A press launch and fundraising ceremony for the Maha Gita Singing Competition to be held under the theme “Promoting and Preserving the Heritage of Maha Gita” took place on 1 July at the Mingun Tipitaka Golden Jubilee Hall in Dagon Township, Yangon Region.
The competition aims to preserve Myanmar’s classical Maha Gita songs and encourage a new generation of singers to value the country’s musical heritage.
Myanmar classical singer Daw Yi Yi Thant said the competition is to honour her teacher and benefactor, harpist U Myint Maung (Inlay), mark her birthday on 12 July, and seek to prevent Maha Gita songs from disappearing.
In both the men’s and women’s categories, first, second and third prizes are K2 million, K1.5 million and K1 million, respectively, while each contestant will receive K200,000.
Yi Yi Thant, Hnin Yi Thant and other donors contributed K10 million. Bhaddanta Khemathiri (Hla Taw Sayadaw) donated K5 million, Aungzabyu Sayadaw K4.4 million, New Active Production K5 million and Music City Myanmar K2 million, bringing total donations to more than K35 million. — ASH/KNN
