The Nagaland Chamber Choir: On its journey to winning 2 gold medals at World Choir Games

KOHIMA— Coming from a small state, many in India might not be aware of their participation at the recent World Choir Games (WCG) 2023 held in Gangneung city, South Korea but they brought laurels to the country and Nagaland by striking two gold medals at the world’s biggest choir competition.

We are talking about The Nagaland Chamber Choir (TNCC), which won gold in both the categories they competed in — Musica Contemporanea Mixed Voices and Mixed Chamber Choirs — at the WCG, which was organised by German-based Interkultur, a world leading organiser of international choir competition, and participated by more than 300 choirs from over 40 countries.

In a conversation with Eastern Mirror, members of The Nagaland Chamber Choir, including the group’s Co-ordinator Dr. Limawati Pongen, shared their experience and the winning moment.

TNCC has achieved a remarkable accomplishment. How does it feel?

Pongen: First of all, we give all glory and honour to God. We put our efforts to the fullest and we are happy that our hard work has yielded results.

Could you share us the preparations and journey of TNCC leading up to the WCG?

Pongen: The groundwork started from December 2022 with the registration process. We approached Hito Kiho to be our Conductor, and with his acceptance, we started our preparation from February 2023, meeting twice a week from 6 pm till 9-9.30 pm. Then from mid-March, intense rehearsals started, meeting three times a week.

What are the criteria to compete in the championship event?

Pongen: There are ‘Open’ and ‘Champions’ competitions. The entry point is the Open competition. We participated in the 4th Asia Pacific Choir Games held at Colombo, Sri Lanka, in 2017, where we won 2 Golden Diplomas in the Open competition and 2 silver medals in the Champions competition. This qualified us for direct entry to the 12th WCG in the Champions competition.

Is there anything that sets TNCC apart from other choirs that participated in the competition?

Pongen: We were freshers in the Champions competition of the WCG but our dedication, enthusiasm and commitment was no less than the other choirs. And if we look at the other choirs, perhaps the one thing that sets us apart would be the fact that TNCC is like a ministry where our objective is not really to get fame but to be a blessing and be a witness for God, the giver of music.

Were there any specific challenges or obstacles that the team faced during the journey?

Pongen: We faced challenges for our visas and even passports for a few of our choir members but through the recommendation from our honourable Chief Minister and also the Interkultur office to the Korean Embassy in New Delhi, all of our visas were approved right on time before we left for South Korea. Another challenge was the financial needs for the 30-member team. We started with a meagre fund we had with us for registration. We also decided to seek help from various sources and accordingly, received contributions from our honourable Chief Minister, Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA), a few of our legislators, churches, well-wishers and friends. We needed at least INR 1.2 lakh for each person, i.e., a total of INR 36 lakh for the whole team. In order to cover the shortfall, individual choir members had to pay for the travel expenses. We are thankful to all the generous contributors.

What impact this achievement could have on TNCC and the choral community in Nagaland?

Pongen: A positive impact would be the assurance that we are no less than the rest of the world when it comes to choral singing. It has taught us that everything is possible when you put your effort while trusting God 100%. Winning medals at the WC games is not an end in itself. We will continue to devote time to polish our skills and work hard striving for excellence.

Could you share us TNCC’s future plans? Are there any upcoming projects or competitions?

Pongen: We will continue to promote choral music to a higher level in the state as well as in the country. No specific project is coming up other than our usual annual concert.

What message or advice would you like to share with aspiring young musicians and choral groups who want to make it big in the international arena?

Pongen: We take pride in the musical abilities of the Nagas but we lack discipline and commitment. Having an inborn talent or passion is not enough. If you want something in life, go for it with utmost dedication and commitment. Nothing is impossible when you work hard with perseverance.

Can you share the repertoire TNCC performed at the competition?

Hito Kiho (TNCC Conductor): Since it’s a competition, I had to think about not only from the prospect of performance but also to create a repertoire that would sound interesting and challenging at the same time. There were two sets of Competition, one was The Open Competition and the other one was The Champions Competition and TNCC participated in The Champions Competition. The choir participated in two categories namely: The Mixed Chamber Choir and Musica Contemporanea (Contemporary Music) Mixed Voices.  We had a wide variety of repertoire: Sacred Music by Budi Susanto and Arvo Part, Filipino Folk song by Francisco Feliciano and Naga folk Fusion by James Swu for the Mixed Chamber Choir. For Contemporary Music the choir had A Sümi Naga folk Fusion by Hito Kiho, Sacred Music by Randell Stroope and Ralph Manuel and A song (Ode To Ganga) from one’s own country by Lipokmar Tzudir.

What factors contributed to the group’s success at the mega event?

Hito Kiho: It was a matter of a few months of preparation which was a very intense one, but the passion and love for music shown by the entire team members has led us thus far. The team work, dedication and hard work has led us to what we have achieved today.

What was the feeling like when announcement was made about TNCC winning the medals?(To all members of the choral group)

Rokosino Khro: It’s a beautiful feeling; you can’t express with words. Seeing the word “Nagaland” on the big screen at the award ceremony was surreal. It made me feel very happy and proud. This medal is dedicated to Nagaland! Thank you so much and God bless our Nagaland.”

Frederick Odyuo: The announcement of our victory filled my heart with joy and pride. The countless hours of practice, the harmonious collaboration, and the passion we poured into our performances truly paid off. Bringing home these gold medals is not just a personal triumph, but a glorious moment for our beloved country. I am immensely proud to have had the opportunity to represent our nation on the international stage through music.

Khrowutso Letro: Felt so rewarded that our hard work did not go in vain. Also, felt so proud that we were taking home 2 gold medals. We have put India and Nagas on the world map of choral singing.

