LUCKNOW, Sept. 29 -- The strains of classical and semi-classical music are set to return to Lucknow as the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi (UPSNA) revives its popular 'Awadh Sandhya' from the first week of October, after a six-year gap caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The programmes, initially held weekly and later monthly, had become a regular cultural fixture for Lucknowites before stopping after 2019 due to the pandemic, said UPSNA vice-president Vibha Singh. "We are planning to reintroduce the Awadh Sandhya in a new avatar. Each edition will feature performances by both established and renowned artists alongside young artists on the same stage," said Singh. Breaking with convention, grading will not be mandatory for new talent. Skilled artistes who emerged from Akademi competitions and students trained in classical and semi-classical music at Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya will get a direct opportunity to showcase their talent, she said. "It will be a confluence of classical and semi-classical music. Young artistes will not only get a stage but also a rare opportunity to learn by watching veterans sing and play live. To advance chief minister Yogi Adityanath's vision of conserving vanishing arts and instruments, the Akademi will now hold special workshops every month," said Singh. The workshops will provide training in rare and endangered instruments, along with the nuances of classical music and Kathak. Connoisseurs and experts of rare instruments from across the country will be invited to popularise them among people and youth....