A choral life in Hong Kong: Professor Leon Tong

With decades of experience as a conductor and educator, Professor Tong has played a key role in shaping the choral landscape across Asia and beyond. In this exclusive interview, he shares the inspiration behind WYCCAA, the impact of its international festivals and his hopes for the future of global choral collaboration.

Professor Tong, could you share with us what inspired you to establish the World Youth & Children Choral Artists' Association and your series of festivals? With over three decades of experience in music education, including three years at the primary level and twenty-nine years in secondary schools, I have been fortunate to receive numerous awards in recognition of my teaching excellence. Although widely regarded as a leading educator in the field, I gradually grew dissatisfied with the limitations of traditional classroom settings and began to seek broader possibilities for music education beyond institutional confines. A pivotal moment came when I was awarded the Rockefeller Fellowship by the Asian Cultural Association, enabling me to undertake a three-month professional development programme in the United States. During this time, I visited 18 states and engaged in extensive exchanges with choral conductors and enthusiasts from around the world. Subsequently, I joined the World Choir Association, through which I gained invaluable professional insights and support. These formative experiences broadened my perspective and deepened my commitment to the field of choral music. As I progressed in my work as a conductor and choral educator, I began to envision the establishment of a platform that would transcend school boundaries, connecting choral educators and practitioners across various sectors. Drawing on years of accumulated experience and an expanding international network, I founded the World Youth & Children Choral Artists' Association (WYCCAA), with the aim of advancing youth and children's choral arts in the region and offering a platform for performance, cultural exchange and artistic growth for aspiring choirs.

我是一位对音乐教育充满热忱的教育工作者，早年投身中小学教育，曾任小学音乐教师三年，随后在中学任教长达二十九年。在超过三十年的教学生涯中，我凭借卓越的教学成果屡获奖项，成为业界公认的优秀教师。然而，在漫长的体制内工作中，我渴望突破传统课堂的框架，寻找音乐教育的更多可能。一个重要的转折点出现在我获得亚洲文化协会（洛克菲勒奖学金），我前往美国参与为期三个月的进修项目去了18个州，我广泛接触到来自世界各地的合唱指挥与爱好者。后面我加入了世界合唱联盟，得到了许多专业上的启发与支持。这些经历不仅拓展视野，也激发了在合唱领域继续深耕的动力。我愈加专注于合唱与指挥的实践，在专业成长的同时，也不断思考如何将自身经验与资源转化为对社会更广泛的贡献。开始构想一个可以超越学校界限、联结各界合唱爱好者与教育者的平台。凭借我多年来积累的经验与国际网络，创立了 WYCCAA，希望透过这个组织推动区域内青年与儿童合唱艺术的发展，为更多热爱合唱的人提供展示、交流与成长的机会。

This festival and competition returned as an in-person event last year after a hiatus due to the pandemic. Now that the pandemic is behind us, what are your main goals for this year's event in Hong Kong? The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges to the global development of choral music. Throughout this period, WYCCAA maintained continuity and engagement by delivering all programmes online for three consecutive years, ensuring that the enthusiasm and cohesion of the choral community remained intact. It was not until 2024 that in-person activities could be resumed, marking a crucial phase of organisational recovery. That year, we relocated to a new office, restructured our team, and despite operational challenges and adjustments, successfully delivered a series of impactful events. By 2025, WYCCAA had entered a phase of strategic growth, exemplified by a brand-new collaboration with the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing Association (EGP) as one of our co-organisers. This partnership enabled the annual champion-winner of each year’s EGP to perform and workshop at our Festival as a Resident Choral Artist, thereby strengthening ties between the global choral sphere and the local artistic community. In parallel, the International Society for Music Education (ISME) became a key partner, expanding access to academic resources and international networks. The overall artistic calibre has reached an all-time high, making the 2025 edition of the festival the most accomplished to date. WYCCAA's mission extends beyond competition. We are committed to the holistic advancement of choral music through a range of activities including competitions, interactive workshops, individual choral workshops, masterclasses and concerts. Since 2024, we have introduced a scheme whereby each participating choir receives 40 minutes of personalised evaluation and coaching from a member of the jury. By integrating expert guidance with musical excellence, WYCCAA continues to elevate choral standards across the region and consolidate its position as a leading platform for choral innovation and excellence in Asia.

