Shillong fascinates Polish guitarist

Shillong, August 11, 2026:  Polish guitarist Marcin Patrzałek has arrived here on Tuesday ( Aug 11).

The musician will perform at the Lariti Performing Centre, Mawkasiang, here as part of the Meghalaya leg of ‘Marcin, Art of Guitar Tour 2026’,

Speaking about his arrival, and his first impressions of the state, Marcin expressed his fascination with the region’s natural beauty and distinct character. Sharing about his journey to Shillong he noted,“My first impression was that why the airport is faraway. But even on the drive here, just from the airport, I just couldn’t stop taking videos on my phone through the window, just because of the nature, how exotic it is for me. So, I kind of feel like I’m in a different world right now.”

Marcin also spoke about the energy of Indian audiences and the unique experience of performing his niche, percussive instrumental style before deeply engaged crowds. He expressed hope that his visit to Meghalaya would contribute to opening more international touring routes for musical artists and create greater opportunities for cultural and musical exchange.

Known for his distinctive fusion of fingerstyle and percussive guitar techniques with contemporary electronic and orchestral production, Marcin has developed a globally recognised musical identity. His Shillong performance is expected to offer audiences an evening of innovative instrumental music while further reinforcing the city’s reputation as one of India’s vibrant live-music destinations.

As part of his engagement with Meghalaya’s vibrant music ecosystem, Marcin will participate in organic jam sessions and interactive workshops with local students, buskers and emerging artists under the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Program (CM-MGMP). He commended the State’s initiative for creating a natural and authentic platform where young musicians can learn, collaborate and experiment across musical styles.

In a way to promote local talent, the show will feature opening acts by CM-MGMP’s Achiever of the Month – Music Edition, Chegim Durama (Garo Hills) along with Leo Boys (Khasi Hills) and Larger Than 90 (Jaintia Hills) for Marcin.

According to a government statement, the  exciting on-stage collaboration marks the visionary leadership of Conrad K. Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, where he reiterated that the musical talent present in the state should be recognised across the world. Alongside, various other MGMP band members and artists will also be performing during the event.

The visit and performance have been made possible through the partnership of  Chief Minister, the Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, and the CM-MGMP, strengthening the state’s efforts to connect its vibrant local music ecosystem with global artistic talent.

The CM-MGMP has also been creating viable employment opportunities for local musicians by facilitating busking gigs across various tourist destinations in the state, enabling artists to earn livelihoods while contributing to Meghalaya’s tourism and cultural experience.

The government said hosting an international artist of Marcin’s calibre aligns with Meghalaya’s broader vision of strengthening its creative economy and fostering global cultural exchange. Such engagements create opportunities for local artists to interact with international practitioners, while positioning Shillong as a destination where music, culture and tourism converge.

The tourism department said that  through initiatives such as the CM-MGMP and international cultural collaborations, Meghalaya continues to build bridges between local talent and global opportunity, strengthening its position as a thriving hub for music, arts and the creative economy.