In a significant achievement, the Nagaland Madrigal Singers brought laurels to India and Nagaland in particular by winning two gold medals at the World Choir Games, the largest choral competition held in Auckland, New Zealand from July 10-20.
Over 11,000 singers from 42 countries participated in the event, with the results declared on Friday.
The Nagaland Madrigal Singers, formed in September 2023, represented India and competed in two prestigious categories: Contemporary Music Mixed Voices and Mixed Chamber Choir. They won gold medals in both categories.
This marks the second time Nagaland has secured two gold medals in the World Choir Games. In 2023, The Nagaland Chamber Choir (TNCC) won two gold medals at the 12th World Choir Games held in Gangneung, South Korea.
Speaking to Nagaland Post, Hito Kiho, the conductor of the Nagaland Madrigal Singers, shared his journey and the group’s achievements. With over a decade of experience as a full-time choral conductor, Kiho has also been involved with the Nagaland Conservatory of Music Performing Choir for about three years and was the conductor of the Nagaland Chamber Choir at the 12th World Choir Games in South Korea.
Kiho explained the challenges and hard work involved, stating, “Within a few months, we had to do many things aside from rehearsals.” Musik-A, LMA, Hope Centre of Excellence, and several churches (Ikishe Village Baptist Church, Darogapathar Sumi Baptist, Diphupar-B Sumi Baptist Church, and Sumi Baptist Church Purana Bazar) generously provided rehearsal spaces. Kiho also expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the state government, Abu Metha, TaFMA, and Chairman Theja Meru for their support, as well as to generous donors, families, loved ones, churches, and well-wishers for their contributions.
The choir’s varied repertoire included Latin sacred works, Asian folk songs, Naga folk songs, James Swu’s “Hallelujah,” international folk songs, and a Carnatic choral work composed and performed as a premier piece during the competition. Kiho dedicated their success to divine intervention, saying, “All glory to God, for without God this would not have been possible. I am filled with joy and gratefulness. With over 250 choirs from 42 countries, the competition was challenging, but I’m glad the team survived and brought home two gold medals.”
When asked about the message the Nagaland Madrigal Singers have for aspiring musicians and choir groups, Kiho said, “Although we were in a competition, the appreciation and recognition shared among co-competitors were inspiring. We must think beyond and out of the box. Compete, but in a healthy way. In this way, humanity grows with music, and there is more life in the harmony we create. Most importantly, always stay positive and think outside the box.”
The Nagaland Madrigal Singers aim to elevate choral singing in Nagaland and India, aspiring to see India and Nagaland on the world choral map and create a home for all in these unpredictable times with the music and harmony they create.
One of the members, Ngovetso Lohe, shared, “I really had a great experience at the World Choir Games, and thank God. It was fortunate to be able to sing in front of an international crowd, set foot in world-class halls and stages, and learn about cultural differences and similarities.”
Rio, Patton congratulate
Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio took to ‘X’ to congratulated the team. “Congratulations, The Nagaland Madrigal Singers, on winning two Gold Medals for India at the 13th World Choir Games 2024 in New Zealand. You have fulfilled our wish of bringing laurels to the country and have made us proud. May you continue to excel in all your future endeavors,” Rio said in his post.
Patton: Deputy CM Y. Patton also took to X to congratulate the Nagaland Madrigal Singers. “Their exceptional talent and dedication have brought immense pride to India. We celebrate their success and wish them continued excellence in all their future endeavours,” he said.