One of the goals of HKICF is to let students in Hong Kong experience the full flavours of an international-calibre choral competition without having to travel abroad. This is why in every session of the Competition Cum Masterclass, there will be two adjudicators. At least one of the adjudicators will be from overseas so as to facilitate music exchange between Hong Kong and the rest of the world.
We believe that learning music through appreciation and collaboration is more meaningful than the traditional competition model of defeating other contestants. Under our innovative alternative competition model, the participating teams are not competitors, but are learning partners. After each choir’s performance, an adjudicator will come onstage to give a mini-coaching session, actively engaging with the choir, conductor, and the audience. Each choir is then encouraged to perform segments of their piece(s) again, incorporating the comments and suggestions received from both adjudicators. Through this exchange, the choir and the audience alike can benefit from the adjudicators’ constructive comments, and all attendees can learn from different perspectives, creating a valuable learning experience for all.
In order to focus on the goal of music-making and mutual improvement, participating teams are free to choose any music pieces to perform in the competition. As long as the standard of the performance reaches a certain level of competence, the choir will be awarded the corresponding level of prize (Gold, Silver, Bronze, Merit and Participation). In addition, the Artistic Director may award Special Prizes to recognise outstanding individuals or choirs on a case-by-case basis.
Besides singing techniques, choral singing can also nurture students’ teamwork and communication skills. In each competition session, each school will designate one or two of its members to be the MC, introducing their choir to the audience. The introduction can also include anecdotes from their practices, the style of the selected songs etc.
At the end of each competition session, a special tribute will be held to recognise and thank the teachers and conductors. This offers every choir an opportunity to express its gratitude to those who have provided dedicated guidance throughout the many months of preparation and rehearsal. Through their wholehearted commitment, teachers and conductors nurture and deepen students’ interest in music and choral singing, while introducing them to works in a wider range of styles. Their dedication and contribution truly deserve recognition and encouragement.
Other inspiring educational elements have been incorporated into the Competition Cum Masterclass programme. Each year, the published house programmes will include such interesting and educational articles as ‘Choral Fun Facts’ and ‘Singing Classroom’. The house programmes will also feature a ‘Learning Journal’ to guide students in channeling their live stage experience into meaningful self-reflections after the performance.
To promote choral music and enable more people to enjoy the performances of each choir, we welcome the public to attend all Competition Cum Masterclass sessions. Following the completion of all Competition Cum Masterclass sessions, performance videos of participating choirs will be uploaded to The Hong Kong Virtuoso Chorus (HKVC) YouTube channel, allowing students, parents, teachers and the community to enjoy and share the performances, and to take part in the Audience Choice Award by subscribing to the HKVC YouTube channel and vote.
Division
The Competition Cum Masterclass features two divisions designed to provide school choirs of all configurations with a platform to showcase their musical artistry, elevate performance standards, and receive tailored guidance from world-class experts.
Choir Division
Choir Size: 31 – 70 members
Chamber Ensemble Division
Ensemble Size: 6 – 30 members
Important Dates
Application Fees
Extension Programmes (Students)
Learning Journal
The Learning Journal is a core extension activity we would like to promote for all students during the Competition Cum Masterclass. This journal serves as a dedicated space in the house programmes for reflection, encouraging students to actively process feedback, articulate their artistic growth, and write down their personal thoughts and insights throughout the event. By transforming their stage experience into meaningful self-reflection, students can deepen their musical understanding and capture the most memorable milestones of their choral journey.
Share & Win!
Submit completed Learning Journal to HKICF for a chance to win two free tickets to HKICF concerts! (More details to be announced during the festival.)
HKICF2027 Virtual Choir Project
Since 2022, the HKICF Virtual Choir Project (VCP) has united the community to spread positivity through music. To mark the milestone of HKICF’s 10th anniversary, VCP 2027 will center around the theme of “Celebration”, featuring a brand-new anniversary theme song about unity composed by our Founder & Artistic Director Kelvin Lau.
