Harmonic Voices win first Nagaland Choir Olympics

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Oct. 24 (EMN): A group calling themselves the Harmonic Voices, from Kohima, emerged the winners of the first Nagaland Choir Olympics that was conducted on Wednesday at the RCEMPA at Jotsoma village, near Kohima town.
The event was initiated by the Task Force for Music and Arts (Tafma) and presented by a group called the Musicians’ Guild. Harmonic Voices performed “Conversion of Saul” (Z Randall Stroope ) and “Abenlied” (Josef Rheinberger) in the first and the second round to claim the title during the grand finale of the choral competition. Ten choirs from as many districts across Nagaland competed for the title.

The Harmonic Voices walked away with a cash prize of INR. one lakh and a trophy. The soprano of the choral group consists of Topeni Assumi, Vikhriezonuo Pucho, Thethem Hangsing, Atsula R Kips, Keteleno Bei-o and Welou Tunyi.

The alto comprises Emilo Yanthan, Akhrou Veswuh and Ruopfü Yhokha while the tenors were Moatoshi Jamir, Vezoto Swuro, Vikedukho Pucho and Rükhietuolie Theünuo. The basses were Surhuveyi Tetseo, Vimezo Iralu, Vepota Nyekha and Pezetgumbe Newme. James Swu was the conductor of the group.

Cantamus Choir from Dimapur bagged the second position, winning INR 50,000 while the third position went to The Canticles of Phek district who had to be content with INR. 25,000.

Theja Meru, advisor of the Tafma; Sachin Sharma, DGM, Marketing Casio India; and Dr. Hovithal Sothu, project director of the Tafma handed over the prizes to the winners.

The choral show saw two hours of intense competition. Each of the ten choirs performed two songs each during the two rounds at a jam-packed venue.

The other seven team were the Mon Chamber Choir from Mon, Orangkong Choir from Longleng, Bridge of the Gap Chamber Choir from Wokha, Ongmesang from Mokokchung, ZTSBC youth choir from Zunheboto, Cantamus Choir from Peren, and Yimchunger Baptist Church Choir from Tuensang.

The choral Olympic will be a running event. The auditions to select a choir group to represent Nagaland at the 11th World Choir Games were conducted at the RCEMPA on Thursday. However, the organisers informed Eastern Mirror that the selected list of the participants have yet to be finalised.