Dimapur resonated with melodies from Italy as the “Echoes of Italy” concert and workshop, hosted by Golden Crown Theological College (GCTC), brought acclaimed Italian musicians Tommaso Benciolini (flute) and Lorenzo Bernardi (guitar) to Nagaland for a two day celebration of music, learning, and cultural exchange on July 15 to 16.
Organised in collaboration with the ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music), India National Youth Orchestra & Chorus (INYO), Istituto Italiano Di Cultura, and TaFMA, the event showcased the power of music to bridge continents and nurture local talent.
On Wednesday, the concert at town hall Dimapur saw Benciolini and Bernardi share the stage with Naga musicians Avoni Odyuo, Mhathung Odyuo, Albert Kanken Odyuo, and Benry Moses. Adding a local flavour, Avoni Odyuo and friends presented a traditional song titled “Zayie Zayie Leh” as a special tribute for the visiting Italian duo. In a surprise cross-cultural collaboration, Lorenzo Bernardi also joined Mhathung, Benry, and Albert for a heartfelt rendition of “Perfect Symphony” blending English and Italian lyrics to the delight of the audience.
The evening began with an opening song by the students of GCTC, setting the tone for a night of musical excellence. Another highlight was a guitar ensemble performance by students who had participated in the previous day’s workshop, showcasing the skills they gained under expert guidance.
Project Director of TaFMA, Dr. Hovithal Sothu in his address described the event as a rare and special opportunity for the people of Nagaland to come together and experience a rich blend of musical genres, made possible through the efforts of Sonia Khan and the ABRSM community. He expressed deep gratitude on behalf of TaFMA and the state’s music community for bringing international talent to Dimapur and helping put Nagaland on the global music map.He also encouraged young people to take music seriously as a career path, noting how perceptions about music have shifted from seeing it as just a hobby to recognising it as a full-fledged profession. Highlighting that TaFMA supports all genres — from rock to classical — he urged aspiring musicians to pursue their passion with dedication and faith that their efforts will lead them to success.
ABRSM Representative for India and Director of the Indian Youth Orchestra, Sonia Khan also expressed her delight at being able to contribute to Dimapur’s vibrant cultural landscape. She highlighted that, for the first time, Nagaland will host about 14 days of ABRSM examinations this year, which will include visiting examiners from the UK. She also shared that plans are underway to organise two major workshops in November, along with additional concerts next year such as a high school concert and a choral festival. Looking ahead, she added that they hope to bring more international artists from Germany and even welcome back the visiting flutist and guitarist in 2027, possibly joined by an American guitarist as well.
A total of 35 students received hands-on training in flute and guitar through the workshop, conducted in small batches on July 15.
(Staff Reporter)
