By Our Reporter
Shillong: The Shillong-based AROHA Choir comprises members from five states of North-East India, viz. Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur and Assam. Founded in 2007 by Pauline Warjri, a musician of eminence, the Choir has been performing within the country and outside.
Before this Pauline had founded the Bangalore Chamber Choir in 2004, in Bangalore. AROHA was created with the objective of raising the quality of music in a region where people simply love music. A professional musician, with extensive experience in music education and in composing and performing, Pauline understood that raising the benchmark in music meant teaching correct techniques, both in playing and singing.
Pauline’s aim is to introduce this burgeoning talent to music of world standards. Thus, the AROHA Choir has the ambitious plans to participate in the prestigious World Choir Games (WCG), in Cincinnati, USA, in July 2012. This will be the 7th World Choir Games.
However, the Choir’s biggest hurdle is not talent or the lack of it but the Rs 50 lakh budget for the tour.
Speaking to this scribe, Pauline said, “We earned a little to be able to pay for the registration and the part payment for accommodation. We need money for air fares. We also have to pay for the rest of the accommodation. We have applied to DoNER, NEC, the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, the Arts and Culture department etc., but have received nothing as yet. Time is running out so I am very worried.”
The World Choir Games is organized by Interkulter, an international organizing committee based in Germany. It is akin to ‘the Olympics of Choral Music’ and this year round is expected to bring 400 choirs from 70 or more countries to the USA.
More than 20,000 participants — an estimated 70 % of whom are 27 or younger — will compete over two weeks in an event that could draw up to 200,000 spectators to the region.
AROHA will represent not only the State but the North-East as a whole- since members are from different parts of the North-East.
Pauline says that India is an emerging nation so the Choir will get to showcase their talents and compete against some of the finest choirs in the world. They will also experience the enthusiasm of singing together and learning which can only come by being there.
“The Choir will have the unique opportunity to interact with some of the greatest choral directors and choirs and also the invaluable experience of workshops with leading teachers of the world,” Pauline informed.
At the moment the Choir are keeping their fingers crossed. “It would be very unfortunate if we cannot travel for want of funds. We have to travel by July 1,” and we are working night and day” said a Choir member stating that Pauline has written all the scores herself.
Responding to that Pauline said, “This makes it is doubly hard. It is unusual to have to write, conduct and accompany all at once.”
When asked how tough the competition would be she answered, “Very tough. The South African Kearsney Choir is extremely talented amongst others.”
Meghalaya can only wish the AROHA well and hope that they find the funds sooner than later since most of the payments have to be made in advance.