prothom Alo, Maasranga TV and ICE Media for their continued help and support in making the event a success. He extended special thanks to Ravi Mathur for TTC-SRA's partnership without which the event would not be possible. He also highlighted the success of the festival and the subsequent "Bangla Gaaner Utshab" in Kolkata earlier this year, adding that the festivals are helping greatly in giving artistes and audiences of Bangladesh alike an exposure to great music and performance.

Registration for the festival will begin in November, where music lovers can sign up to attend the festival for free, or offline from various Bengal outlets. Registration facilities will also be available at venue, while organisers have ensured improved transportation to and from Army Stadium and other amenities.