Press Release

Jaipur will witness a celebration of India’s rich and varied musical heritage with three special performances by the multi-genre multi-talented, much loved Shillong Chamber Choir at the 3rdedition of the Raymond MTV India Music Summit. The Choir’s magic will be spread over the entire Summit, which will be held at The Fairmont in Jaipur from 4 to 6 October. Prepare to be enthralled by the Choir who, with their 17 singers and musicians will share a multi-faceted journey inspired by the musical genius of Neil Nongkynrih, Padmashri recipient. Driven by his passionate vision to bring music to the Northeast, he left his successful career as a concert pianist in London and Europe, returning to his beloved Meghalaya and founding the Choir in 2001. The rest is musical history. Today, the Choir has a diverse repertoire of western classical music including Handel, Bach, Gershwin, Mozart as well as Bollywood melodies, Khasi folk songs and Operatic arias that soar with great flair. The Choir masterfully weaves together the achingly familiar and the new with their unique and brilliant, joyfulease. At the Summit, The Shillong Chamber Choir will envelope the event by performing on all three days. The first evening – will open with their powerful rendition of VandeMataram and other music that will infuse us with pride in our great Indian heritage. As part of the Sounds of Love segment on the second night, we will hear the unveiling of a few arias from “Sohlyngngem” – an opera written and composed by Neil Nongkynrih. This unique opera will blend together Tribal, Western classical andHindustanmusic in a completely unique experience during the Summit with its heart searing tale creating modern folklore in front of us. The third day belongs to the Shillong Chamber Choir as they Spark Joy! and close the Summit with their Grand Finale leaving us all entranced with positivity and basking in the glow of the new friendships made at the Summit. It is an honour to have the Shillong Chamber Choir who have rendered iconic performances with the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (in celebration of Zubin Mehta’s 80thbirthday) the Fitz William Quartet, and collaborated with artistes like Amitabh Bachchan, Zakir Hussain, Shankar Ehsaan Loy, and Usha Uthup, among others. They opened for Coldplay in Mumbai with Neil Nongkynrih’s own European Concert Orchestra. They world premiered the Schubert opera Shakuntala in 2018, under the baton of Gerhard Wirth of the Vienna Boys Choir. Winning India’s Got Talent in 2010 has underpinned an expanding musical journey including performing for US president Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle. Most recently, National Geographic’s Chandrayaan 2 documentary was set to Neil Nongkyrih’s rendition of VandeMataram. The unending sky is the limit for the Choir and we are delighted with the Summit and Shillong Chamber Choir’s closeassociation. The prolific mentor for the Summit is celebrated author, poet, and lyricist Prasoon Joshi. According to the Co-Founders of Musiconcepts, Ambika Srivastava, Mala Sekhri and Aparna Joshi, the Raymond MTV India Music Summit aims to unite the vibrant and diverse musical history and heritage of India. It will not only bridge the gap between the mesmerising artists on stage and the audience, but also reverberate the energy and pulse of the over 100 artists and their enthralling music. Over 5000 music lovers will have the chance to break the barriers and myths surrounding familiar genres and explore new genres of music. Plus, they will have the chance to listen to and engage with their favourite artistes over many concerts and conversations, all day and all night, over three music-filled days. 
 

About the Raymond MTV India Music Summit:

 The Raymond MTV India Music Summit, launched in 2017, is a congregation of music lovers and musicians who come together every year, not just to listentobuttoengagewithmusic.TheSummitisadeepdiveintomusic,going beyond the surface offering an immersive and incredible musical journey to all music aficionados. From early morning baithaks to evening concerts, from workshops and films, to late night performances, from chat shows with musicians to debates and panels, the India Music Summit is truly a music lover’s delight. IMS 2019 promises a gallery of the best and most talented artistes in the country. Classical, rock, sufi, devotional, semi-classical, indie, and Bollywood form the most mind-blowing musical content – something that has never been experienced under one roof.