After pop genres, a touch of classical tonics arrives

Three days specialized violin workshop and concert in Dimapur and Kohima with Russian violinist Maria Cherednikova

[dropcap]O[/dropcap]f late, Nagaland has had quite a good number of renowned international musicians visiting the State. Within a span of three years time, we were fortunate enough to have got the opportunity to witness so many prominent musicians performing infront of our local crowd. We have had the likes of Jennifer Batten, one of the world’s best female guitarists. The former Michael Jackson’s guitarist was here as the chief judge for the grand finale of Axe’s Power National Guitar Contest 2013. Again in October 2014, we welcomed another internationally renowned guitarist Vinnie Moore, and followed by Smokie and Jon Bon Giovi at the Hornbill festival 2014. Just last month, Hillsong London were here in Kohima to present a three-day live worship concert at Kohima Local Ground from March 27 to 29, attracting one of the biggest crowd ever in Nagaland. It was expected that over 30,000 plus attended the Sunday worship evening concert on March 29. Guitar enthusiasts from Dimapur and Kohima also had the privilege to witness the performance of another world renowned guitarist Neil Zaza. The American solo guitarist arrived last week in Dimapur where he performed at IMC Hall on April 10, prior to his performance in Kohima yesterday at de Oriental Grand. This time, it is a violinist from Russia who is here in the State to present a specialized violin workshop and concert in Kohima and Dimapur titled ‘Bravo Series”. The coming of the Russian violinist Maria Cherednikova to Nagaland is an initiative of the Music Academy Kohima in collaboration with Symphony School of Music with an aim to contribute and build music and culture by bringing international artistes and thereby providing the needed platform to our emerging talents. Addressing a press conference at The Heritage Kohima this afternoon in the presence of Maria Cherednikova, Khyochano TCK Ngully, Director of Music Academy Kohima who is also a representative of Trinity College, said that the Bravo Series is being organised with three purposes; firstly to contribute to the music education framework in Nagaland, both for teachers and students; secondly to provide exposure to the aspiring violinists by bringing international artistes, keeping in mind that all of them cannot get the opportunity to go outside State for learning; and thirdly to give inspiration to the students and music lovers The three-day workshop from April 15 to 17 commenced this evening where over 40 students are takin part in the workshop. The workshop timing is from 3 to 6 pm. While, the workshop attendees will play at the concert as a large violin ensemble at RCEMPA, Jotsoma on April 18 from 4 pm onward. At the concert, Maria will perform from various genres of music - from classical, modern to contemporary. Other artistes to feature at the concert are Nourhevilie Khate, Asin Shürhozelie, Neilhoukholie Chielie, Vizokho Nagi, Megotono Chase, Kusazo Rakho and Chentisangla Longkumer. The schools involved are - Music Academy Kohima, Symphony School of Rock, Chielie Music Academy, Tune Symphony, Creative Music Academy, School of Music Kohima and independent teachers and students. Concert tickets are priced at Rs 500 and Rs 200. The press conference was also attended by Mele Pucho, Director, Symphony School of Music.