Let’s Celebrate! Mass Recording Session
All choirs participating in the Competition Cum Masterclass will gather to sing and record part of the theme song together for the music video of VCP 2027 at the conclusion of each competition session!
Know more about VCP
Extension Programmes (Teachers & Conductors)
Adjudicators’ Forum
To promote opportunities for networking and exchange, the “Adjudicator’s Forum” will be held free of charge, allowing conductors and music teachers to engage in more in-depth discussions with the adjudicators.
Participation in this event is mandatory. Each school is required to send at least one representative to attend the event. Representatives may choose to participate in-person or by watching a video replay followed by an online quiz.
If a school’s representative has already participated in the “Meet the Jury” session, his/her participation in the forum is optional.
Teachers who participate in these sessions will receive an HKICF Certificate of Participation and may earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours upon their school’s approval.
Extension Programmes (Audience)
Audience Choice Award
Following the completion of all sessions, performance videos of all participating choirs will be uploaded to The Hong Kong Virtuoso Chorus (HKVC) YouTube channel. We invite all singers, parents, teachers, and music lovers to enjoy, share, and cast their votes for the Audience Choice Award! Simply subscribe to our channel and “Like” your favourite performances; the choir that secures the most subscriber likes before the deadline will win an official certificate and a FREE 1.5-hour Choir Clinic session (valued at over HK$2,250), with special commendations awarded to the runners-up (2nd to 5th place).
Optional Fee-based Features
Performance highlights package
Due to budgeting constraints, we will not be able to provide free competition photos this year. Participating teams who wish to obtain official event media must purchase the “Performance Highlight Package” during registration.
The package includes 4-5 high-resolution performance photos of the choir from different angles, 2 photos of the conductor, 1 photo of the accompanist, and a full competition performance video of the choir(s) with comments from the adjudicators.
Fee: HKD 600 / choir
Personalised Certificate
Meet the Jury
Schools may elect to participate in a “Meet the Jury” session after the competition, where their conductor will have the chance to meet with a member of the adjudicating panel online to ask for more in-depth comments on their performances and exchange views with each other. This is an optional component that may be selected on the application form.
Fee: HKD 500 / choir ( 20mins / session )
Adjudicators and presenters
Yuki Ip
Dr. Michelle Kwok
Robyn Reeves Lana
Kelvin Lau
Jonas Rasmussen
Dr. Beverly Shangkuan-Cheng
Dr. Jenny Wong
Frequently asked questions
For detailed information on the competition, please refer to the “Rules & Regulations”.
Rules & RegulationsParticipating choirs should arrive at the Competition venue and report to the event assistant according to their assigned registration time. Prior to performing, one or two student representative(s) should give a brief (around 1-minute) introduction of the choir and the chosen piece(s). Each participating choir’s first performance will be assessed. The adjudicators will give comments and feedback after the performance. The participating choir may be asked by the adjudicators to perform excerpts of the piece(s) again if time allows. Each participating choir is provided with about 10-15 minutes of performance time, which includes the time for adjudicators to finalize the score and feedback.
Participating choirs are required to bring three copies of the music score, THREE sets of lyrics in English translation (applicable to non-English repertoire, including Chinese), and a copyright declaration form to be handed over to the event assistant for evaluation. If this score is to be performed with accompaniment, sheet music including the accompaniment must also be provided. HKICF will keep all copies of the score for record. The participating choirs must provide all instruments needed for the performance other than the piano, which will be provided by the venue.
One music stand, piano and piano stool will be provided. Unless otherwise stated, no other equipment, such as props, stage sets or power, will be provided at the Competition venue. All other instruments must be provided by the participating choir. Use of loudspeakers, electronic musical instruments, synthesizers and audio-visual equipment at Competitions is prohibited.
Participating choirs must separately arrange for an accompanist if accompaniment is necessary.
The Organiser is the sole authorised photography team for the venue. Unless otherwise permitted, photography, audio or video recording of any part of the Competition (including comment sessions and any announcement). Violators will be asked to leave the venue.
