Morung Express News
Kohima | January 22
Harmonic Voices Nagaland, a newly formed choir, will be presenting its premiere choral concert at Regional Center of Excellence in Music and Performing Arts, Jotsoma on January 24 at 5pm. The premiere titled “Echoes of Music” will set off the first season of the annual concert.
Holding a press conference at Dream Café on January 22, members of the Choir shared their aims in organizing their debut concert and future plans to promote choral music in Nagaland and beyond.
“Echoes of music is simply and carefully titled to represent the songs we sing, it resounds the music that has inspired us in our journey of life, to inspire people and make our music echo in their hearts,” expressed Topeni K Assumi adding that the annual concert will incorporate their original composition in the future.
Choir Director Akhou Koza emphasized that one of the main objectives of Harmonic voices is to bring choral music singing in Nagaland to a professional level. “We want to reach out to more audience, go beyond the State and dream big,” added the Choir Director.
The choir was formed in 2014 during the Ultimate Hornbill Choir Competition and made its way to the top as the winners of the competition in 2014. Harmonic Voices comprise of 15 members of five tribes at present namely Akhrou Koza (Choir Director), Mele Pucho (Managing Director), Topeni K Assumi (Soprano), Rükhetuolie Theünuo (Tenor), Surhuveyi Tetseo (Bass), Pezetgumbe Newme (Bass), Vezoto Swuro (Tenor), Vepota Nyekha (Bass), Nulatelu Keyho (Alto), Emilo Yanthan (Alto), Ruopfü Yhokha (Alto), Vikhriezono Yore (Soprano), Welou Khalo (Soprano), Nourhevilie Khate (Violinist) and Ayide Koza (Pianist).
“So far we’ve been singing in our local churches but we want to go beyond. We are trying to promote our own folk tunes and folk music, grow in knowledge and skills in music,” stated Surhuveyi Tetseo. Rükhetuolie Theünuo also observed that Choral music has not been able to go beyond the church and opined that the concert is a positive step in taking it further.
The group remains positive on the prospect of making a career out of choral music. The group’s Managing Director Pucho admits that making a living out of music in Nagaland is “very challenging” but expresses hope that the choir will encourage the young in pursuing it as a career.
The choir hopes that it will help build the future for young musicians. Topeni adds that the Harmonic Voices is open to the younger generation.
Harmonic Voices works closely with the Shillong Chamber Choir with the Meghalaya-based choir currently mentoring the one year old choir.
Meanwhile, Harmonic Voices Nagaland has been selected to represent India in the World Choir Games to be held in Russia in July. The Competition is considered as one of the largest international choir competitions. The Choir has also been selected to represent India for another choir competition in Vienna as well. However, the group is doubtful on the participation due to financial constraints and expressed hope that the State Government will provide financial assistance.
The Choir will perform renditions on both gospel and secular music. Tickets for the event are priced at Rs. 300 and will be available at the venue.
