The troupe during one of their performances in Geneva

Shillong, Aug. 1: Ace musician Neil Nongkynrih has taken Khasi music and folklore from the verdant hills of Shillong to the snow-clad Swiss Alps.

On Tuesday, a troupe led by Neil wowed Swiss aficionados at the Arts Forum Festival in Geneva with a stirring performance. Written by Neil and Nick Dunn, the opera was based on the Khasi folktale, Soh Lyngngem, about a girl who turns into a nightingale.

“The audience was moved to tears and the general impression was that music from Meghalaya is tragically underexposed,” Neil said.

The group did two shows and both attracted large audiences. “On both occasions, the Geneva audience gave us standing ovations,” said Neil, who studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Trinity College.

The pianist gave his first public performance in the UK in the presence of the Duke and Duchess of Kent. His brand of music is a mix of western classical and folk.

Since his return from London, Neil has been working tirelessly to popularise classical music. He runs the Shillong Chamber of Choir.

The troupe that performed in Geneva included Miliana Sahkhar, Savio Pathaw Joshua Laitphlang and Pauline Warjri. The Fitz William Quartet from London performed along with them. The other participants in the festival included renowned pianists, singers, actors and dancers from Romania, Japan, England, Serbia, Australia, China and the US.

“There is a growing interest in the rich music we have in this part of the world, and it deserves more exposure internationally,” Neil said.

Margaret Rizza, voice professor at London’s Royal Academy of Music, was quoted as saying that the Meghalaya troupe’s performance was “one of the most moving experiences” for her. A South African diplomat echoed her. “There is a child in all of us adults, and that child was touched and moved. I will never forget the concert. Savio and Joshua have the most amazing voices.”

More opportunities are knocking on the doors of the Shillong Chamber of Choir. The troupe has been invited to perform in London in October.