SHILLONG: The observance of 69th Republic Day of India would be made vibrant by the Shillong Chamber Choir at the HQ 101 Area in city.
The Choir will perform for security forces on this occasion at Shillong Cantonment on January 26 at 5 pm.
The conduct of the event, the first by the Choir for the services, has been facilitated by Lt Gen DS Ahuja, GOC 101 Area.
According to a statement issued by the HQ 101 Area, the event will feature the world acclaimed Choir Group paying tribute to the armed forces.
The maiden gesture by the Choir is an obeisance to the service and sacrifices of the soldiers. The musical extravaganza is likely to be attended by approximately 3500 to 4000 soldiers and families from the Army, Air Force, Assam Rifles and Central Armed Police Forces.
It is pertinent to note that the Choir made its debut performance at Pinewood Hotel in Shillong, dubbed as rock capital of India on January 14 and 15 2001, with Neil Nongkynrih, a concert pianist as their conductor, and continued performing ever since.
Nongkynrih studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Trinity College, London, and thereafter worked as a concert pianist for 13 years in Europe, before returning to Shillong and starting the choir with local youth. It has 25 members including 15 singers, and other musicians and soloist, apart from conductor Nongkynrih.
The choir’s repertoire includes works of western classical music, including Handel, Bach, Gershwin and Mozart, from hits by rock group Queen, and Khasi folk songs and opera.
Over the years it has performed in Britain, Poland, Switzerland, Sri Lanka, Italy and the Indian cities of Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai and Guwahati. The choir participated in the 6th World Choir Games held at Shaoxing China (Shanghai) in July 2010 and was awarded Gold in all three categories: Musica Sacra, Gospel and Popular.
