Five years into its existence, the Stop-Gaps Cultural Academy, known for its promotion of international music in the city through performances and training, launched the Young Talent concert series in 1989 in association with the National Centre for the Performing Arts. The decision emerged from the need for a platform that the academy's founders felt would encourage young artistes to showcase their talent before an audience. "For almost 30 years, circulars have been sent out to western classical music schools across the country, so talented musicians between the ages of 15 and 30 who have cleared certain certification-levels can apply for the series," says Alfred J D'Souza, conductor, The Stop-Gaps Choral Ensemble. While the first in the series for the year 2018 kicks off today, two more concerts will be held in July and August.