新冠疫情的冲击对全球合唱艺术的发展带来了前所未有的挑战。在艰难时期，我们始终坚持以线上形式持续举办3年相关活动，维系合唱社群的联系与热情。直至2024年我们终于迎来重返线下的契机。这一年对我们而言是重启，我们搬迁了新的办公室，迎来了新的团队成员，尽管过程伴随着诸多困难与调整，但整体运作逐步走上正轨，并在当年举办的一系列活动中取得了显著的成功。 2025年，我们倍感欣慰的是，能与EGP（European Grand Prix for choral singing）及多个协办单位携手合作，使每年EGP总冠军得以长期在香港进行演出，深化了国际合唱界与本地的连接。同时，国际音乐教育学会（ISME）也于近期成为我们的合作伙伴，为我们带来更广泛的国际资源和学术支持。尽管部分参赛团队的报名进度稍有迟滞，但整体水平却显著提升，我们有信心地说，今年的合唱节是自创办以来水平最高的一届。我们的目标不仅仅是提供一个比赛平台，更在于推动合唱艺术的全面发展。我们特别遴选了优秀的示范团体，互动工作坊、大师班与音乐会，以多元方式促进知识与经验的交流。从2024年起，我们便启动了一个新的环节——每一个参赛合唱团均可获得来自国际评审团40分钟的专业点评与指导。通过汇聚最优秀的专家与合唱团队，我们正持续提升整个地区的合唱艺术水平，致力于将WYCCAA打造成区域内最具专业性与影响力的合唱平台。

What are the main challenges with regard to organising such a large-scale event? For example, raising sponsorship or recruiting choirs？ As an international platform dedicated to choral festivals, WYCCAA faces considerable operational and logistical complexities in the organisation of large-scale events. From strategic planning and interdepartmental coordination to the on-the-ground arrangements of overseas ensembles, every stage requires a high degree of professionalism and adaptability. Despite these challenges, WYCCAA has remained committed to a reputation-based approach, believing firmly that meaningful artistic exchange and high-quality programming will earn sustained recognition from choral groups worldwide. In recent years, a particularly noteworthy milestone occurred in 2023, when WYCCAA established formal ties with the China Musicians Association and I was accepted as one of its official members. This institutional affiliation has significantly strengthened our professional standing and international cooperation efforts, providing added legitimacy and visibility to our activities. By 2025, WYCCAA’s influence had grown considerably. Not only did we attract an increasing number of distinguished choral ensembles, but we also observed rising levels of recognition and engagement from partner organisations and expert audiences. Concurrently, we have proactively expanded our collaborative networks, seeking strategic partnerships and resource support across various countries and regions, with the aim of continuously enriching the artistic scope and structural depth of our choral festivals. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the motherland, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, all co-organising and supporting institutions, the Hong Kong Arts Development Council, and numerous generous patrons for their unwavering support. The co-organisers include the EGP, Hong Kong Branch of the Chinese Musicians Association and China Music Education magazine. The event is funded by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council. Supporting organisations include the Hong Kong Federation of Literary and Art Circles, the International Society for Music Education (ISME) and the UNESCO Hong Kong Association. We also appreciate the support of sponsors and patrons including Mr Francis LUI Yiu Tung, Mr SZE Wine Him Jaime, Skyblue Asia Limited and Mr Ivan Pong, among others.

作为一个国际性的合唱节平台，WYCCAA在筹办大型节庆活动的过程中面临了不少挑战。从筹备协调到跨境团队接待，每一个环节都需要高度的专业性与应变能力。尽管如此，我们始终坚持“口碑为本”的信念，坚信优质的艺术交流与高质量内容将赢得来自世界各地合唱团体的认可。过去几年，尤其是在前年的一项重要合作中——我们有幸与中国音乐家协会建立联系，成为其成员之一。这一身份的确立，对我们在专业层面及国际合作方面产生了积极而深远的影响，为活动的品质与影响力注入了更强支撑。2025年，我们的号召力不断增强，不仅吸引了更多高水平团体参与，也使合作机构与专业观众对我们的认可度不断上升。同时，我们也在积极拓展合作领域，争取来自不同国家与地区的支持与资源，持续丰富合唱节的内容与层次。 非常感謝祖國、香港特別行政區政府、各個協辦機構和支持單位、以及香港藝術發展局和多位善長人翁的大力支持，包括：協辦單位：EGP、中國音樂家協會會員香港分會和《中國音樂教育》雜誌社；資助單位：香港藝術發展局；支持機構：中國文學藝術界聯合會香港會員總會、國際音樂教育協會（ISME）、「聯合國教育、科學及文化組織香港協會」；贊助人/機構：呂耀東先生、施榮忻先生、Skyblue Asia Limited 和龐棣勛先生等。

