The Street Piano Festival filled the Old NST Parking area in Kohima with enchanting music as various artists showcased their talents. This special event took place on September 29 as part of the Kohima Street Carnival, organized by Kohima Smart City in collaboration with the BRILLANTE! Nagaland Piano Festival. Attendees enjoyed live piano performances from musicians of all ages.
These performances significantly contributed to the festival’s creativity. In the initial phase, a piano was adorned with artwork by artists Allison Solo, Razu Rocus, Cynthia Kolakhe, and Allison Solo. The logistics were coordinated by Ologoc, and the creative design was directed by Niwe Mero.
Khyochano TCK, the Founder and Director of Brillante, spoke to The Morung Express about the venue’s aesthetic, highlighting the striking sight of piano keys painted across the parking lot and a hand-painted street piano, along with various art installations prominently displaying the Brillante logo. The event commenced at noon, and the crowd remained engaged until the final note was played by a young boy named Jabez at 5 PM.
Khyochano explained that Street Piano Day aimed to uplift the community, providing comfort, hope, and beauty through music, and it succeeded in achieving that goal.
The Street Piano Festival served as a preview for the upcoming third edition of BRILLANTE!, which will be held online from November 19 to 21, supported by TaFMA and the Nagaland Piano Teachers Association. Khyochano emphasized the event’s purpose of harnessing the power of music for hope, goodwill, and healing, bringing the community together in the streets of Kohima.
The partnership with Kohima Smart City enabled the organizers to create a memorable event that elevated Nagaland’s cultural scene. Attendees were treated to exceptional piano music, vocal performances, string quartets, and dance competitions at the city’s core. BRILLANTE! aims to unite local, national, and international pianists and musicians across various music genres through performances, teaching competitions, and interactive sessions. Khyochano noted, “The event celebrates the piano’s legacy and ongoing evolution, fostering new talent and promoting development through piano education.” She also highlighted the advancement of piano studies in Nagaland, leading to a greater number of qualified pianists entering the profession.
This strong community support for piano performances has established Nagaland as an ideal location for such events. Khyochano, a pianist and educator, created the festival to serve as a hub for piano enthusiasts, inspiring young pianists to join the creative community of future musicians. This educational initiative, centered around performance and competition, combines various styles in a vibrant celebration of the piano.
Reflecting on the history of the piano in Nagaland, Khyochano acknowledged the contributions of American missionaries in introducing the instrument and paid tribute to pioneering Naga pianists, including the late Khrieü Sekhose, who meticulously handwrote his music scores when none were available. Such festivals offer local piano students opportunities for high-level performances through master classes and workshops led by experienced participants. The inaugural edition featured renowned musicians like Russian pianist Tatiana Dichenko and Nagaland’s concert artist Nise Meruno, who judged a state-wide Piano Competition involving 85 pianists.
The festival has become a significant gathering for classical music enthusiasts, benefiting the Nagaland Piano Teachers Association’s efforts to uphold the quality of piano education. The second edition commenced with a grand performance of the 100-Pianos Overture to Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” played by 102 pianists of all ages. The festival has since evolved into an international edition, positioning Nagaland as the “Piano Capital” of India. The upcoming online festival will feature high-quality video performances from international pianists, including Marouan Benabdallah from Germany and Monika Herzig from the United States.
In addition to the street piano event, an introductory video showcasing the host city, along with virtual workshops and master classes, promises to make the festival innovative, creative, and exceptional.
Related Topics
- Two Piano Legends to Honor Victim of Political Repression
- Roland Introduces Earth Piano, Integrating 50 Years of Piano Innovation into Your DAW
- Theft of Priceless Violin Highlights Importance of Insurance for Musicians
