The Sunshine Orchestra, Nagaland chapter, a project under the AR Rahman Foundation, presented their debut musical recital at Centre of Excellence for Music and Arts (CEMA) Kohima on May 31 with MLA and advisor for Water Resources Tongpang Ozukum as the special guest.
Ozukum in his address expressed his appreciation for the debut recital performance showcased by the Sunshine Orchestra Nagaland chapter stating that they exhibit not only talent showcasing but celebrate the progress and achievement. The Sunshine Orchestra had completed five years after signing a memorandum of understanding with Dr. AR Rahman in 2019 on behalf of the state’s Task Force for Music and Art (TaFMA) and with the initiative of Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio.
Ozukum said that a milestone has been achieved for TaFMA and the AR Rahman Foundation as well as The Sunshine Orchestra. He acknowledged that TaFMA with its commitment and vision has today revolutionized music in Nagaland and nurtured musicians that have placed Nagaland and Naga music in the national and global map. He asserted that their efforts and creativity have also inspired a generation of musicians to follow their profession with pride and transform music into a platform to showcase talent of identity to unite the Nagas.
The MLA also highlighted that AR Rahman Foundation was founded in 2008 with an aim to impart free musical training to the underprivileged children with an objective to identify talents from a particular section of the society to make them professional, counted in the society and make them someone in life. He expressed gratitude to Dr. AR Rahman for extending this venture to Nagaland, for the quest for music that has benefited underprivileged children of Nagaland through the Foundation today.
He also called upon the children to be involved with the musical family of The Sunshine Orchestra as it was a “lifetime opportunity” through AR Rahman Foundation, guided by TaFMA, and asked them to be true to their profession.
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Chairman TaFMA Theja Meru who proposed the welcome address also highlighted that The Sunshine Orchestra, Nagaland chapter comprised of children from Kohima Orphanage and Destitute Home was launched in 2019 by Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio and they currently have 20 children in the Orchestra.
The evening witnessed musical recital performed by the nine violin students of The Sunshine Orchestra led by director Vilhou Kezo and pianist Kecha Pfukri, while special number was presented by Zavino Nakhro and a piano recital by Wenwen.
The programme was hosted by Dr. Hovithal Sothu and vote of thanks was proposed by Aleno Sale.
