The 17th China International Chorus Festival

The 17th China International Chorus Festival was held in Beijing from July 15 to 19, 2024. As the largest international choral festival in the Asia-Pacific region, this year’s event attracted over 15,000 participants from 306 choirs representing 31 countries and regions, as well as 28 provinces, municipalities, autonomous regions, and Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan.

From July 15 to 19, the festival featured six main sections, including performances, evaluations and showcases, exhibitions and exchanges, education and training, seminars, and public welfare choral activities. In total, 13 programs and 212 events were held, offering a rich and diverse array of activities.

The NeoVoce Philharmonic Choir, as the only choir representing Canada, made its debut in international choral events under the leadership of Leo Li, Chair of the Membership Committee of Choral Canada. The choir achieved impressive results.

After two months of independent preparation and an intensive two-day pre-competition training, the NeoVoce Philharmonic Choir received the Peace and Friendship Award at the China International Chorus Festival. In the Senior Mixed Choir category, the choir earned  Silver Medal, and in the Duet and Small Ensemble category, they achieved Bronze Medal.

As a Chinese choir established just over a year ago, achieving such results in a highly competitive international choral event is truly remarkable! This success would not have been possible without the structured rehearsals led by Artistic Director & Conductor Leo Li, the vocal training provided by vocal coach Huang Yan, and the collective efforts of all the choir members.

Conductor Leo said:
"The main purpose of participating in this competition was to bring overseas Chinese back to their homeland to witness the flourishing development of the choral arts and learn from the strengths of other choirs. It also allowed overseas Chinese to recognize the gaps and shortcomings compared to other teams in the same category, fostering humility, learning, and progress."

During the competition, the choir observed performances by other teams in the same category. Through these observations, members identified the gaps and areas for improvement compared to other high-level choirs. The choir also engaged with other groups through concerts and exchanges.

While in Beijing, the choir received support and guidance from several young conductors and piano coaches. Additionally, vocal experts, media journalists, and choral enthusiasts provided valuable feedback, encouragement, and insights to the choir.

On the evening of July 17, the NeoVoce Philharmonic Choir performed in a concert at the Golden Sail Concert Hall alongside outstanding groups such as the Bulgarian Choir and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Choir. NeoVoce performed eight pieces in four different languages, including "Cease Mine Eyes" and "Chì Lè Gē".

During their stay in Beijing, Conductor Leo arranged a cultural exchange activity between the NeoVoce Philharmonic Choir and the Beijing Kalinka Choir, led by renowned female conductor Yang Lele.

The NeoVoce members observed and learned from the Kalinka Choir’s rehearsal process and were deeply moved by the powerful performances of this choir, whose average age exceeds 75. Through this exchange, the NeoVoce members also realized that their regular rehearsals were not as rigorous as those of this seasoned “senior” choir. They gained a renewed awareness of the importance of strengthening their musical foundations and dedicating more effort to their learning and growth in the future.

At the end of the exchange activity, the NeoVoce Philharmonic Choir received personal guidance and feedback from Conductor Yang Lele herself.

On the evening of July 18, the choir organized its members to attend a concert by the Philharmonic Male Choir and the Inner Mongolia Art Theatre Choir. Conductor Leo led some members to observe and learn from the stage rehearsal process of both groups beforehand. After the concert, the choir members were full of admiration for the exceptional performances of the two ensembles.

Participating in this international choral festival has been a rich journey and an unforgettable experience. Through the competition, the NeoVoce Philharmonic Choir, which has been established for only a year, showcased its talents, tested the efforts and achievements of the past period, and identified areas for growth and future potential. The members broadened their horizons and gained valuable experience from participating in an international competition. Additionally, the participating members and their accompanying family members deepened their bonds and understanding during the seven-day trip and competition.

Through this experience, NeoVoce will continue to strive to become an even better choir!

Finally, we sincerely thank every choir member and family member who contributed to this competition! Special thanks to Alto section teacher Zhou Jing!

We look forward to embarking on the next international choral festival together!