There have been significant changes to the international music landscape in recent years. What new trends are you seeing in choral music both in Asia and globally? In recent years, choral music in Asia has undergone remarkable expansion and diversification. Countries and regions including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan and Hong Kong have developed well-established and internationally recognised choral festivals. These festivals not only provide local ensembles with valuable performance platforms but also attract acclaimed choirs from across the globe to engage in artistic exchange. Most of these events incorporate professional adjudication systems and presentation formats, contributing meaningfully to both arts education and intercultural dialogue. Simultaneously, the choral landscape in mainland China has grown increasingly vibrant. A wide range of institutions—including schools, community organisations, and professional ensembles—have established choirs that actively participate in national and international competitions. The consistent rise in performance standards reflects the dynamism and momentum of choral development across the region. Of particular note is the significant progress achieved by Hong Kong’s choral sector over the past decade. Numerous ensembles have earned top accolades in prestigious international competitions, including overall championships and category awards at European and global levels. These accomplishments underscore the artistic excellence and distinctive expression of Asian choral music. This flourishing choral movement not only exemplifies the depth and diversity of Asia’s cultural engagement with music, but also provides a robust foundation for the continued growth of WYCCAA. Looking ahead, we remain committed to fostering regional exchange, amplifying Asian voices and advancing their prominence within the global choral community.

近年来，亚洲各地在合唱艺术上的发展可谓日新月异。日本、韩国、新加坡、马来西亚、印尼、台湾与香港等国家与地区，均已建立起具规模与影响力的合唱节，不仅为本地团队提供展示机会，也吸引了来自世界各地的优秀合唱团体参与交流。这些合唱节普遍具备专业评审体系与高质量的演出机制，更在艺术教育与文化交流层面发挥着重要作用。与此同时，中国内地的合唱氛围亦日渐浓厚。众多学校、社会团体及专业院团纷纷组建合唱队伍，积极参与国内外赛事，整体水准持续提升，展现出强劲的发展动能。尤为值得一提的是，过去十年间，香港合唱艺术取得显著突破。多个合唱团体在世界及欧洲级别的合唱锦标赛中屡获殊荣，不仅荣膺总冠军，更在多个项目中斩获佳绩，充分彰显了亚洲合唱的专业实力与独特风貌。这一合唱热潮的兴起，不仅体现出亚洲文化在音乐领域的多元与深度，也为WYCCAA的发展提供了坚实的基础与广阔的空间。未来，我们将继续致力于推动区域间的合唱交流，汇聚亚洲声音，让其在国际舞台上熠熠生辉。

What was the impact of the pandemic on choral singing in the Hong Kong and China region? Would you say that the sector has ‘recovered’, or changed in some way? Three years have passed since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the world is gradually emerging from a prolonged period of recovery, moving towards a renewed sense of normalcy. For WYCCAA, this interval has not only been a time of recovery, but also a critical test of our founding mission and commitment. Despite the ongoing volatility and stagnation of the global economy, we remain steadfast in our belief that with sustained effort and sincere engagement, the enduring value of music and choral expression will continue to be recognised, appreciated and upheld.

疫情的阴霾已过去三年，世界逐步从封闭与停滞中走出，重拾节奏。对WYCCAA而言，这段时间既是修复与恢复的过程，更是一次对初心与信念的考验。如今，尽管全球经济仍面临疲软与不确定，我们始终相信，只要真诚投入、持续耕耘，音乐与合唱的价值终将被看见与肯定。

What are your plans for future events in Hong Kong and the region? This year marks the 55th anniversary of my career in music education. Reflecting on a journey shaped by numerous transitions and challenges, I have remained steadfast in my passion for the art of choral music. Now at the age of 75, I continue to uphold this commitment, actively contributing to the field alongside fellow choral practitioners to advance our shared mission. Since its inception nearly three decades ago, the World Youth and Children Choir Association Asia (WYCCAA) has evolved from a modest vision into a platform of growing international influence. At this pivotal juncture, I find it essential not only to reflect on the path we have taken, but also to chart a clear direction for the future. I firmly believe that sustained innovation and continuous renewal—both personal and organisational—are necessary to remain responsive to a changing era and to ensure the vitality of our work. With this in mind, I remain dedicated to upholding professional excellence and artistic integrity, while actively fostering the next generation of choral talent. By empowering young voices and preserving the cultural foundation of choral practice, I hope to see this passion and ideal carried forward and flourish for years to come.

