The Shillong Chamber Choir: A Symphony of Hope

The Shillong Chamber Choir, founded by Neil Nongkynrih in 2003, is a testament to the power of music to transcend geographical boundaries and cultural differences. Nongkynrih, a celebrated pianist and composer, returned to his hometown of Shillong, India, after 15 years in London, with a vision to create a choir that would bring together young musicians from different walks of life. The choir's journey has been nothing short of remarkable, with performances that have taken them to stages across the world, from Vienna to China, and South Korea.

Key Takeaways:

• The Shillong Chamber Choir was founded by Neil Nongkynrih in 2003 in Shillong, India, after his return from London.
• The choir's music is inspired by the second Viennese school, but with a focus on Khasi and Classical music, reflecting Nongkynrih's roots.
• In 2009, the choir performed with the Vienna Chamber Orchestra in March, with a Sri Lankan choir in China in June, and won a silver medal at the World Choir Games in South Korea in July.
• The choir has selected talented musicians, including Ibarisha Lyngdoh, a 16-year-old soprano, who has been offered a place at the Julliard School of Music in New York, and William Basaiawmoit, a 21-year-old student, who has been offered a scholarship in France.
• Despite offers to leave the choir and pursue individual opportunities, the members have chosen to stay with the choir, citing the sense of community and the opportunity to perform and travel together.
• Neil Nongkynrih has been appointed as a guest conductor at the Vienna Chamber Orchestra and will be the artistic director for their next production in 2010.

Statistics:

• 2009 marked a significant year for the Shillong Chamber Choir, with performances in Vienna, China, and South Korea.
• The choir won a silver medal at the World Choir Games in South Korea in July 2009.
• The choir's repertoire includes pieces from Handel's Messiah, Mozart's Magic Flute, Andrea Bocelli, popular group Il Divo, and Bollywood music.
• The choir performs up to three encores, as requests are not unusual and members are used to performing in a more "homely" setting.

Sources:

• The Indian Express Limited
• Contify.com