2nd Nagaland Catholic Choral Fiesta held in Kohima

KOHIMA — The second edition of the Nagaland Catholic Choral Fiesta, the triennial Diocesan Sacred Music Choral Competition organised by the Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN), was held at the Golden Jubilee Hall, Cathedral, Kohima, on Saturday.

Attending the occasion, Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, Advisor of School Education and SCERT, said singing is a natural expression for the Nagas. He emphasised that such initiatives are important for bringing people together and should grow larger in the future.

The advisor suggested to the organisers that the competition should not be limited to the Catholic community but expanded to encompass Naga society and the wider northeast region.

He acknowledged the Catholic community for its contributions to society, particularly in the education sector, and noted that there are currently 106 schools, five colleges, and one university in Nagaland run by Catholics.

Dr. Johnny Ruangmei, president of the Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN), informed that the Choral Fiesta, first held in 2022, aims to explore and nurture the musical talents of the youth.

Under the Chamber Choir competition category, Christ the King Church, Kohima, emerged as the winner and received INR 1,50,000. St Francis De Sales Church, Kohima, and St Paul Church, Phesama, finished second (INR 1,00,000) and third (INR 50,000), respectively.

The two finalists, St. Peter’s Church, Tesophenyu, and Mary Help of Christians Cathedral, Kohima, received INR 20,000 each.

In the Voice Ensemble (Western) category, Mary Help of Christians Cathedral, Kohima, bagged the first position (INR 40,000), while St. Peter’s Church, Tesophenyu, emerged second (INR 25,000). Christ the King Church, Kohima, was also adjudged the winner of the Vocal Ensemble in ethnic/folk music.

The ‘Fr John Med Award’ for hymn writing and composition was presented to Kethovino Catherine Kulnu. The award aims to encourage the creation of locally composed hymns to be sung in the churches of Nagaland.

The judges for the choral competition were musicians Ajeen Longchari, Sucha, Vizho Thakro, and Gideon Mesen Thono.