今年，是我投身音乐教育的第五十五个年头。回首过去，历经无数变迁与挑战，我始终怀抱对合唱艺术不变的热情。如今已至七十五岁，仍愿以同样的初心，继续在音乐的道路上前行，与所有热爱合唱的同行者携手努力，推动这项事业不断向前。WYCCAA自成立以来已近三十年，昔日的构想如今已逐渐成长为一个具国际影响力的平台。在这个重要的阶段，我不仅回顾来时路，更积极思考未来的方向。我深知，唯有不断创新与突破自我，才能回应时代的变化，维持组织的生命力。因此，我希望在坚守专业与品质的基础上，积极培育新一代合唱人才，赋能年轻力量，延续合唱文化的深厚根基，让这份热情与理想在未来的岁月中继续传承、绽放。

As someone with deep roots in the music scene, how do you view the current state of choral music in mainland China? And how is singing in schools and the education system in general? My involvement in advancing choral music in mainland China began as early as 1982, during a period when the art form was still in its nascent stages in the country. Drawing on my professional training and practical experience, I sought to lay the groundwork for music education by contributing to the region’s early choral development. I made regular visits to the Guangzhou Children’s Choir to provide artistic guidance, and in 1997, recognising the pressing need for greater institutional support in choral education, I stepped down from my role as Artistic Director at the Hong Kong Children’s Choir and took up the equivalent position at the Guangzhou Children’s Palace. There, I focused not only on cultivating children’s musical literacy but also on facilitating their international exposure through exchanges with leading choirs worldwide. These experiences broadened their artistic horizons and fostered a more global perspective. Despite facing occasional resistance and competition, I have always been fortunate to work alongside committed colleagues who share a genuine passion for choral music and education. To this day, I maintain close ties with mainland institutions and currently collaborate with Guangdong University of Foreign Studies to promote international student engagement in choral exchange and cultural learning. Such cross-regional and cross-cultural initiatives have played a vital role in embedding choral music more deeply within the fabric of mainland China’s music education.

早在1982年，我便开始在中国内地推动合唱艺术的发展。那是一个合唱尚处于萌芽阶段的时期，我以自己的专业知识与实践经验，尽力为内地的音乐教育播下种子。彼时，我曾多次前往广州儿童合唱团指导，并于1997年，深感内地在合唱教育方面亟需更多支持与资源，毅然辞去香港儿童合唱团的职务，转而投身广州市少年宫的工作。在那里，我不仅致力于提升孩子们的音乐素养，更努力将他们带出国门，与世界各地的优秀合唱团交流切磋，拓展他们的眼界。这些年来，尽管道路上难免遇到阻力与竞争，但始终有一群真心热爱合唱、支持教育的伙伴同行，为我提供力量与鼓励。如今，我仍与内地保持紧密联系，并与广东外语外贸大学开展合作，推动更多国际学生参与合唱文化的交流与学习。这些跨地域与跨文化的互动，让合唱艺术在内地扎根更深。

In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing young choral singers today, and how can they benefit from taking part in competitions and festivals? Choral music is deeply rooted in the cultural and educational traditions of Hong Kong, with widespread participation across the school system. One prominent example is the annual Hong Kong Schools Music Festival, one of the region’s most extensive and influential musical events. According to recent statistics, approximately 80% of schools in Hong Kong host their own choirs, offering a robust foundation for young people’s early musical exposure and artistic training. Many students begin their musical journeys within these school-based ensembles, where they establish essential skills and artistic sensibilities. However, the increasing popularity of choral competitions has led some ensembles to prioritise competitive outcomes over educational objectives. While a healthy sense of competition can enhance motivation and discipline, it often risks overshadowing the fundamental artistic and pedagogical value of choral singing. As an educator, I maintain that competitions should serve as opportunities for mutual learning, reflection, and growth. By recognising the strengths of others, young choristers can more clearly identify areas for improvement and pursue continuous artistic development. Choral music, as a collective art form, mirrors many of the values integral to human interaction and community life. It cultivates collaboration, empathy and attentive listening, while also providing a platform for young individuals to articulate themselves, build confidence, and establish a sense of purpose. At its core, music embodies the pursuit of beauty and a process of personal transformation—qualities that choral education can impart in profound ways. I believe that beyond nurturing artistic competence, choral participation plays a critical role in shaping character and emotional resilience. The lessons learned through choral practice often become lasting sources of inner strength that guide young people well beyond the rehearsal room and into their wider social lives.

