By Willie Gordon Suting
The legendary Luciano Pavarotti made his debut as a young successful contestant in his father’s choir in Llangollen and then went on to launch his career after that.
Now it is Aroha Junior Choir’s turn to make it big on the global stage. They will compete in the 71st Choral Competition in Llangollen, Wales from July 2 to 8.
The children will compete with more than 40 choirs, comprising over 4,000 participants, from around the world in open, folk, acapella and solo western classical categories led by Founder-Director Pauline Warjri, a prominent musician in Shillong.
A Licentiate of Trinity College, London, Warjri has many feathers in her cap. She had collaborated with artistes from Germany, Hungary and the US. She had toured Poland, England and Switzerland with the Shillong Boys’ Choir and with younger brother Neil Nongkynrih. She has written for solo piano, voice, choirs, jazz band and other instruments.
The Aroha Junior Choir, established in 2007, comprises 20 young talents from 11 schools in the city. The choir had performed for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2011 and former President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan in 2014.
In Llangollen, the Choir will perform 11 songs, including two in Khasi, Ri Khasi and Tang Jingiania, written by Nongkynrih.
With influences ranging from Handel, Take Six, John Rutter, Kerry Marsh, Sam Robson to Peter Hollens, the choir is all geared up for Wales.
Aroha means “gathering of knowledge” and “the ascending scale” in Sanskrit. When asked about the name, Warjri says “I feel knowledge, when put to use, makes us wiser. We thus come to learn more about ourselves. For example, the children collectively made the decision to sing gospel in the open category.”
Warjri says it was difficult initially to make the children adapt to a routine and she had to scold some of them for not following the rules. “Punctuality has been a constant problem. I also scold them when they do not practise their parts from home,” she says.
Warjri advises them not to consume Coke or junk food as both affects the vocal cords, and to go for green leafy vegetables. The children also have to sleep early.
When asked about the routine, 15-year-old Denise Shailynti Noronha says, “I practise alone during mornings and evenings at home as Mam instructs us.”
Aryan Bawa Lynrah, 14, drinks water and bathes regularly to improve his vocal cords.
Looking back at the intense practice sessions since last December, the music exponent says, “I know we have less time now but there has been tremendous progress. I must say I am surprised by the children’s efforts.”
The children aim for a bright future as two of Aroha’s senior members are currently studying in the UK and the US on full scholarships. Many junior members had also completed London College of Music exams with distinction.
Warjri, speaking about her teaching principles, says, “I feel life should be approached holistically. So one has to be disciplined. I teach the kids to sing in worship of God.”
The choir will also perform in a church in England with some visits to residential homes. Renowned opera singer Joanna Marie Skillet will guide the choir through the activities.
Aroha Junior Choir sent a recording online of their performances with three songs for three categories. Warjri was ecstatic when Aroha got selected but now understands the weight of the task. “It will be very tough as there will be the best singers in the world. We are really pushing ourselves.”
The choir has six sopranos, six altos, three tenors, two baritones and three bases. “It is a dream come true and a great opportunity to showcase God’s gift. We will give our best shot,” says 16-year-old Venetia K Warshong.
Phila Pynrisa Thangkhiew, 14, says the choir has helped the students grow as individuals and also as a team.
Besides preparing for the big contest, there are other daunting tasks like collecting fund. Warjri and her troupe are trying to raise at least Rs 40 lakh for travel, lodging and food expenses through concerts, food festivals, radio and television programmes.
“We had two concerts, special numbers in small gigs and radio stations, a food festival at All Saints’ Hall and sang in the Election Commission video to raise funds. We are also thinking of approaching the government,” she says.
Sunday Shillong also interviewed some of the choir members’ parents. Ralth Esmond Dkhar, father of Ivanka Emma Syngai, says, “She is only 11 years old but we’ve seen a lot of progress. It is an honour for our family, state and country as a whole.”
A parent whose two children are in the choir, says, “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the children. It also puts Shillong and the North East on the global map.”
Aroha Junior Choir is hopeful of making it big in Wales and bring name and fame to Shillong and the state. With the city rich in many musical talents, the government has to come forward to support their endeavours for a bright future.
