Two shows on May 28
• Free-concert at 2:00 pm, exclusively for music students in Kohima schools and music institutes
• Paid-concert at 6:00 pm
True to the adage that music transcends all ages, The Nagaland Chamber Choir has a rare mixture of not just age but profession, united by one passion – Music, and the primary objective to use God’s-given talents to glorify God.
For the Vivaldi concert to be held on May 28 in Kohima, a 25 member choir will be lending their voices to create a rich blend of harmonious singing – as they seek to recreate the awe and divine presence of God that inspired Antonio Vivaldi to compose such moving and powerful songs like ‘Gloria in Excelsis’, ‘Domine Deus’, ’Cum Sancto Spiritu’ etc.
The Vivaldi project has been a wonderful opportunity for the choir to grow professionally. Besides Classical Music, the choir is also comfortable singing a broad spectrum music genre of Sacred Music, Western Gospel, Contemporaries, Spirituals, Broadway and Folk Fusion.
The Kohima concert on May 28, 2016, supported by the Music Task Force will be a re-run of the Dimapur concert with the musicians from Margaret Shishak School of Music, Patkai and Joey Woch’s Studio Dimapur.
In the year 2014 Nagaland Chamber Choir was part of the Handel’s Messiah Concert held in Dimapur. Seeing the overwhelming response of the people in terms of music appreciation and musical talents, the idea and the need to organize another classical concert was envisioned. An ambitious project came about with classically trained musicians and professionals collaborating on Antonio Vivaldi’s best known concerto and choral work.
The concert aims to provide a platform where professionally trained musicians can get the required exposure and opportunity for their musical skills to be augmented, and thereby, inspire and engage the upcoming talents.
To present opportunities whereby standard classical performances will be made accessible to music lovers in Nagaland and to acquaint people and initiate the trend of appreciation for classical music beyond its exclusive audience in our society.
“An Evening with Antonio Vivaldi – Four Seasons and Gloria” was performed at Dimapur on April 2, 2016.
The Nagaland Chamber Choir
• Dr. Limawati Pongen (Tenor): He is a founding member of TNCC and is the Co-ordinator of the choir. He is a dental surgeon by profession and also worship leader in Dimapur Christian Fellowship.
• Aroko Nagi (Conductor of TNCC): He joined TNCC in 2004 and has been conducting the choir since 2012. Aroko Nagi is actively involved in the music ministry of Kuda Village Baptist Church, Dimapur where he is the Convener of the Music Department and looks after Shabach Choir (a mixed choir).
• Ethungbemo and Meripeni Zares Ezung (Bass and Soprano): Ethungbemo is a Drugs Inspector under the Department of Health while Meripeni holds a Post-Graduate degree in theology from SABC, Bangalore. The husband and wife have been passionately investing their time in mentoring the choir at Lotha Baptist Church Kohima. Equally passionate about their calling in the workplace, Zares also serves as Co-ordinator for Commissioned to the World of Work Network (CWW).
• Amitoli T. Ayemi (Soprano): A graduate of Patkai Christian College, she has been with TNCC since its inception. She is the Music Director at Thahekhu Baptist Church.
• Khrowutso Letro (Tenor): Graduated from Patkai Christian College, studied M. Div from Oriental Theological Seminary, Dimapur. He is the Music Director of Secheku Children Music Ministry in Pfutsero.
• Sorin Vashum (Soprano): An alumnus of Patkai Christian College, she has a Masters’ Degree in literature. Committed to the idea of creating positive imprints in the lives of children, she has been instrumental in establishing Stepping Stones Pre-School, Dimapur, where she teaches.
• L. Asangba Pongen (Bass): Holds a Bachelor Degree of Music majoring in Vocal Performance from Centre for Music Education, New Life College Bangalore. He is a music Teacher at Servanthood Bible College, Covenant Institute of Theology and Equip Music Core. He founded the Echolalia Choir in his local church at Diphubar-A.
• Mhasineinuo Sekhose (Soprano and Pianist of TNCC): Mhasineinuo is a graduate of Patkai Christian College. A proficient pianist, she has had the opportunity of representing Naga churches abroad and is an asset to the Choir. She teaches music at Northfield Kikha, Kohima.
• Anenla Joyce Jamir (Alto and Pianist of TNCC): Anen did her music from Singapore Bible College and is now actively involved in teaching children in various schools, churches and music schools. She is currently teaching Music at the Maple Tree School.
• Jethro and Akie Merry (Tenor and Alto): A businessman by profession, Jethro leads the Junior Choir in Lotha Baptist Church Dimapur. He has been a member of The Nagaland Chamber Choir since its inception in 2003. His wife Akie, is a music alumnus of Patkai Christian College and a government employee.
• Odiyangla Imsong (Soprano): She is a music teacher in Hope Academy and is also a member of the church choir at Dimapur Ao Baptist Church.
• Mhalevonu Kin (Soprano): A beauty therapist by profession, she is actively involved in the Youth Ministry of Chakhesang Baptist Church Dimapur where she is a member of Praise and worship Team and Music Committee as well.
• Inalitoli V.Jimo (Alto): A graduate from Patkai Christian College, she did her B.D from Eastern Theological College Jorhat. She has worked as a missionary in Arunachal Pradesh and at Trinity Theological College.
• Holyn Kiba (Alto): A Post-Graduate, she works as a Government teacher. Married to Dr.Nilo Kiba, they are blessed with four daughters.
• David Himb (Tenor): With a certified Grade 8 in classical vocals under Trinity College of London, David is a 24 year old soloist and church singer. Besides classical, he enjoys performing Contemporary and Soulful genre of music.
• Kehepe Letro (Tenor): A gifted composer and a musician, he is a music teacher at Musician’s Academy and Hope Institute of Theology. Kehepe is one of the members of Coloured Keys.
• Tewepe Khalo (Bass): Pursuing Masters in Public Administration and currently serving the Youth Department of Chakhesang Baptist Church Dimapur as the Music Committee Convener.
• Pithungo Patton (Bass): Graduated from Public College of Commerce and has also completed 2 years A.E.T from IETC Medziphema. Presently, he is working in E.S.I.S under Government of Nagaland.
• Veseta Rakho (Bass): Works in the State Transport Department, he is a praise team leader ‘Doxa Praise Band’ at Chakhesang Baptist Church.
• Longshithung Ovung (Bass): Graduated from Kohima College, he is one of the youngest members in TNCC and is also a member of Kohima Lotha Baptist Church choir.
• Wepu Puro (Bass): Graduated from Patkai Christian College and has a Diploma in Sound Engineering from SAE, Chennai. He is a private entrepreneur based in Pfutsero.
