HONG KONG (SE): The Hymnos Festival celebrated its fifth anniversary with a lively concert at the Concert Hall of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre on October 27, highlighting collaborative performances between local and Vietnamese choirs. Through its engaging performances and cultural dialogues from late October to mid-November, the Hymnos Festival reminded audiences of the beauty, peace and unity that music can bring to our global community.
The evening featured Hong Kong choirs performing alongside acclaimed Vietnamese groups, including the Hanoi Voices Choir and the Suc Song Moi Bamboo Ensemble directed by Dong Quang Vinh.
A standout moment was the bamboo ensemble and Hong Kong Children’s Choir performing the energetic Vietnamese piece “The Rooster.” Another work, “The Wings of the Birds,” captured the spiritual and natural qualities of bamboo instruments.
There was a moving rendition of “Ave Verum Corpus” by Anthony Cheng—who composed the hymn in 2001—with the international Hanoi Voices Choir, including string quartet and organ accompaniment.
Renowned pianists Claire Mo and Colin Lee delivered a Bach duet, representing musical ties between Hanoi and Hong Kong.
He reflected on the initial connections with the Hong Kong Catholic community in Hanoi in March 2024, and on the more intensive exchanges during a performance with the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra in September last year, which laid the groundwork for further cultural exchanges
The finale united 200 voices from Hong Kong parishes and communities, the Hanoi Voices Choir, Vox Antiqua, and the Saint Francis University Choir for Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus,” conducted by Professor Chan Wing-wah.
Talks on diverse musical traditions further enriched the cultural exchange.
The festival concludes on October 31 at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Hanoi, where the Hymnos Festival choir will perform with more Vietnamese artists.
Dong explained to the Sunday Examiner that his choirs frequently perform at Vietnamese churches and charity events to support the needy.
He reflected on the initial connections with the Hong Kong Catholic community in Hanoi in March 2024, and on the more intensive exchanges during a performance with the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra in September last year, which laid the groundwork for further cultural exchanges.
Dong expressed his gratitude for the friendly, professional nature of the Catholic community in Hong Kong.
He noted the challenge of transporting bamboo instruments—crafted by his father Dong Van Minh—to Hong Kong, and explained bamboo’s central role in Vietnamese daily life and its cultural ties to China.
In a message included in the concert brochure, Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., quoted Pope Leo XIV on the value of sacred music as a living gift to the Church
“Bamboo music is simple yet rich in expression,” Dong remarked, demonstrating its range alongside pianist Phoebus Chan.
For his work spreading Vietnamese music worldwide, Dong received Vietnam’s 2023 International Cultural Communication Award.
Angela Hui, chairperson of the Hymnos Festival Society, emphasised innovation and new experiences, noting Hong Kong musicians’ Jubilee Year pilgrimage to Hanoi’s St. Joseph’s Cathedral to deepen cultural exchange.
Hui acknowledged obstacles like rising costs and visa issues for Vietnamese artists, thanked donors, and said the festival brings “profound artistic connections across regions.”
The concert was well attended by Church leaders, including vicars general, Father Peter Choy and Father Joseph Chan, diocesan chancellor, Father Lawrence Lee, as well as Monsignor José Luis Díaz-Mariblanca Sánchez.
Father Chan expressed a profound spiritual connection at the concert unifying Christians, while Father Choy emphasised the power of music as a universal form of prayer, noting its ability to connect diverse groups through shared songs.
In a message included in the concert brochure, Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., quoted Pope Leo XIV on the value of sacred music as a living gift to the Church. He extended blessings on the fifth anniversary of the Hong Kong Hymnos Festival Society, commending its mission to promote hymn singing and spread the gospel.
Le Duc Hanh, consul general of Vietnam, also expressed gratitude to the organisers for their commitment to cultural exchange, underscoring the festival’s importance in bridging communities and fostering understanding among diverse nationalities.
