Elevation Men’s Choir from Kohima emerged as the ultimate winner at the 4th Hornbill Choral Competition 2016.
The male singing group surpassed eight other choirs to clinch the ultimate title which was held at Hockey ground, Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.
The Canticle Singers from Dimapur bagged the 1st runners-up, while Coronation Choir from Golden Crown College, Dimapur were placed as the 2nd runners-up.
The winners walked home richer with Rs. 1.50,000 (One lakh fifty thousand), while the 1st and 2nd runners-up received a cash award of Rs. 1,00,000 (One lakh) and Rs. 50,000 (Fifty thousand) respectively.
The award for the best uniform was given to Bel Canto Choir from Kohima, while Gideon Mesen Thono from The Canticle Singers was awarded the best conductor.
A total of nine choirs took part in the 4th edition of this year’s ultimate Hornbill Choral Competition. The other participating choirs were Symphony Choir, Kohima, Lotha Baptist Church, Diphupar, Delhi Public School, Dimapur, Secheku Children’s Choir, Chizami and Zeme Baptist Church, Kohima.
The judges for the competition were Asin Shürhozelie, Khyochano Ngullie and Akhro Koza. The event was graced Allan Gemmel, OBE, Minister Cultural Affairs, British Council, India, as the special guest.
In his address, the British ambassador lauded the Music Task Force, Government of Nagaland, for organising the choral competition and bringing different artistes to perform at a single platform.
“Nagas mades world class music,” Gemmel remarked while he also shared his excitement being here in Nagaland. “I am here for the second time in Nagaland, and I am loving it in every way,” said Gemmel who have been attending the entire activities of this year’s Hornbill festival since day one.
He went on to mention that more than 600 Naga musicians register themselves every year under the Trinity School of Music, based in London. He further informed that a Naga musician topped the Piano lessons this year under the Trinity School of Music.
The 4th Hornbill Choral Competition was organised by Symphony production under the initiative of Music Task Force.