Abeka Achumi: When they announced the result, we were thrilled with profound joy and excitement. That was the best moment in my life. Hope this opens the gate to face new challenges and more success through unity. 

V Omekali Chishi: It was a moment none of us would ever forget. I remained calm, took a moment to thank God. My heart was filled with gratitude and I was reminded of His faithfulness. Corinthians 10:31 came to my mind, it says – Do all things for the glory of God. TNCC always does everything for the Glory of God and this victory too goes to God and His glory alone.

Asongla Tzüdir: When the result was unveiled on the screen, my first reaction was shrieking in sheer delight. I am still stunned by the fact that months of practice and hard work put together by the team is giving such a resounding result. It was an amazing journey of singing together with such an amazing coterie of singers and I fell short of words; definitely overwhelmed for this part of my journey.

Veseta Rhakho: I’m still overwhelmed. When our choir name was announced and displayed on the screen, nothing felt so real in its vibes. Happy big time, a moment to cherish for a lifetime. Proud to secure Gold in both the categories (we competed). Feel blessed beyond measure.

P Holyn Rochil: Experienced joy, unspeakable with a deep sense of gratitude to our Almighty God for His blessings, unimaginable.

L Asangba Pongen: I feel so great on being rewarded for the hard work that we had put in.

It was unbelievable because, it was a tough competition. We did our best and left the rest to God and He did it all. All glory be to God.

Thujoi Rhakho: Definitely a very happy and an emotional moment for we have come so far to have achieved something prestigious like this.

Imsumanen: The award ceremony was as intense and exciting as the competition- with our fingers crossed to everyone cheering and shouting for their country, singing their national anthems. That was a sight to see and a wonderful experience. The result declaration was truly exhilarating and we couldn’t contain our excitement and tears. And this experience will be one that will never be forgotten.

Vilivi Muru: At that moment, I was filled with so much joy and nothing but gratefulness.

For it was not easy with many inconveniences, yet we made it so far. It was a proud moment.

Mhalevonu Kin: It was by far the happiest moment in my life. Competing with the world and winning two gold medals is something extraordinary for ordinary people like us. I give all glory and honour to God for paving the way for TNCC.

Ethel Lotha: I felt emotions of joy, peace, contentment and a sense of achievement.

Yeshika Vikato Awomi: A huge scream of “Wooooh” followed by “Alhou She” (Praise the Lord) were my immediate response upon the announcement of TNCC winning the gold medal inside the Gangneung Arena. The huge pressure of going back home empty handed after months of hard work and sacrifices slowly faded away and my heart was only filled with sincere gratitude to the Lord.

Jethro Merry: It was such an exciting experience and we give all glory and honour to God for the achievement. On hearing the announcement of winning gold, there was nothing but a loud shout and tears of joy.

Vini K Chishi: I feel the epitome of success. The joy of achievement which is deeply gratifying. My initial thoughts were about realising how hard work, sincere dedication and God’s blessings can turn mourning into dancing.

Thungyani Kikon Tetse-o: Initially, the feeling was unreal and overwhelming. We felt God’s presence right there and then. To be able to participate in such a massive event itself was a lifelong privilege for me. Winning 2 gold medals in this prestigious WCG is so far the biggest achievement throughout my musical journey.

Thepfulhukieu Peseyie: On hearing the name of our choir, I felt relieved and happy because all our hard work and dedication had been paid off. It’s an amazing experience to get not only one but two gold medals.

Hotolu Yeptho: On the day of the awards ceremony, I felt both nervous and excited as I waited anxiously for our name to be announced. When I finally heard our name being called, I was filled with overwhelming joy. It was a moment that felt almost unreal.

Renthunglo Shitiri: It was a surreal moment to see and hear the name of our choir being announced. I was overcome with a deep sense of gratitude and thankfulness to God for honouring our sincere efforts.

Visenuo Rio: The very moment TNCC was called, it was a moment of pure joy and complete surrealism. We were not all professionals but we competed with the professionals and got recognised. Our efforts, our sacrifices, our hard work didn’t go to waste. It was a whole new level of fruition. My heart was overjoyed and couldn’t help but be reminded of how good our God is.

Abikali Yeshika: We were led by the best, and we gave our best. As a hopeful being, I had a very positive feeling that we won’t go home empty-handed. When our name was announced I was so thrilled I literally screamed my heart out. It felt really good not just because of the winning itself but mostly because it was a validation of the hard work we have all put in and a testimony of our Almighty’s love upon us.

Miss Tesinle Lorin: There were exhilarating cries of joy. I was shocked, overjoyed and felt very grateful to God because it was Him who intervened. To be winning not just 1 but 2 Gold medals alongside choirs from across the globe felt surreal but it was real. It was beautifully overwhelming. This is something I have encapsulated in my heart and will cherish it for as long as I live.

Pithungo Patton: I feel overwhelmed and emotional and I am at a loss for words. This is a very special moment in my life. All Glory to God. It is the hard work and efforts put together by the team.

Duzoto Kezo: I feel so great, and I am truly overwhelmed by this chance to receive this prestigious gold medals. It truly sets a memorable event for my music career to remind me of the importance of dedication in my profession.

Mhathung Odyuo: Actually, I was just thanking God for making us win in the competition, because I already saw in my dream winning in both the competition two days before the results were announced, which I had shared with one of our choristers.

Inalitoli V Jimo: The moment I heard our choir name, I got goosebumps and the joy in me could not stop me from jumping and screaming, more like shrieking. ‘This is all God’s doing’ was what was going through my mind. I kept saying ‘Alhou She’ over and over again. To say this was an invaluable experience would be an understatement.

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