A Historic Gathering of Voices
Imagine a moment when over 150 student singers from across the Asia-Pacific region unite in a single venue, their voices blending in perfect harmony to create something truly transcendent. This wasn’t a dream—it was reality during the inaugural Asia-Pacific Catholic University (APCU) Choral Symposium in Hong Kong, held from June 17 to 21, 2026. For the first time in the region’s history, Catholic university choirs came together at Saint Francis University to celebrate the power of sacred music and intercultural connection.
The APCU Choral Symposium in Hong Kong represented far more than just another music event. It was a testament to the transformative power of choral music in bridging cultural divides and fostering genuine unity among young people from different nations, languages, and traditions. This historic gathering, themed “Harmony in Diversity,” demonstrated that when we sing together, we transcend the barriers that often separate us.
If you’re interested in learning about one of the most significant Catholic university events in the Asia-Pacific region, this article will take you through five inspiring highlights of this remarkable APCU Choral Symposium in Hong Kong.
A Gathering of Diverse Voices: The APCU Choral Symposium Brings Together the Asia-Pacific
The first APCU Choral Symposium in Hong Kong was unprecedented in scope and ambition. More than 150 student singers descended upon Saint Francis University, representing Catholic universities from across the entire Asia-Pacific region. This was a unified movement of young musicians committed to excellence, faith, and intercultural understanding.
The participating institutions brought their unique traditions and musical styles. The Saint Francis University Choir of Hong Kong welcomed the De La Salle University Chorale from the Philippines, the Fu Jen Catholic University Choir from Taiwan, and representatives from Universidade Católica Timorense of Timor-Leste. Each group brought their own cultural heritage and passion for sacred music.
What made this APCU Choral Symposium in Hong Kong truly special was the deliberate intention to create an environment where these diverse voices could flourish together. The symposium recognized that diversity in music is a real strength to celebrate. When choirs from different cultural backgrounds come together, they enrich the collective sound and deepen appreciation for different musical traditions.
The organizers of the APCU Choral Symposium in Hong Kong understood that bringing together such a diverse group required a clear and compelling vision of what was possible when young Catholics from different parts of the world committed themselves to celebrating unity through sacred music.
The Theme: Harmony in Diversity at the APCU Choral Symposium in Hong Kong
The central theme of the APCU Choral Symposium in Hong Kong—”Harmony in Diversity”—was a profound statement about community, faith, and human connection. This theme addressed a pressing challenge: how do we build genuine unity while respecting our differences?
At the APCU Choral Symposium in Hong Kong, this theme came alive through every activity and performance. Participants from different nations, languages, and traditions came together as one unified community through faith, friendship, and song.
The concept of harmony in diversity speaks to the heart of Catholic social teaching, which emphasizes the inherent dignity of every single person. The APCU Choral Symposium in Hong Kong embodied these principles by creating a sacred space where every voice mattered and every tradition was deeply respected.
This theme resonated deeply with all participants and attendees of the APCU Choral Symposium in Hong Kong. Here was a tangible and powerful demonstration that harmony across differences is profoundly beautiful and spiritually enriching.
Masterclasses with Internationally Acclaimed Conductor Prof. Ko Matsushita
One of the most anticipated elements of the APCU Choral Symposium in Hong Kong was working with Prof. Ko Matsushita, a renowned Japanese composer and conductor who served as guest of honor. Matsushita’s presence elevated the APCU Choral Symposium in Hong Kong to an international level of excellence.
Prof. Matsushita brought decades of experience to the APCU Choral Symposium in Hong Kong. His masterclasses focused on technical aspects of choral singing—vocal warm-ups, breathing techniques, and harmonic precision—while addressing the spiritual dimensions of sacred music. Participants learned to sing with greater intention and spiritual depth.
The masterclasses at the APCU Choral Symposium in Hong Kong accommodated both experienced singers and those still developing their skills. Matsushita worked with choirs on repertoire ranging from classical sacred polyphony to contemporary choral works.
