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Our Correspondent
Kohima, Nov. 5 (EMN): The Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN) presented its 1st Nagaland Catholic Choral Fiesta, a competitive event on the theme: "Una Fide Una Vice" (One Faith One Voice), consisting nine choir teams from across the state, at Capital Cultural Hall in Kohima on Saturday night.
Christ the King Church, Kohima village, was declared the winners to take home a cash prize of INR 2,00,000, while first runners-up St. Francis De Sales, Kohima Town, won INR 1,50,000 and Mary Help of Christians, Cathedral, took home INR 1,00,000 for the second runners-up title.
St. Paul's Parish, Phesama, and St.Ignatius Parish, Razeba won consolation prizes, for which they received INR 50,000 each.
After the first round of competition, five choir teams were shortlisted for splashy performances with high notes, a song each of their choice, to end the competition.
Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement choir performed "Baba Yetu" earlier, in the programme, and Rev. Fr. Gabriel Gaikhang performed Price Tag, following which the first five out of the nine teams presented their respective performance with "I Want To Thank You, Lord".
Earlier in the programme, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Gaikhang performed “Price Tag”, after which the first five of the nine teams presented “I Want To Thank The Lord”.
A cover version of Chess Anthem was then delivered by soloist Nounengu Augustine Whuorie before the competition resumed with the remaining four choiral groups taking the stage.
The musical evening also saw performances from soloists: Keziah Semy, Angap Ngapgang and Menguseü Suokhrie, as well as from Ketoulhoutuo Dominic Zuyie, a blind guitarist.
Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Abu Metha, who attended the event as the special guest, said he thoroughly enjoyed the show and congratulated CAN for coming up with the musical night, which was held after conducting auditions from more than 55 parishes to choose nine choral groups for the ultimate competition.
He informed that the winning choir will be trained professionally under the patronage of Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA), following which they would perform during the Hornbill Festival.
Acknowledging the Catholic community for their significant contributions across the world, including Nagaland, Metha said Catholic clergymen and women had produced nation builders, groomed and educated Indian top leaders as well as responsible citizens.
He recounted the days when health and educational institutions began flourishing in Nagaland after the Catholic community made immense sacrifices in taking up the initiative.
Metha emphasised on the need to work together between the government and non-governmental organizations, among others, with the Catholics for the betterment of students and youths.
Maintaining that the youngsters need to grow and bring good name to the state, he said it was time the youth strive for success. "You got to hard work, then only recognise and success will come to you," he said.
Metha called upon the church leaders to rise to the occasion to tell the "truth and address the problem we are facing today," adding that "we should work together as one force".
Chief patron of the event, Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima Diocese, told the gathering that music was often played to light up and refresh the moods of kings, while making references from the Holy Book.
Congratulating CAN for organising the event, he expressed hope that it would encourage many more people to sing to the Lord.
TaFMA advisor, Theja Meru, who was the guest of honour, reminded the aspiring musicians to dream big, saying that the chief minister of Nagaland has taken a keen interest in promoting musicians and artistes from the state.
Mentioning few musicians from Nagaland who have earned popularity outside the state, he urged the youth to work hard and take pride in giving efforts to chase their dreams.
Meru acknowledged CAN for giving youngsters a platform to perform through the event and assured assistance from TaFMA.
Johnny Ruangmei, President of CAN, said that the competition, where all the parishes from across the state had come together, had been organised for the first time.
He said that they look forward to organising the choral extravaganza in a more eventful manner in the days to come.
The panel of judges for the choral competition included Rocus Chasie, Rükuovio Viluo, Obed Kath, Zhavi Mathew and Vikesono Pfukha Thono.