The Nagaland Chamber Choir participates at National Choral Festival, Lucknow

The Nagaland Chamber Choir (TNCC), on invitation representing the state, participated at the National Choral Festival ‘Swar Sudha’ organised in Lucknow by the Sangeet Natak Academy North East Centre from March 13- 16. The festival featured 11 choirs from across India presenting their folk songs and choral music. Led by Arogo Nagi as the conductor, TNCC’s repertoire consisted of : Nagamiqo Pishipuwo -Sumi male chant, He ha hiyale he - Lotha folk tune, Kughaho Chishi’s Jesu Je Shelo- a polyphonic sumi folk song, James Swu’s Halleluya- a naga folk motif set to choral music, Kehepe Letro’s O Hiyo – a melodious rendition of Chakesang folk song, Toki Kong - Indonesian folk song and also selections of classic quintessential choral compositions by Moses Hogan, Kirby Shaw, Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein, Carly Simon and Craig Hella Johnson. In what would be termed as a proud moment for Nagas, was TNCC’s performance receiving standing ovation from the music aficionados and music professionals of the country, testifying to the virtuoso and finesse of the choir in singing a wide range of difficult songs and music genres. V.Hekali Zhimomi, IAS, Secretary to the Govt. of Uttar Pradesh was also present to witness the performance. The National Choral Festival being a new venture initiated by the Sangeet Natak Academy, Dr. Lima Pongener Co-Ordinator of TNCC, stated how it has been a great privilege for the choir to perform in the festival, and also expressed acknowledgment to Sangeet Natak Academy North East Centre for creating a platform for the promotion of choral music in India. Mention may be made regarding TNCC’s participation in the cultural events of the recently concluded South Asian Games held in Gauhati. As the oldest professional choral group in Nagaland, it seeks to set the benchmark of excellence in singing and performance, and also in promoting choral music. Upcoming events under the flagship of TNCC are : # Classical Concert on April 2nd,2016 where TNCC in collaboration with Patkai Strings, Hope Centre for Excellence, Joey Woch’s Studio will be performing Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’ with Razo Vasa as the conductor.