Youngest members on the Orchestra, Lichanbeni (Age 13) and Sophia (Age 14) are playing the Viola and Violin respectively. Sophia is tutored by R.Kevichusa, Violin Maestro, and Lichanbeni under Bikram Banerjee, teacher from Kolkata who is also performing for the concert.
The young girls confidently exclaim that ‘ever since they could remember they were sure they wanted to learn and play musical instruments’. Sophia cheekily adds that her mother was keen for her to take piano lessons. Way beyond her years, this poised and exuberant violinist with much acclaim already under her repertoire adds for good measure, “My grandfather was interested in musical instruments. He was so disappointed (you know) when his children did not follow his footsteps. So he supported me when I chose the Violin”. To the contrary, for Lichanbeni, it was her mother who suggested taking up the Viola instrument.
Taking music classes together, at the Hope Centre for Excellence, Dimapur, these youngsters are used to names like Bach, Vivaldi and Mozart. So what do their friends think about their participating in a Western Classical Concert? “The concert is kind of different from the usual shows everyone is used to. It keeps them guessing” they said.
Balancing school, homework and music classes, they share that sometimes it does get tiring. “But it is fun and good, they said and adds that they practice when they are free and practice more when they have a show on the line. Suppose you practise a piece for so long, and you try hard to get it right again and again. It is discouraging.
What do these girls like to do during spare time? “Oh you mean our ‘Interests’? They correct. Sophia likes to cook a lot, taking after her baker mum. While Lichanbeni likes to decorate just like her decorator mum.
But ultimately it is their dream to be part of an Orchestra which travels to perform and get to meet people, saying that this dream inspires them more and boosts their interest to keep on playing. “After taking up music, there has been a difference in our lives. Music makes us well educated and we have learned so many new and different things. We are also more composed,” the two children concludes seriously. Amen to that.
