Pune, January 6: It’s an honour to be selected for this event - after all we will be performing on the same stage as renowned artistes,’’ says young singer Sandeep Ranade. This 22-year-old computer engineer along with singer Gayatri Vairagkar, 23 and tabla exponent Rohit Majumdar, 22 have been selected to perform at the Vedic Heritage concert in New York organised by the Acharya Vishwanathdev Sarma Art Foundation this November.

The concert which includes a competition held at the end of an audition is open to young musicians and dancers between ages 18-25. From about 300 entries of recorded cassettes submitted for the contest announced in November last year, the 50 shortlisted were asked to perform infront of a jury that comprised Pt. Jasraj before a final selection of six artistes - two each from the fields of vocals, instrumentals and dance.

Pune-based music organisation Gaanvardhan had forwarded the names of Sandeep, Gayatri and Rohit after an audition who made it to the final selection. ‘‘It feels great to have been selected,’’ says Gayatri as Sandeep adds, ‘‘Performing infront of stalwarts like Pt. Jasraj itself was like winning a prize.’’

For all three, music has been an early influence. Gayatri, a student of vocalist Arti Anklikar-Tikekar first learnt classical singing under her father. Rohit, a student of Pt. Suresh Talwalkar, made up his mind to opt for the tabla in Std. VIII and went on to stay with his guru for four years. Sandeep meanwhile has been learning music for the past 16 years and is currently tutoring under Shobha Abhyankar. All three are understandably excited about their selection and are preparing for the half an hour performance in New York to be held from November 5-7.

Says KG Dharmadhikari, president Gaanvardhan which selected these youngsters, ‘‘This is an opportunity for them to perform at the international stage in Diwali this year and is meant to encourage young talent.’’