Meet our team
In Nagaland, the study of the Piano, as an instrument, is regarded as one the most developed and progressed of classical music study. This has given rise to more pianists in higher music education and professional occupation than any other instruments. Moreover, Nagaland was poised to be the centre of such a festival because of the overwhelming support and love for piano music from the community.
As a pianist and educator herself, the Founder and Director of Brillante Khyochano TCK organised the first edition with a vision to making Brillante a hub for piano enthusiasts by providing a platform for all and encouraging the next generation of pianists. The unique blend of Performance, Competition, Pedagogy in an atmosphere of celebration and finesse is what Brillante has been about.
We remember the passion and commitment with which the American missionaries came into our land with their pianos on the ships and over the hills and through the valleys; one such mentor and pianist was Mrs. Ruth Supplee. We inherit the beautiful legacy set by one of our very first Naga pianists – Late Mrs. Khrieü Sekhose, who would hand-write music scores because of lack of music books and sheets. Her hand written scores mostly contained hymns sung at the church which speak her heart and passion for church music.
The heart of Brillante, the Nagaland Piano Festival, is to celebrate the history & impact of piano music, promote emerging talents and encourage the study & performance of the piano.
Brillante the Nagaland Piano Festival is the only one of its kind in India. This event is a convergence of local, national and international pianists engaging in multi-genre music through Performance, Pedagogy, Competition, Interactions, Practicum (demos, masterclasses, workshops, etc) all in one venue. For 3 days, we celebrate everything about the piano from its origin to where we are today!
Ms Khyochano TCK is a celebrated pianist, composer & a pioneer of music education in Nagaland. Spurred by a vision to place Nagaland & her musicians on the national & global music scenes, Ms. Khyochano's pedagogy extends beyond merely teaching Piano & Music. She is also a composer and arranger having worked and performed across various music genres ranging from classical, contemporary, to indigenous folk music. Her gift and calling has led her to work with leaders of nations as well as grass-root music lovers across the countries in which she feels blessed to have worked. With a wealth of experience & exposure amassed from a prodigious entry into music at a very young age & a career spanning an eclectic range of classrooms, contexts & continents, she has distinguished herself as teacher, mentor, and curator par excellence. She has worked and toured in several countries in the following capacities- Worship Director of Queenstown Baptist Church Singapore; Music Director of Jampa Music Studio and Patana International School (Laos); Conductor- International Women’s Choir Laos, Hornbill Choir, Naga Choir Amsterdam, Messiah Children’s Choir; Accompanist for Kingsmen (acclaimed male vocal ensemble).
Widely regarded & sought after for her mastery in the field of music, she currently serves as:
In her capacity as a pioneer western music expert within her state and the North East, she has instructed and mentored many classical, contemporary as well as indigenous musicians and performers. Her contributions were recognized by the state government when she was chosen to receive the prestigious Governor’s Award for Music in Nagaland in 2008.
Ms. Khyochano went on to create Brillante! The Nagaland Piano Festival, the first of its kind in the country. Under her custodianship, since its first edition in 2017, the Nagaland Piano Festival continues to fulfil her vision to realise the dreams & potential of our musicians & artists and to showcase them to the world.
Khyo, as her friends know her, is pomp and joy in person, celebration in reason and impact in vision — all the right reasons why she continues to spearhead this prestigious festival.