合唱艺术拥有深厚的传统与广泛的基础。以每年一度的香港校际音乐节为例，作为本地最具规模与影响力的音乐赛事之一。据统计，全港约八成学校设有合唱团，这为青少年的音乐启蒙与艺术训练提供了良好的环境。不少年轻人正是在校内合唱团中踏上音乐之路，并打下坚实的基础。然而，随着合唱比赛日益普及，不少团队将“得奖”视为终极目标。这种导向虽然激发了竞争力，却也容易忽略合唱的本质与教育价值。作为一名音乐教育工作者，我始终坚持：比赛固然重要，但它更应是一种学习与分享的过程。通过欣赏他人之所长，才能发现自身的不足，进而不断进步。合唱是一种集体艺术，更是一种生活的缩影。它教会我们合作、包容与倾听，也让年轻人在音乐中找到表达自我的方式，逐步建立自信、树立目标。音乐的本质，是对美的追求与自我超越的过程，而这一切，正是我们希望通过合唱带给新一代的深远价值。我始终相信，合唱不仅是艺术修养的培养，更是人格成长的重要一环。它所带来的影响，将伴随孩子们走得更远，在未来踏入社会时，成为他们内在素质的一部分，照亮前行的道路。

Finally, what advice would you give to young musicians who are considering a career in choral music, as either singers or leaders? Reflecting on my years of involvement in choir activities, school education, and organisational work, I consider myself deeply fortunate. Over this period, I have had the opportunity to engage with numerous ambitious and talented young individuals, whose enthusiasm and abilities have continuously inspired me. Consequently, I have maintained a firm conviction: to provide greater opportunities for the younger generation, enabling them to gain broader international exposure, particularly for choirs from Mainland China and Hong Kong. As a secondary school music teacher, I place special emphasis on cultivating leadership and teamwork skills among choir members. From team leaders to other members, I deliberately create opportunities for them to assume responsibilities and demonstrate their talents, thereby fostering their well-rounded competencies and self-confidence. Many students who have developed under my guidance—such as Dr Steve Ho, Professor Leung Bo-wah of ISME and Ms Zhang Zhanbi of the Guangzhou Children’s Choir—have emerged as prominent figures in the choral and related arts fields, becoming key contributors to the industry. They have played active roles in music composition, educational outreach, and international exchanges, continually advancing and enriching the development of choral arts in Asia. Observing these young individuals’ ongoing professional achievements and sustained contributions brings me great satisfaction. Moreover, I am encouraged to note that many students who ultimately chose careers outside the music industry have excelled in various professional sectors—including accounting firms, corporate management and other fields—demonstrating strong interdisciplinary skills, effective teamwork and disciplined character. I firmly believe that the impact of choral education extends far beyond music itself. The collaboration, aesthetic sensitivity, sense of responsibility, and self-discipline cultivates not only shape an individual’s artistic disposition but also provide an essential foundation for confronting future life and social challenges. This represents the fundamental value of choral education: enabling each participant to discover and express their unique voice throughout life.

回顾自己从事合唱及学校教育与组织工作的岁月，我深感幸运。多年来，我有机会见证并接触到许多有志有为的年轻人，他们的热情与才华不断激励着我前行。正因如此，我始终怀抱着一个信念——为年轻一代提供更多机会，助力他们登上更大的国际舞台，尤其是内地与香港的合唱团体。作为一名中学音乐教师，我特别注重锻炼团员的领导力和团队协作能力。从团长到普通成员，我都会有意识地给予他们承担责任和展示才能的机会，培养他们的综合素质和自信心。许多曾经在我身边成长的学生，如何崇志、ISME的梁宝华，以及广州儿童合唱团的张展璧等，今天已在合唱及相关艺术领域崭露头角，成为行业内的中坚力量。他们不仅在音乐创作、教育推广与国际交流等方面发挥着积极作用，更持续推动着亚洲合唱艺术的发展与深化。看到这些年轻人在专业领域上不断突破、持续贡献，我感到由衷欣慰。而更让我感到自豪的是，还有许多学生虽然最终未选择投身音乐行业，却在社会的各个领域发光发热——无论是在会计师事务所、企业管理，还是其他专业岗位上，他们都展现出扎实的综合素质、良好的团队精神与自律品格。我始终相信，合唱教育的影响远超音乐本身。它所培养出的协作能力、审美意识、责任感与自我要求，不仅能够塑造一个人的艺术气质，更能够成为他们日后面对人生与社会挑战的重要基础。这，正是合唱赋予我们的深层价值——让每一个参与者，都在人生的舞台上找到自己的声音。

Professor Leon Shiu-wai Tong is the Founder and President of the World Youth and Children Choral Artists' Association (WYCCAA), Former First Vice-President of the International Federation for Choral Music (IFCM) and an internationally renowned choral expert, conductor, speaker, juror ad curator orf world-class choral festivals. Currently the Artistic Director of Guangzhou Children's Palace Choir, China, Tong was former Music Director & Principal conductor of the Hong Kong Children's Choir (-1997) and Artistic Director & Principal Conductor of the Hong Kong Treble Choir (-2020).