Tour to Australia and New Zealand 2025
Date: 01/07/2025
The Hong Kong Children's Choir (HKCC) successfully completed the Tour to Australia and New Zealand from 1 July to 14 July. Under the direction of Music Director and Principal Conductor Kathy FOK, 2019 Hong Kong Choral Conducting Competition Champion Apollo WONG, and accompanist Corina LIN, members of Concert Choir performed at the 20th Festival of Voices in Tasmania as guest performers.
Founded in 2005, the Festival of Voices has grown into one of Australia's largest choral events, attracting over 30,000 music lovers each year.
Day 1-2 1/7 - 2/7
In the evening, Concert Choir members gathered at Hong Kong International Airport to embark on their 14-day musical journey. They arrived in Hobart at noon local time.
After lunch, members visited Richmond Stone Bridge and St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, which is the oldest Roman Catholic church in Australia.
Day 3 3/7
Members kicked off the Festival of Voices performances with two concerts at Swansea Town Hall, showcasing a series of choral works, including brand-new premieres that drew enthusiastic attendance from local residents. The audience responded with high praise, and our members were delighted to receive surprise gifts from students of Swansea Primary School.
After the performances, members visited Iron Creek Bay Farm, where they enjoyed the fun of feeding animals and experiencing the charm of rural life.
Day 4 4/7
Our members set off early for St. David’s Cathedral to participate in a Youth Choir workshop and prepare for the Lunchtime@St. David’s concert.
Under the guidance of tutor Paul Jarman, the Concert Choir joined with Young Voices of Hobart and Luminescence Children’s Choir to learn the piece Sampan, composed by Paul Jarman and Andrew De Teliga. Inspired by the historical background of the Victorian gold rush in Australia, the song tells the story of a Chinese man longing for his homeland. To reflect the cultural context, the melody incorporates the pentatonic scale with poetic lyrics to align with Chinese musical style.
Later, the choir performed a selection of choral works, and performed Sampan at the end of the concert.
After lunch, the Concert Choir headed to Theatre Royal for rehearsals, and in the evening, they took part in the Showtime!, performing two pieces, including Happily Ever After and Good Morning Hong Kong. Through this Cantonese choral piece, the choir showcased the unique charm of Cantonese music to the audience.
The concert also featured several other choral groups, providing opportunities for members to enjoy performances.
Day 5 5/7
The Concert Choir performed five songs at Salamanca Market in a lively weekend atmosphere. The music attracted a large crowd of passersby, who paused to enjoy the performance. The choir also took the opportunity to introduce each piece and share the stories behind the songs.
After the performance, our members explored Salamanca Market, soaking in the festive weekend vibes and experiencing the local culture.
The choir then visited Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, where they interacted with kangaroos and experienced Australia’s unique wildlife.
Day 6 6/7
In the morning, the choir members went to Hobart City Hall and prepared for the evening concert, Cheers to 20 Years. After rehearsal, they visited the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens and enjoyed the diverse plant landscapes.
In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Festival of Voices, the Concert Choir was invited as guest performers. During the concert, the choir presented two choral pieces, The Dragon Dance of Shang and Kung Fu, which earned enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Day 7 7/7
Concert Choir members set off to Sydney in the morning. Upon arrival, they enjoyed a Chinese dinner at a local restaurant, then returned to the hotel to rest.
Day 8 8/7
On the second day in Sydney, the choir began with a city tour, viewing and taking photos of the landmarks – Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge with excitement.
After lunch, the choir visited Sydney Zoo, where they took photos with koalas and other fascinating Australian wildlife.
In the evening, members dined at the renowned SkyFeast Sydney Tower, enjoying a buffet dinner with an amazing night view.
Day 9 9/7
At the final stop in Sydney, HKCC held a charity concert to raise funds for CanRevive cancer support services.
HKCC Charity Concert held at Sydney Town Hall, marked a renewed collaboration between HKCC and CanRevive since 2017. The performance featured a selection of Chinese and Western pieces, sharing messages of love and hope through music.
To celebrate CanRevive’s 30th anniversary, Music Director Kathy FOK specially wrote Cantonese lyrics for CanRevive’s theme song You’ll Never Walk Alone, with a new arrangement by Alex TAM, presenting the Cantonese version for the first time.
The concert was also covered by SBS Cantonese, which praised the choir members for their passion for music.
At the end of the concert, Mr Eric YEUNG, President of CanRevive’s Executive Committee, and Mr Ronald YAM, the Immediate Past Chairman of the HKCC Board of Directors, delivered heartfelt speeches.
Special thanks to the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Sydney (HKETO) for sponsoring this event, and to all the audience and partners whose support made this possible.
Day 10 10/7
The choir arrived at Sydney Airport, ready to depart for Auckland. This journey marks HKCC’s inaugural visit to New Zealand, filling everyone with excitement.
Upon arrival, the choir enjoyed dinner, then returned to the hotel to rest and prepare for the upcoming concert tomorrow.
Day 11 11/7
After having lunch, the choir members headed to Holy Trinity Cathedral for rehearsals and prepared for the HKCC “Dreams to Dream” Concert.
With the support of The Music Association of Auckland, the concert featured a special performance by New Zealand’s Whare Karioi Kapa Haka group, who sang the Māori piece Waiata, offering an experience of traditional Māori culture. To align with the concert’s theme, the Concert Choir performed The Gift of Dreams to Dream, using music to convey messages of hope and aspiration.
At the end of the concert, Concert Choir performed the Māori folk song Pokarekare Ana with the Music Association of Auckland and Angelis Music Academy to bring the concert to a heartfelt and memorable conclusion.
At the end of the concert, Concert Choir performed the Māori folk song Pokarekare Ana with the Music Association of Auckland and Angelis Music Academy to bring the concert to a heartfelt and memorable conclusion.
This debut performance in New Zealand by HKCC received widespread media coverage and high praise from local press. To celebrate the debut, the Hong Kong Economics and Trade Office in Sydney hosted a reception, highlighting the significance of the tour in fostering cultural exchange between Hong Kong and New Zealand.
Day 12 12/7
The choir went to Auckland Town Hall for a cultural exchange with The Clouds Children’s Choir. Following that, they held a rehearsal for the evening’s Echoes of Culture Choral Concert.
After lunch, our members participated in a guided tour of All Black Experience, gaining deeper insight into the history of New Zealand rugby. Through interactive exhibits and immersive experiences, they developed a greater understanding of this iconic national sport and the values of teamwork.
In the evening, the choir enjoyed a dinner before returning to Auckland Town Hall. The Echoes of Culture Choral Concert was successfully held that night, featuring four choral pieces, including a Cantonese choral works that highlighted the unique cultural identity of Hong Kong.
Day 13 13/7
On the last day of the journey, the choir members enjoyed breakfast at the hotel before heading to the Auckland Museum for a guided tour. With insightful museum guides, they gained a deeper understanding of New Zealand’s history, Māori culture, and natural ecology, enriching their appreciation of the country’s cultural heritage.
Afterwards, the choir visited SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium, where they got up close with a variety of marine creatures, including penguins, jellyfish and sharks.
After lunch, the choir visited the iconic Sky Tower, enjoying the views of the entire city.
Day 14 14/7
Tour to Australia and New Zealand 2025 finally came to an end as members took their flight back to Hong Kong in the early morning, marking the end of their 14-day journey.
Special thanks to the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Sydney and all supporting parties for their generous support, which made this exchange a huge success.
