Music maestro, Padma Shri Neil Nongkynrih passed away today in Mumbai. He was 51.
Neil who founded the Shillong Chamber Choir had dedicated his life to music and people. With his vast experience in the Western classical tradition, he gave classic Indian film music a new touch, with his deft arrangements bringing delight to millions of listeners in India.
In 2010, he led his choir to win India’s Got Talent, catapulting the little Shillong unit to national and international stardom. In 2015, he was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
Apart from the Padma Shri, Nongkynrih also received the U Tirot Sing Award in 2011, the Forbes Person of the Year for 2010-11 and he also served as a member of the World Choir Council. He was a member of the Central Board of Film Certification from 2017 till the time of his death.
An alumni of London’s prestigious Trinity College of Music and of Guildhall School of Music, Neil came back in 2001 after years of performing and teaching music in England, to set up the Shillong Chamber Choir.
In 2009, the Shillong Chamber Choir collaborated with the famed Vienna Orchestra for a series of concerts.
The next year, the choir also won Gold awards at the World Choir Games in Shaoxing, China in three categories – Music Sacra, Gospel and Popular.
The choir led by Neil has also collaborated with the globally acclaimed Fitz William Quartet. It has also teamed up with big names from the world of Indian music including Ustad Zakir Hussain, Usha Uthup and Shankar Ehsan Loy. Their Christmas album in 2011 became India’s highest selling non-movie music album.
In 2010, the choir performed for former US President Barack Obama and the then first lady Michelle Obama during their visit to India.
Notably, the SCC’s version of ‘Vande Maataram’ was played during the live telecast program Indian space rocket Chandrayaan – 2’s landing on the moon.
Meanwhile, members and management of the choir informed that funeral details will be announced later.
“Uncle Neil was the life force of our world, a towering personality whose music, through the choir he so fondly nurtured, reached the ears of Presidents, Prime Ministers, Ambassadors and some of the biggest names in the worlds of sports, culture, business, music and film,” the SCC said.
Meanwhile, condolence messages began pouring in immediately after the news of his demise.
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has expressed sorrow on the demise. In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, “Mr. Neil Nongkynrih was an outstanding mentor to the Shillong Chamber Choir, which enthralled audiences globally. I have also witnessed some of their superb performances. He left us too soon. His creativity will always be remembered. Condolences to his family and admirers. RIP.”
Governor Satya Pal Malik tweeted, “Deeply saddened by the news of passing away of the son of Meghalaya, the noted music composer Neil Nongkynrih, founder of Shillong Chamber Choir. May his soul rest in peace. I convey my deepest condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti.”
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma remembered Neil as a mentor to the country’s finest choir that serenaded crowds wherever they performed. “We have lost a gem today,” he tweeted.
“He dedicated his life in the pursuit of music. Above all Neil made an invaluable contribution in showcasing the immense talent of Meghalaya & the North East to the entire nation…” INC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra tweeted.
“Under his leadership, the Choir rose to great heights winning fame not only for Meghalaya but entire North East. May his soul rest in peace!” tweeted Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma.
