HKBUAS choirs shine at "Grand Prix of Nations Aarhus 2025" with gold and silver wins

The Hong Kong Baptist University Affiliated School Wong Kam Fai Secondary and Primary School (HKBUAS) has made history at the prestigious Grand Prix of Nations Aarhus in Denmark, often regarded as the "Olympics of Choral Music." 

The school’s A-Singers and Chamber Singers secured one gold and one silver medal, outperforming 132 elite choirs from 33 countries. This remarkable achievement highlights Hong Kong’s rising talent in global choral arts, making HKBUAS the first Hong Kong team to win consecutive gold medals across two continents.

A-Singers claim gold in GP2 Youth Choir category

The competition featured world-class choirs, many of which were past international gold medalists. The A-Singers, who previously won gold at the 2024 World Choir Games in New Zealand, impressed judges once again with their flawless harmonies, earning the top honor in the GP2 Youth Choir category.

Chamber Singers secure silver in GP6 Musica Sacra with Accompaniment category

Meanwhile, the Chamber Singers delivered a soul-stirring performance in the GP6 Musica Sacra with Accompaniment category, dominated mostly by adult choirs. Their emotional interpretation earned them a silver medal, showcasing the diverse excellence of Hong Kong’s arts education.

A tribute to Hong Kong: original Cantonese piece stuns audience

A standout moment came when the A-Singers performed Picturesque Cityscape, an original Cantonese choral piece composed by accompaniment pianist Jason Liu with lyrics by renowned Hong Kong lyricist Jessie You.

The piece masterfully blended traditional Cantonese lyricism with modern polyphonic techniques, transforming the Lion Rock Spirit into a universal musical language. For many Western audiences, it was their first exposure to the poetic beauty of Cantonese through intricate choral harmonies.

A global ahowcase of choral excellence

The  competition gathered top choirs from 35 countries and regions, making HKBUAS’s double victory even more impressive. With 132 competing choirs, all pre-qualified through rigorous international judging, the wins underscore Hong Kong’s growing influence in global choral arts.

School staff: "A testament to Hong Kong’s cultural soft power"

Chief Principal Benjamin Chan Wai-kai emphasized the significance of Hong Kong's elite choirs outperforming competitors from 35 nations, highlighting it as proof that Hong Kong’s arts education has attained world-class standards.

He mentioned that this honor is shared among all students and teachers who have steadfastly pursued their musical aspirations, reflecting Hong Kong’s cultural soft power.

Director of Music Andrew Hon noted that the journey from New Zealand to Denmark showcased the students’ professionalism and their ability to bridge cultures through their artistry. 

He remarked that building friendships through harmony was the most valuable outcome of their arts education, making music a powerful international language for Hong Kong.

Teacher Maggie Tong Man-kiu reflected on the poignant moment when "Hong Kong, China" was announced as the gold winner, describing how the students' tears of pride deeply moved the audience. 

She explained that the medal was a testament to the 20 hours of weekly rehearsals, perfectly encapsulating their pursuit of excellence.

A gold medalist from the team expressed that their victory was more than just a musical triumph; it was an opportunity for the world to hear Hong Kong’s story.