Claiming Tagore and Nazrul as "legends", director of the department, Sunil Chandra Das said, "Songs composed by Tagore and Nazrul have enriched our culture. This programme aims to encourage talented young artistes of both genres.

Music director at the Depart-ment, Ali Asgor Khokon said,"We did not take any audition. Artistes were invited based on their application and availability."

Twenty-three young artistes performed Tagore songs at the programme. The soiree began with rendition of a song from the 'love' section of Geetanjoli -- Kandale tumi morey -- by Monjila Rahman Seema. Other songs performed throughout the evening were Hridoyer ekul okul dukul bheshey jay, Mon-e ki didha rekhe gele chole, Utol dhara badol jhorey, Ami tomar shongey bendhechhi amar pran, Shokhi bhabona kaharey boley and more. However, most renditions did not sound convincing enough.

Promising Nazrul singers performed at the programme yesterday.