He died at the age of 51. He founded the famed Shillong Chamber Choir in 2001 as a western classical pianist, and he has now left behind a rich legacy that will be “cherished for a lifetime.”
Neil Nongkynrih, founder of Shillong Chamber Choir, expired on January 5th
Neil Nongkynrih, the founder and music director of Shillong Chamber Choir, died on Wednesday evening in Mumbai, leaving behind a lasting legacy. The Padma Shri laureate died at the age of 51 from “septicaemia related to perforated peritonitis,” according to a statement from the choir’s members and management. He founded the multi-genre choir in 2001, and it rose to stardom after winning India’s Got Talent in 2010. During their journey to India, they also performed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan for then-US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.
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Nongkynrih returned to Shillong, Meghalaya, in 2001 after 13 years as a Western classical pianist in London, United Kingdom. “It’s going to take us a long time, maybe a lifetime, to realise what he had done for us,” says William Richmond Basaiawmoit, the choir’s lead vocalist, who joined the group in 2018. These years with him have changed my life. I may say that I am who I am as a result of his affection. He had a deep affection for his fellow humans that I haven’t seen in other people. We were merely young men and women when he took us on. It’s been a journey in which he has raised all of us on his own, and not just musically. It was easy to do so musically, but it was never compromised on as human beings and men and women of character with a strong moral foundation.”
“When he came back to Shillong, he was already seasoned and recognised, and going into the circuit of becoming a concert pianist,” Basaiawmoit continues, calling him “a prodigy, an amazing musical talent.” He had to leave everything behind in order to return to Shillong. He recognised the incredible talent in Shillong, particularly in singing and music, and would constantly declare, “I have come to replace the sound of guns with the sound of song.” Since Shillong was experiencing significant insurgent concerns at the time.”
“This opera is one of the largest art presentations for anyone to undertake,” Basaiawmoit says of Nongkynrih’s opera project, which he has been working on for a few years. He wanted to write a powerful opera that included elements of Khasi folklore. As a result, for the first time in global history, he began creating opera in Khasi. I refer to it as an unfinished opera with great sadness in my heart. He accomplished a large portion of it, and it was about to go out when the pandemic struck. This was his most significant contribution. He also brought the Northeast’s name closer to the rest of India. He handled it with such grace and dignity. The fact that the choir’s name included Shillong said a lot about him.”
The choir is currently in Mumbai working on a spiritual CD in Khasi, English, and Hindi before returning to Shillong for the burial. Following the news of his passing, tributes began to stream in. “Mr. Neil Nongkynrih was an exceptional mentor to the Shillong Chamber Choir, which thrilled audiences throughout the world,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted. He further added, “I’ve also seen some of their outstanding performances. He was taken far too soon from us. His ingenuity will live on in the minds of future generations. To his family and friends, my heartfelt sympathies. RIP.”
“Saddened to discover that Neil Nongkynrih is no longer with us,” actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar wrote. His dedication to the Shillong Chamber Choir, which he created, and his enthusiasm for music were remarkable. Sir, you will be missed. “Rest in peace.”
