A choral festival dubbed the ‘Harmonic Surge-2’, organised by The Nagaland Chamber Choir, concluded with choir competitions on October 16 at the Dimapur Sumi Baptist Church.
The panel of adjudicators comprised Noel de la Rosa, Asin Shurhozelie, Mhathung Odyuo and Louise Shishak, a note from the organizers stated on Tuesday.
Coronation Choir of Golden Crown Centre won the champions’ trophy with a cash award of Rs.50,000 and a citation.
Lotha Baptist Church of Diphupar and the Chakesang Baptist Church of Dimapur won the second position (Rs.30,000 and a citation) and consolation prize ( Rs. 5000 and a citation certificate) respectively.
The first two winners of the mixed choir competitions also received a direct free-entry to the compete in the upcoming Hornbill Festival Choir Competition.
In children’s choir, the young singers won the hearts of the audience with their enthusiasm and “sense of professionalism,” the organizers said.
The children’s choir of Lotha Baptist Church of Dimapur won the first position. They were awarded a citation and a cash prize of Rs. 20,000 for their winning performance of the African folk tune of “We are marching in the light of God.”
Kuda village Baptist Church children’s choir secured the second position. They were awarded a citation and a cash prize of Rs.10,000 with their rendition of the hymn “Beyond the Sunset” sung to the accompaniment of drums and Ukele.
The best conductor award was given to Avoni Odyuo of Coronation Choir, an award which she is winning twice in a row. The best costume was awarded to Chakesang Church Dimapur Choir.
Other highlights of the evening were a combined performance of the TNCC with Asin Surhozelie singing Oscar Hammerstien’s “Climb Every Mountain”. The classic hymn “My Tribute” was presented with Meripeni Zares as the soloist along with the festival’s participants.
“Summing up the intent of organising the event, Aroko Nagi, convenor of Harmoni Surge-2 commented, ’We hope the knowledge and experiences gained at the festival will rekindle one’s musical passion and motivate one to achieve even greater heights within the music ministry,’” the organizers added in the press release.
EMN
