The Music Academy's 83rd conference and concert series was inaugurated by world Chess Champion Viswanath Anand on tuesday. Speaking at the function, Anand said that it was very essential that one gets familiarised with music and chess at a very early age. “It is important that children are given a chance to discover latent talents. I have seen children who are exposed to chess develop certain skills that complement academics. Similarly learning music and the performing arts can only strengthen the Indian roots and make children more open to imbibing cultural influences,”said Anand. The conference that was held elected Valayapatti A R Subramaniam as the president. He will also be conferred a Sangita Kalanidhi title on January 1st next year.