SHILLONG:
The Folk Music Week (FMW) organised by the Department of Music, Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) culminated with sounds of traditional music of the region, reverberating throughout the day in the campus, on March 17.
The last day of the four-day event witnessed performances by traditional music experts and varsity students.
Various activities such as interactive sessions, workshops, a field trip and performances saw full participation of the students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, faculty and staff of the department.
The traditional music experts who enthralled the gathering included Jorsing Lynshiang, a folk music exponent well-known as the “Leaf Blowing performer” (Nongput Sla) from Mawsna village in East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya.
Also present was Robet Khonglam, a known figure in the Khasi traditional music field from Mawbeh village, Pynursla Block. He specialises in crafting and playing Ka Singphong, a Khasi bamboo percussion instrument, along with being a skilled performer in Ki Phawar KiewIing of the War region in Meghalaya; the Wedding Band,
The occasion was graced with the performance of “Ki Sur Na Nongkyndong”, a group of performers from Lynshing village under Mawkynrew Block in East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya. They have performed at various festivals and wedding ceremonies around the state and also during the Hills Festival in 2019.
The students and faculty also went on a field trip to Umkaduh village, Ri Bhoi district, to take part in the day-long workshop on the Ka Krud Lyngkha, a popular cultural activity practised by the villagers with Phras Syngkli and his team.
Notably, neighbouring villages in Ri Bhoi also took part in the cultural activity.
On the closing day, the traditional music experts performed their music and summarised their instruments and art. The experts performed the Ka Krud Lyngkha, Phawar KiewIing, among others, and were also joined by the students of the department in some performances.
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