Nagaland Chamber Choir wins 2 gold at World Choir Games

The Nagaland Chamber Choir (TNCC) brought laurels not only to Nagaland but also to India by winning two gold medals at the prestigious 12th World Choir Games held at Gangneung, South Korea.
Formerly called the Choir Olympics, the World Choir Games is the largest global choral festival and competition. Organised by the Interkultur Foundation for choirs from all over the world, regardless of their country of origin, race, genre of music or artistic ambitions, its motto is “Singing together brings nations together”. The 30-member TNCC team took part in two categories and won gold in both– Mixed Chamber Choir and Contemporary Choral Music.
Talking exclusively to Nagaland Post, TNCC choral conductor Hito Kiho said the team was honoured to win such a prestigious competition. “We give all glory and honour to our Almighty God and we also thank all our loved ones at home who have been supporting us through prayers,” he said.
He mentioned that the team spent a lot of time in choosing the right song and rendition to make it more interesting and attractive, as they had to stick to the guidelines/rules of the competition. Kiho disclosed that the team members consisted of doctors, businessmen, teachers, music professionals, etc, and that everyone had to sacrifice a lot of their time and effort. He stated that it was not easy for every member to be present all the time.
“It was three months of very intense rehearsal that brough us this far,” he revealed, acknowledging the efforts and hard work put in by all the team members.
Altogether 324 choirs from 43 countries took part in the competition. TNCC competed with 11 finalists in the two categories they had won.
Rio, others congratulate TNCC
Chief minister Neiphiu Rio, Union Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Rajeev Chandrasekhar and deputy chief ministers TR Zeliang and Y Patton took to Twitter to congratulate TNCC.
“Congratulations to The Nagaland Chamber Choir (TNCC) on winning two Gold medals at the World Choir Games in South Korea in the categories; Música Contemporánea Voices & Mixed Chamber Music. You have made Nagaland & India proud. I wish TNCC more success in all future endeavours,” Rio tweeted.
Chandrasekhar too took to Twitter to congratulate TNCC. He tweeted, “Their stellar performance in the Musica Contemporanea Mixed Voices and Mixed Choir categories makes India immensely proud! Wishing them all the best for their future endeavours.”
Zeliang also tweeted, “A proud moment for the Nation and especially for Nagaland State. Wishing the team more achievements and awards in coming days.”
Congratulating TNCC on their outstanding achievement, Patton said “Clinching two gold medals at the event signifies their exemplary talent, dedication, and professionalism.”
He said their achievement has elevated not only the cultural richness of Nagaland but also glorified the nation, adding “May this achievement inspire others in their artistic pursuits and may TNCC continue to have more such moments of glory!”