New Delhi, Jan 5, 2022: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 5 led the nation in mourning the death of Neil Nongkynrih, founder of the internationally renowned Shillong Chamber Choir.

The noted music composer, who wanted to replace the sounds of the guns in northeastern India with the sound of music, died earlier in the day at Mumbai’s Reliance Hospital where he was admitted the previous day. Uncle Neil, as he was fondly known to all, was 51.

“He passed away today after a surgery,” a spokesman for the group told news agency Press Trust of India. Nongkynrih was in Mumbai with the entire Choir for the past three months for work.

A statement from the choir expressed “deep sorrow” over the death of its founder.

“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,” it said.

The statement noted that the choir won national and international fame in 2010, by winning India’s Got Talent. Five years later, Nongkynrih was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award for his contribution in the field of arts through his music.

The same year, the choir performed for former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama during their India visit. The choir’s rendition of “Vande Mataram” was played during the telecast of Chandrayaan II’s launch.

Prime Minister Modi hailed Nongkynrih in a tweet as “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.”

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma tweeted: “I am saddened beyond words by the sudden demise of Padma Shri Neil Nongkynrih, founder of the famous Shillong Chamber Choir. He was a mentor to the country’s finest choir that serenaded crowds wherever they performed. We have lost a gem today.”

Trinamool Congress’ Meghalaya unit wrote on Twitter: “With a heavy heart we mourn the loss of one of the legends of Meghalaya, Shri Neil Nongkynrih. His music had the power to bring joy in the darkest times. His contribution in field of music is unparalleled. He lives on with the Shillong Chamber Choir.”

Nongkynrih was born in the northeastern Indian state of Meghalaya to A H Scott Lyngdoh, a former state minister of Meghalaya, and Elvirial Nongkynrih. He was the first professional musician from his family.

Introduced to Mozart and Beethoven by his grand-aunt, Nongkynrih learnt most of his initial lessons from his sister Pauline Nongkynrih, a jazz musician. In 1988 Nongkynrih left for Great Britain to study music, against the wishes of his father.

Nongkynrih studied music at Trinity College and Guildhall School of Music in London. He did numerous shows as a concert pianist in United Kingdom.

Apart from the concerts, Nongkynrih also taught music in Oxfordshire.

Nongkynrih returned to India and started teaching piano in Shillong in 2001 and in the same year he founded the Shillong Chamber Choir.

Nongkynrih has worked on a wide variety of musical genres ranging from Western and Indian Classical music to Bollywood and pop medleys.

At the time of his death, Nongkynrih was writing an opera in Khasi language, with the intention to revive the dialect. The opera titled ‘Sohlyngngem’ is based on a tragic Khasi folktale which is being woven into musical lingo by Nongkynrih and his team.

Nongkynrih gave up a promising career as a classical pianist to return to Shillong after 14 years in Europe. He attracted a group of ordinary young people to make their debut as the Shillong Chamber Choir that sings a whole range of music; from folk to opera, from rock to jazz, blossoming even to Hindustani classical and revamped versions of Indian cinematic music.

Apart from achieving laurels in music, Nongkynrih served as a board member of India’s Central Board of Film Certification community since 2017.

In 2012, Nongkynrih was appointed by the World Choir Council as the sole representative from India to represent the country on an international platform. He served as a member of the council during 2012-2016.

He also started a school at his residence in Shillong for kids, who visited his home, to help them excel in regular as well as musical education.