Connecting communities through world music

Birmingham: ‘Music has enriched my life immeasurably; it has helped me look at life with optimism’ –Dr Chithra Ramakrishnan, Founder, World Music Conference The popular World Music Conference (WMC) has officially been launched.

The launch took place in the format of a press conference hosted by Birmingham Chamber last Friday (13 September).

The chosen theme for this year’s event is Music, Mental Health & Well-being, focusing on how music can positively impact on our health and well-being. The WMC, now in its third year, aims to revive and bring to life the rich cultural mix and diversity of the Midlands through music.

This year the WMC will take place in November at Aston University in Birmingham and is expected to attract singers, artists, musicians, dancers reflecting music and dance forms
from across the globe as well as academics, health practitioners, representatives from charities and several health and educational institutions.

Speaking at the press conference Dr Chithra Ramakrishnan FRSA, founder of the WMC, said she had been thrilled at the success so far and saw the event as an ideal opportunity for
artists, existing and emerging, to showcase their talents on stage.

She said: “My passion lies in helping to promote people, particularly younger people, for their natural talents and offering a platform to help launch their careers, or add even greater value to their profiles. But this would not be possible without the support of sponsors and supporters such as Birmingham Chamber, the Indian Consulate, West Midlands Combined Authority – to mention just a handful, I am hugely grateful to each.

The press launch event was attended by former West Midlands’ Lord Lieutenant Dr Paul Sabapathy CVO CBE, Asian Business Chamber of Commerce’ (ABCC) former Chairman, Dr
Nasir Awan MBE DL, charity Crossroads’ Chief Executive Chris Christie, Qasim Majid, President of ABCC, Professor Martin Levermore MBE DL, Ifraz Ahmed, Editor & Publisher of
The Asian Today newspaper and columnist and Director of Media & Youth Affairs S M Irfan Tahir. The event was compered by Sreenivas Ramakrishnan, a first-year Engineering student
at Aston University.

Paul Faulkner, Chief Executive, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “We remain committed to the ever important theme of Diversity and Inclusion and supporting businesses where we can. The World Music Conference has gained momentum since it was established and we are delighted to be part of this year’s preparations.”

A new addition this year is the Midlands Youth Ambassadors for Music initiative which is a call to young people to showcase their talent. Schools are being asked to nominate two students to put forward their items relating to music, also a 250 word brief as to why they should win. A song, a poem, a dance, a short musical. Closing date for entries is 14th October 2019. Winners will be selected by a panel of judges and will be presented with a
certificate and the opportunity to perform in front of an audience at the WMC.

This year’s conference will take place at the Student Union, Aston University on Friday, 8th November 2019. To find out more visitwww.worldmusicconference.co.uk

For further information or media enquiries, contact Dee Katwa on 07970 911386 or email deekatwa@aol.com