Shillong, Jan 5: The Shillong Chamber Choir (SSC) today termed the demise of its founder and legendary musician Neil Nongkynrih, as a colossal loss.
In a statement issued here this evening the SSC said, “It is with deep sorrow that we, the members and management of the Shillong Chamber Choir, announce the death of our beloved founder and music director, Neil Nongkynrih.
“Uncle Neil, as he was fondly known to all, passed away suddenly on Wednesday evening in Mumbai. He was 51.
“Uncle Neil was the life force of our world, a towering personality whose music, through the choir he so fondly nurtured, reached the ears of Presidents, Prime Ministers, Ambassadors and some of the biggest names in the worlds of sports, culture, business, music and film.
“Drawing from the music of his land and his own vast experience in the Western classical tradition, he gave classic Indian film music a new touch, with his deft arrangements bringing delight to millions of listeners in India.
“In 2010, he led his choir to win India’s Got Talent, catapulting the little Shillong unit to national and international stardom. In 2015, he was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
“The choir joins fans, friends and well-wishers around the world in mourning this tremendous loss.”