The Nagaland Madrigal Singers at Auckland, New Zealand.
Morung Express News
Kohima | July 20
Just 8 months after the Nagaland Madrigal Singers was founded by Hito Kiho in September 2023, it has brought home immense pride by winning two Gold Medals in the category of Contemporary Music Mixed Voices and Mixed Chamber Choir.
The 22-member Choir participated in the prestigious 13th World Choir Games hosted by the New Zealand Choral Federation at Auckland, New Zealand from July 19-20, 2024. World Choir Games is one of the largest choral festivals in the world wherein over 11,000 singers from 42 countries participated in the event, organized by the Interkultur.
Following the outstanding achievement, Hito Kiho expressed in an exclusive interview with The Morung Express, “All Glory to God, for without God this would not have been possible. I am filled with joy and gratefulness.”
Looking back on the young journey of the Nagaland Madrigal Singers, he said, “There are certain dreams which take a long time of preparation and planning.” The Nagaland Madrigal Singers, he said “is that dream which I had in my mind for a very long time ever since when I was a student.”
The group was formed to also elevate choral singing in Nagaland and India in general. “It was in the month I called upon some fulltime musicians/ classically trained musicians and shared about the plans and vision of this team and I believe 2023 was a right time God has set things for the Nagaland Madrigal Singers to take its shape,” he recalled.
Clearly elated with what it has achieved today, he expressed, “I am more than happy with what we have achieved.” Although young, the victory of the Choir is because of the hard work and dedication of each chorister in the words of Hito Kiho, which he also described as “incredible.”
He further thanked the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, the State Government, Abu Metha, Chairman IDAN and TaFMA Chairman, Theja Meru for their invaluable contributions towards the event.
He also expressed his gratitude to all their generous donors, families and loved ones, Churches and well wishes for their support and contribution.
Taking to X, Abu Metha, IDAN Chairman congratulated the Nagaland Madrigal Singers “for making India Shine and Nagaland Proud.” “We are all so overjoyed,” he added.
Chairman of Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA), Theja Meru told The Morung Express, “The win is a testament that dreams come true and that, when one works hard, impossible is nothing.”
Congratulating the Nagaland Madrigal Singers for the super delivery and putting a smile on the face of every Naga, he further expressed, “I wish them many more laurels and I am confident that this is just the beginning of many more great things to come.”