Participating choirs are required to submit the original score or a letter of copyright declaration along with three copies of the music to be handed over to the event assistant for evaluation upon registration at the Competition venue. If the copyright cannot be cleared, the participating choir will bear all responsibilities relating to such failure. Participating choirs which violate copyright laws by using photographic copies without permission will be disqualified.
Participating choirs do not have the option to specify a date for the Hong Kong Inter-School Choral Festival (HKICF) Competitions. HKICF is responsible for determining the date, time, order, and location of all Competition events. However, participating choirs do have the opportunity to suggest preferred competition dates and provide reasons during the application period. These suggestions are taken into consideration by HKICF as a reference.
For instance, choirs can request to avoid scheduling Competitions on specific dates to prevent conflicts with school exams. HKICF will strive to accommodate these requests to the best of their ability. It’s important to note that due to the large number of participating schools, it may not be possible for HKICF to accommodate the request of every school.
Once the Competition schedule is announced, if a school finds that the allocated time clashes with important activities like exams, tests, school trips, or speech day, the principal or music teacher must reach out to other schools participating in the same category to discuss the possibility of swapping Competition slots.
To initiate the swap, both schools need to come to a mutual agreement and send a written request to HKICF before the specified deadline (within two weeks of the schedule announcement). The school requesting the swap must also submit the academic calendar or any other documentation as supporting evidence. Once the application is approved, HKICF will update the online schedule and notify both schools in writing.
It’s important to note that this arrangement is meant only for extenuating circumstances due to the large number of participating choirs.
In the case that the Education Bureau announces the suspension of classes due to infectious diseases/ weather/ another reason and participating choirs are required to cancel all activities, Competition session(s) may be cancelled and there will be no re-scheduling of the Competition session(s).
HKICF will not make any further announcements with regard to the cancelled competition session(s) due to the above reason. If a Competition session is cancelled for any reason, HKICF retains the discretion to decide if alternative Competition session(s) will be organised. HKICF reserves all rights to transfer, modify, or cancel any Competition-related arrangements. HKICF will not provide a refund under any circumstance.
There are no predetermined pieces for the competitions. Participating choirs have the freedom to select their own repertoire, which may encompass any language, voicing (including unison), and length. Original compositions are welcome, provided that the score is available. Each choir is permitted to perform a maximum of two musical pieces.
HKICF will not provide a refund under any circumstance.
If a choir consists of members from different grade levels, the choir can determine its competition category based on the grade-level proportion of its members.
For example, in the case of a primary school choir with members from Primary 1 to Primary 6, if the school wishes to enroll the choir in the Junior Primary category, the proportion of members from the Junior Primary grades must be more than half of the choir’s total number. For instance: If a choir has 60 members, it must have at least 31 members from Primary 1 to Primary 3 to enroll in the Junior Primary category.
This rule applies to all grade-level categories, including Junior Primary, Senior Primary, Junior Secondary, and Senior Secondary.
If the total number of choirs applying for the Competition exceeds the programme quota, the list of selected choirs will be determined by drawing lots. Details are as follows:
- Limit on Number of Sessions: 52 Sessions
- Limit on the Number of Choirs Applied:312 Choirs
- Drawing Lots Day: October 5, 2026 (Monday)
- Release of Selected List: October 9, 2026 (Friday)
For more details, please refer to the Rules and Regulations (See Clause 2.12).
Other programmes
Professional Development for Choral Educators
We provide music teachers and conductors with professional development sessions that aim to connect theory and practice in music education.
Professional Development Day for Music Teachers & Conductors
As the festival’s inaugural initiative in 2027, it is designed to provide music educators and conductors with a premier professional advancement platform that integrates theoretical depth, practical demonstrations, and peer networking.
HKICF2027 Choral Educators Award and Choirs Recognition Award
Approaching HKICF’s milestone 10th anniversary, the Festival wishes to extend its deepest recognition to the dedicated school music teachers and conductors whose unwavering commitment has been vital to nurturing students’ love of music and sustaining the Festival’s success.
