Media

National winners: CONDUCTORS (choruses)—The Dale Warland Award, 2024

Michelle Kwok 2nd runner up of the American Prize in Choral Conducting, Nov 2024
 

Unsung Opera: Staging Women of the Past, Apr 2023
 

Songs in Convergence - A Tutta Musica, Jan 2025, Kwok-tung Fung
Composing Cantonese choral music poses considerable challenges, especially when it comes to navigating the unique intonations of the language. As a result, many Chinese composers have opted to write for other languages. However, in recent years, a new wave of young composers from Hong Kong, whose mother tongue is Cantonese, has emerged. These talented individuals are bravely exploring this musical territory and have produced numerous outstanding works. In July 2024, the Fluente Chorus showcased a selection of these representative pieces to a live audience of hundreds at their annual concert.

The concert showcased a vibrant and varied program, featuring poetry by Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai, contemporary works by Yasi, and McDull's "Pork Belly." The Fluente Chorus has consistently performed a Cantonese piece at each anniversary concert, winning the audience's heartfelt appreciation. This year, in celebration of their fifth anniversary, they organized a special Cantonese performance to thrill their fans.

Kwok-tung Fung, an arranger and music score publisher, was an audience member at the concert. He lauded the choir's performance as "not only beautiful but also profound." He was particularly impressed by Su Shi's "Butterflies in Love with Flowers: Spring Scene," noting that the Cantonese interpretation of the Song Dynasty lyrics possesses a grace that surpasses that of northern dialects. He praised the talent and dedication of local composers, emphasizing that even minor "mistakes" in the creative process could lead compositions to drift toward pop songs or Cantonese operas, straying from their original intent. He advocated for greater promotion of Cantonese choral music, stating, “Guided by its nine tones, Cantonese songs create a unique voice-leading that suits the language while also being adaptable to other languages and styles, providing fresh material for composition.”

The Fluente Chorus, a community choir from Hong Kong, was established in 2019 and notably won a silver medal at the Taipei International Chorus Competition in 2023. One of its primary focuses is the commissioning and performance of modern choral works. The two conductors, currently studying in the United States and the United Kingdom, both expressed their delight in this performance. After five years, the strong support from both choir members and the audience is truly remarkable!