Kohima’s ‘Harmonic Voices’ wins first Nagaland Choir Olympics

Kohima: Harmonic Voices from Kohima won the ultimate championship award at the first-ever Nagaland Choir Olympics held at Regional Centre for Excellence in Music and Performing Arts (RCEMPA) in the state’s capital on Wednesday evening, walking away with a trophy and cash prize of Rs 1 lakh along with citations.

‘Cantamus Choir’ representing Dimapur and the ‘Canticles’ from Phek district were adjudged the first and second runners up, each receiving a sum of Rs 50,000 and Rs 25,000, respectively.

Organised by the Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA) and presented by Musicians’ Guild, the Choir Olympics witnessed participants from nearly 10 districts. The winners of each district were selected through an audition which was held simultaneously with the ‘ticket to Hornbill’ on September 27.

TaFMA advisor Theja Meru in his address acknowledged the judges, Casio India representatives for supporting the music industry in the state. He also lauded the Musicians Guild for managing the grand ceremony and the district partners for smoothly conducting the district auditions.

Highlighting that ‘Choral music’ is part of the Naga DNA, Meru further hailed the vision of chief minister Neiphiu Rio for promoting local musicians. He further assured that the Choir Olympics will come back bigger next year.

The judges for the competition were Pauline Warjri, the Director, Aroha Choir, Shillong who was also the chief judge; Ajeen Longchari Sucha, a specialist in teaching voice; and Mhonroni Lotha, Assistant Professor in Conducting, Margaret Shishak School of Music, Patkai Christain College (Autonomous).

As reported earlier, 20 of the finest musicians from these choirs will further be selected by these professional judges to represent the state at the ‘11th World Choir Games’ which is scheduled from July 5-15 next year. The audition for this is scheduled for Thursday.

Meanwhile, the participating choirs included Mon Chamber Choir, Mon; Orangkong Choir Longleng; Bridge of the Gap Chamber Choir, Wokha; Ongmeshang Choir, Mokokchung; ZTSBC Youth Choir, Zunheboto; Yimchunger Baptist Church Choir, Tuensang; and Cantamus Choir, Peren.