Morung Express News Harmonic Surge-2, a biannual choral festival organised by The Nagaland Chamber Choir (TNCC) came to a close with the Choir Competitions held on October 16 at Dimapur Sumi Baptist Church. Noel de la Rosa, Asin Shurhozelie, Mhathung Odyuo and Louise Shishak were the panel of adjudicators and the competing choirs were judged on the criteria of Techinque, Musicality, overall performance etc. For the Mixed Choir Competition, in a show of talent, skill and presentation, Coronation Choir of Golden Crown Centre won the Champions' Trophy with a cash award of Rs.50,000/- and citation certificate. Lotha Baptist Church Diphupar and Chakhesang Baptist Church Dimapur won the 2nd position (Rs.30,000 and citation certificate) and consolation prize (Rs. 5000/- and citation certificate) respectively. The first two winners of the Mixed Choir Competitions also received a direct free-entry to compete in the upcoming Hornbill Festival Choir Competition. In the Children Choir category, the young singers won the hearts of the audience with their enthusiasm, and sense of professionalism. The children choir of Lotha Baptist Church Dimapur won the 1st position, citation certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 20,000/- with their winning performance of the African folk tune of ‘We are marching in the Light of God.’ Kuda village Baptist Church children choir secured the second position, citation certificate and a cash prize of Rs.10,000/- with their impeccable style and rendition of the hymn ‘Beyond the Sunset’ sung to the accompaniment of drums and Ukele played by the sisters' duo. The Best Conductor award was given to Avoni Odyuo of Coronation Choir, an award which she is winning twice in a row. The Best Costume was awarded to Chakhesang Church Dimapur Choir. Besides the Competition, special highlights of the evening was the combined performance of TNCC with Asin Surhozelie singing Oscar Hammerstien's ‘Climb Every Mountain' and lifting voices in unison, a spiritually uplifting performance of the classic hymn ‘My Tribute’ was presented with Meripeni Zares as the soloist along with the festival participants. Summing up the intent of organising the event, Aroko Nagi, Convenor of Harmoni Surge-2 commented, “We hope the knowledge and experiences gained at the festival will rekindle one's musical passion and motivate one to achieve even greater heights within the music ministry.”
