Inaugural Asia-Pacific Catholic University Choral Symposium Ends on High Note

As the First Asia-Pacific Catholic University (APCU) Choral Symposium drew to a close at Saint Francis University in Hong Kong on June 21, concluding five days of sacred music, liturgical celebrations, cultural exchange, and fellowship among participants from across Asia, organizers expressed hope that the event would become a lasting platform for collaboration among Catholic universities.

Reflecting on the event, Saint Francis University Provost Prof. Annie Bligh said one of its most meaningful outcomes was the friendships formed among students from different countries through music and cultural exchange.

"The students who touched me most were those talking about the cultural exchange they experienced here and the many friends they made during these five days," Bligh said.

Bligh said participants affectionately described the symposium as a "camp," reflecting the close bonds they developed throughout the week.

The symposium brought together more than 100 student singers, conductors, and music educators from the Saint Francis University Choir of Hong Kong, the De La Salle University Chorale of the Philippines, the Fu Jen Catholic University Choir of Taiwan, and the Scuola Cantorum–St. John Paul II of Universidade Católica Timorense in Timor-Leste under the theme "Harmony in Diversity."

For Bligh, the gathering demonstrated that music can bridge cultures while nurturing faith among young people.

"It is a delight to see all these young people smiling and singing their hearts out to praise the Lord. I truly enjoy seeing them demonstrate that harmony in diversity can be achieved," Bligh said.

Renowned Japanese composer and conductor Prof. Ko Matsushita, who served as Guest of Honor and led the symposium's rehearsals and culminating mass choir performance, likewise expressed hope that the initiative would continue to grow in the years ahead.

"I hope that this event is getting bigger and bigger," Matsushita said.

He encouraged organizers to expand future editions by involving composers alongside choirs, particularly from Asia, to enrich the region's contribution to sacred choral music.

"Asian composers should create more sacred music, especially choral works," he said. "If that happens, I believe Asian sacred choral music will gain greater recognition around the world. That is my hope."

Organizers expressed optimism that the symposium will become a regular gathering, fostering friendship, strengthening faith, and promoting artistic collaboration among Catholic universities across the Asia-Pacific region while promoting Asian sacred choral music on the global stage.