Matsushita’s presence at the APCU Choral Symposium in Hong Kong inspired young musicians. His dedication to the next generation of Catholic musicians created lasting impact.
Spiritual Formation Through Sacred Music: The Heart of the APCU Choral Symposium in Hong Kong
While the APCU Choral Symposium in Hong Kong emphasized musical excellence, its true heart lay in spiritual formation. The symposium recognized that sacred music is a pathway to deeper faith and spiritual growth.
The keynote sessions at the APCU Choral Symposium in Hong Kong featured distinguished speakers exploring the profound connection between music and spirituality. Msgr. Jose Luis Mariblanca presented on “Harmony in Diversity,” while Felix Yeung discussed “The Spirituality of Choral Sacred Music,” examining how sacred music fosters unity and intercultural understanding.
These presentations at the APCU Choral Symposium in Hong Kong emphasized that singing sacred music together is a profound act of worship and faith expression. The APCU Choral Symposium in Hong Kong created meaningful opportunities for participants to reflect on this spiritual dimension through workshops and shared prayer experiences.
The spiritual formation aspect of the APCU Choral Symposium in Hong Kong included liturgical experiences. The opening concert at St. Andrew’s Church grounded the symposium in a sacred space, underscoring that it was fundamentally about worship and faith.
The Grand Closing Concert: A Massed Performance That Moved Hearts
The climactic moment of the APCU Choral Symposium in Hong Kong came on June 20 with the grand closing concert at Tsuen Wan Town Hall Auditorium. This was the culmination of five days of intensive collaboration and spiritual growth, with over 1,000 audience members witnessing this historic massed performance.
For the closing concert of the APCU Choral Symposium in Hong Kong, all participating choirs came together under Prof. Matsushita’s baton to perform a curated program of sacred and contemporary choral works, featuring pieces from classical liturgical music to modern compositions.
The impact of hearing 150+ voices in perfect unity was truly profound. Audience members were moved to tears by the beauty and power of the performance at the APCU Choral Symposium in Hong Kong. When diverse voices come together with shared purpose, something transcendent occurs.
Conclusion: From the Concert Hall to Your Spiritual Journey
The APCU Choral Symposium in Hong Kong represents far more than a musical achievement. It is a powerful reminder of what becomes possible when we unite in faith and purpose. The five inspiring highlights we’ve explored—the gathering of diverse voices, the theme of harmony in diversity, the masterclasses with Prof. Matsushita, the spiritual formation through sacred music, and the closing concert—all point to a deeper truth: that music is a gateway to the divine.
As you reflect on the APCU Choral Symposium in Hong Kong, consider how these principles of unity, spiritual growth, and sacred music can deepen your faith journey. The participants in this historic event didn’t just learn about harmony in diversity—they lived it and were transformed by it.
We encourage you to bring these lessons into your own spiritual practice. Visit your local church and attend Mass regularly, allowing the sacred music and liturgy to nourish your soul. Make time for Confession, where you can experience the healing grace of reconciliation and prepare your heart for deeper communion with God. Spend time in Eucharistic Adoration, sitting in the presence of Christ and allowing the peace of His presence to transform you. Pray the Rosary, meditating on the mysteries of Christ’s life and drawing closer to Mary’s maternal love. And dedicate yourself to reading the Bible, allowing God’s Word to speak directly to your heart and guide your spiritual journey.
The APCU Choral Symposium in Hong Kong teaches us that when we gather in faith, when we honor the sacred traditions that connect us, and when we open our hearts to unity across our differences, we experience something transcendent. This same transcendence awaits you in the sacraments, in prayer, and in the living Word of God. Let the inspiration of the APCU Choral Symposium in Hong Kong motivate you to deepen your commitment to these spiritual practices, knowing that through them, you too can experience the harmony and unity that comes from drawing closer to God.
