Hong Kong’s Diocesan Boys’ School Choir Triumphs at the 10th Singapore International Choral Festival Grand Prix
Singapore, 20 July 2026 – The milestone 10th edition of the Singapore International Choral Festival (SICF) concluded in spectacular fashion at the Esplanade Concert Hall with the highly anticipated Grand Prix and Award Ceremony. Following days of intense competition across multiple iconic venues, seven of the highest-scoring choirs returned to the stage for the Grand Prix round, each aiming to be crowned SICF’s 10th Anniversary Grand Prix Champion.
This milestone year welcomed outstanding choral ensembles from across the region to Singapore. Over vibrant days of music-making, choirs competed across various categories at venues including the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music Concert Hall and Victoria Concert Hall, culminating in a thrilling Grand Prix showdown at Singapore’s national performing arts venue. The evening featured a distinguished international panel of 13 adjudicators representing leading choral traditions from around the globe.
Grand Prix Finalists and Repertoire
Each finalist choir presented two contrasting works, showcasing their extraordinary versatility, artistic identity, and musical discipline:
- Rhyme of River Children’s Choir (China)
- 五指山的掠影 (Shadows of Wuzhi Mountain) – 张以达 (Zhang Yida)
- A Puppet’s Dream – Darius Lim
- St. Joseph’s College Chamber Boys’ Choir (Hong Kong, China)
- 詩人之歌 (Song of the Poet) – Yung Sin Kan Bonnie
- Cik Cuk Ding Ding – Yip Ho Kwen Austin
- Yogyakarta Maizan Singers (Indonesia)
- Never Enough – Benj Pasek & Justin Paul, arr. Nicholas Ferdeta Lakusa
- Wo Yao Ni De Ai (I Want Your Love) – Yao Min, arr. Odhi P. Maizan
- Achievers Choir SMA Darma Yudha (Indonesia)
- Shadow Dance of Luna – Darius Lim
- Benggong – arr. Ken Steven
- OCT Primary School Choir (China)
- Northern Lights – Ola Gjeilo
- Panta Rhei – Jim Papoulis
- PSM Universitas Indonesia Paragita (Indonesia)
- Laudate Dominum – Ian Gabriel T. Corpuz
- I Touch God In My Song – Ivo Antognini
- Diocesan Boys’ School Choir (Hong Kong, China)
- GAGOT – Sydney Guillaume
- Get Your Happy Days On – arr. Aaron Dale
Grand Prix Winners Announced
After a captivating evening of music-making, the international jury named Diocesan Boys’ School Choir from Hong Kong, China as the Grand Prix Champion of the 10th SICF. Delivering a breathtaking performance, highlighted by their razor-sharp execution of Sydney Guillaume’s GAGOT and dynamic barbershop harmony in Aaron Dale’s Get Your Happy Days On, the choir emerged as the winning choir of the night.
As Grand Prix Champions, Diocesan Boys’ School Choir will represent the Singapore International Choral Festival at the upcoming 6th Asia Choral Grand Prix, which will be held in Philippines from 18 – 22 August 2027, where they will compete against champions from Asia’s premier choral festivals.
Celebrating 10 Years of Choral Excellence
The SICF trophies, designed in collaboration with the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, symbolises unity in diversity and the spirit of harmony through music, and were presented to celebrate not only artistic achievement, but a decade-long tradition of connecting cultures through song.
We extend our heartiest congratulations to all category winners, diploma recipients, conductors, and choristers. Thank you for making the milestone 10th Singapore International Choral Festival an unforgettable celebration of harmony, courage, and community!
Festival Partners and Acknowledgements
The 10th SICF was proudly supported by The National Arts Council of Singapore and International Federation for Choral Music and presented by ONE Choral Company and Rave Group International. The festival’s success was made possible through the contributions of partners including:
- Parkroyal on Beach Road Singapore (Official Jury Hotel)
- Asian Civilisations Museum (Official Outreach Venue)
- NAFA and UAS (Trophy Design)
- SICF Choral Connect is a satellite event of the 2026 World Symposium on Choral Music
- Cantus, Feature Choir of SICF 2026
- Choral Directors Association of Singapore
- The Penarakan Club
Media Links:
Two major choir festivals scheduled in July, a sign of Singapore’s booming choral scene, Straits Times, 24 June 2026
Singapore International Choral Festival a delightful showcase of talents from around the world, Straits Times, 22 July 2026