Tura, April 13: Meghalaya’s emerging presence in western classical music arena has come to limelight as Vienna-trained Garo musician Ambasal Cheran Momin performed with Nagaland String Orchestra.
Titled “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” the concert was simultaneously held at Chümoukedima and Kohima in Nagaland. Strong audiences witnessed at the concert highlighted a growing interest in orchestral and choral music in the North East.
Presence of Momin, who was trained at Western classical music hub Vienna, has brought exposure to rigorous orchestral practice and performance standards shaped by European traditions.
A music educator, violinist and double bassist, Momin performed as part of the orchestra’s double bass section, reflecting the increasing visibility of trained musicians from the region in structured classical ensembles.
“This kind of collaboration is important for building a serious musical ecosystem in the Northeast,” Momin said, emphasising the need for discipline and long-term training in orchestral music.
The concert, a collaboration between the Nagaland String Orchestra and MSSM Singers, drew around 800 attendees in Dimapur and about 400 in Kohima.
Back in Meghalaya, Momin is working to build that ecosystem. As Artistic Director of Venia Academy of Performing Arts and Music, he mentors young musicians and promotes string instruments as both an educational and career pathway.
He also aims to develop youth orchestras and create platforms that connect North East musicians to opportunities beyond the region.
