The internationally acclaimed Shillong Chamber Choir (SCC) has released a new track, โYou came into our livesโ, a heartfelt reflection on love, friendship and the transformative power of music. Written by the choirโs founder and mentor, Neil Nongkynrih, along with his friend, Deelip Kumar Sahu, the song is a moving tribute to Uncle Neilโs friends and family. Released on the occasion of his 55th birth anniversary (July 9), the song reflects the profound impact that he had on the lives of the choir members.
โI had almost forgotten this song until one day, a choir member reminded us. Listening to it again, we felt it was meant to be shared with all our listeners. Itโs a thank you, a celebration of love, gratitude and the steadfast bonds that hold us together,โ said Banlam Lyndem, Bass of the choir. The accompanying video, is a beautiful visualisation of Uncle Neilโs enduring presence โ offering glimpses of cherished moments.
Founded in 2001 by composer, conductor and pianist Neil Nongkynrih, the SCC began as a small group of dedicated singers and dreamers under his mentorship. Over the past two decades, the ensemble has evolved into one of Indiaโs celebrated musical groups, blending rich harmonies, emotional depth and technical brilliance. Winners of Indiaโs Got Talent, 2010, the choirโs journey since then has been marked by a string of national and international accolades.
The choir new track โYou came into our livesโ was written by Neil Nongkynrih, along with his friend, Deelip Kumar Sahu
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Renowned for their unique blend, their repertoire includes songs in 40 different languages ranging from Opera to Rock, Folk to Jazz, Hindustani classical to current chart toppers as well as major collaborations with Alan Walker, Boney M, Amitabh Bachchan and Ustad Zakir Hussain.
Neil Nongkynrih passed away in 2022, but his vision and artistry remain at the heart of the choirโs music. โMore than just focusing on the voice, he worked on the individual. Thatโs perhaps why, nearly two decades later, weโre still here โ singing together,โ shared tenor William Basaiawmoit.
The choir is keeping Neil Nongkynrihโs memory alive through a range of projects.
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With the mentorโs passing, the choir continues to work on various projects โ from their usual medleys to originals, albums in Khasi (native language of Meghalaya) to the opera, โSohlyngngemโ, composed by Neil. โWe also have many unreleased songs on the shelf. Three of our music videos of Bollywood medleys in different styles of arrangements are being released by Saregama in August, September and October on various social media platforms,โ said Kynsaibor Lyngdoh, manager of the choir.