4th Sing from Kobe - Program Book

Sing from Kobe
International Choir Festival & Competition
January 15-19, 2026 | Kobe, Japan
PROGRAM BOOK

EVENTS
2026/2027
INTERNATIONAL CHOIR COMPETITIONS AND FESTIVALS
EVENTS 2026
08
09
09
10
10
14 TH WORLD CHOIR GAMES
August 6-16, 2026 | Helsingborg, Sweden
INTERNATIONAL CHOIR COMPETITION BLACKPOOL
September 10-14, 2026 | Blackpool, Great Britain
INTERNATIONALES CHORFEST MAGDEBURG
September 16-20, 2026 | Magdeburg, Germany
6 TH KALAMATA INTERNATIONAL CHOIR COMPETITION AND FESTIVAL
October 8-12, 2026 | Kalamata, Greece
SING FOR GOLD – THE WORLD CHORAL CUP
October 22-26, 2026 | Calella & Barcelona, Catalonia (Spain)
EVENTS 2027
04
05
10
3 RD HULL INTERNATIONAL CHOIR COMPETITION
April 30 - May 4, 2027 | Hull, Great Britain
14 TH INTERNATIONAL JOHANNES BRAHMS CHOIR FESTIVAL AND COMPETITION
May 19-23, 2027 | Wernigerode, Germany
12 TH CANTA AL MAR – FESTIVAL CORAL INTERNACIONAL
October 21-25, 2027 | Calella/Barcelona, Spain
MORE TO COME ...
interkultur.com /interkultur @interkulturevents @interkulturevents
as of December 2025

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INTERNATIONAL CHOIR FESTIVAL
& COMPETITION
ORGANIZER
INTERKULTUR
IN COOPERATION WITH
Hyogo Choral Association
SUPPORTED BY
Kobe City Government
PRESIDENT INTERKULTUR
Günter Titsch (Germany)
HONORARY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Yoshio Saida (Japan), President of Hyogo Choral Association,
Vice-President of Japan Choral Association
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR KOBE 2026
Johan Rooze (Netherlands), Senior Artistic Director of INTERKULTUR
BOARD OF THE INTERKULTUR ARTISTIC COMMITTEE
Prof. Dr. Ralf Eisenbeiß (Germany), Honorary Artistic President
Prof. Romāns Vanags (Latvia), Senior Artistic Director
Fred Sjöberg (Sweden), Senior Artistic Director
INTERKULTUR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Günter Titsch (Germany)
Qin Wang (China)
Stefan Bohländer (Germany)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ORGANIZER 1
PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES 5
WELCOME
GREETINGS 8
ABOUT INTERKULTUR 12
ABOUT KOBE 16
INTERNATIONAL CHOIR FESTIVAL & COMPETITION
ARTISTIC COMMITTEE & JURY 22
EVENT VENUES & CITY MAP 28
EVENT SCHEDULE
GENERAL SCHEDULE 34
PRAY FROM KOBE CONCERT 38
COMPETITION 42
CHOIRS
PARTICIPATING CHOIRS 52
IMPRINT 64
PHOTO CREDITS 64

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SING FOR GOLD
THE WORLD CHORAL CUP
Calella & Barcelona, Catalonia (Spain)
October 22-26, 2026
SING-FOR-GOLD.COM

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PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES
CANADA
PAKISTAN
CHINA/
HONG KONG SAR
PHILIPPINES
CHINESE TAIPEI
REPUBLIC OF KOREA
CZECH REPUBLIC
THAILAND
INDONESIA
TÜRKIYE
JAPAN
USA

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WELCOME
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GÜNTER TITSCH
PRESIDENT INTERKULTUR
Dear friends of choral music,
It is my great pleasure to welcome all participants, music lovers, and guests to Kobe for
the 4th time already, and in 2026 under the new name “Sing from Kobe”. This city, known
for its openness and cultural vibrancy, offers an excellent setting for an international
choral festival of this character. I am pleased to see the continued collaboration between
INTERKULTUR, the Hyogo Choral Association, and the Kobe City Government, whose
longstanding support has been essential to the great development of this event in the past
years.
I express my heartfelt gratitude for the trustful cooperation that has allowed this
international choral event to flourish into a meaningful celebration of musical friendship
and cultural exchange. The encounters, shared experiences, and the joy of singing
together that shape this festival are values of special relevance in our world today.
With choirs arriving from 12 countries and regions, Sing from Kobe once again
demonstrates how choral music can connect people and foster mutual understanding in
the world. The musical performances presented here will illustrate the unifying power of
singing and its ability to build bridges between cultures.
As we begin this festival, may the music created here inspire respect, peace, and friendship
across cultures and communities. Thank you for contributing to Sing from Kobe 2026 and
for strengthening the international choral movement through your participation.
With sincere appreciation,
Günter Titsch
President INTERKULTUR and World Choir Council

GREETINGS
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SAEKO HASAGAWA
PRESIDENT OF JAPAN CHORAL
ASSOCIATION
I heartly congratulate you on the “Pray From Kobe:
Leading to Tomorrow,” and “Sing From Kobe.”
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for this opportunity to offer a musical prayer
for the 14 th “Pray from Kobe,” which seeks salvation through song and chorus.
I am also sure that the overseas choirs participating in the 4 th “Sing from Kobe,” which
has been held since 2018, will be able to be attracted by the charms of Kobe town, and
approach it with a spirit of prayer.
I hope that this wonderful idea will continue forever, and that this project will be successful.
Saeko Hasagawa
President of Japan Choral Association

GREETINGS
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YOSHIO SAIDA
PRESIDENT OF HYOGO CHORAL
ASSOCIATION, VICE PRESIDENT
OF JAPAN CHORAL ASSOCIATION
Thank you very much for your coming to the “Pray From Kobe:
Leading to Tomorrow,” and “Sing From Kobe.”
“Pray From Kobe: Leading to Tomorrow,” started in 2012 with the aim of providing reconstruction
support to people affected by the East Japan Earthquake in 2011, and will be held
for the 14 th time, this year. The international choral competition and festival “Sing From
Kobe” is also held along with the concert and will be held for the 4 th time, this year.
At the “Pray From Kobe,” we will perform pieces from Requiem by a Japanese composer,
Hideki Chihara. These pieces were performed at the memorial ceremony in 1996, for the
6,000 victims of the Great Hanshin and Awaji Earthquake in Kobe in 1995. We, the citizens
of this area, will never forget it, but I would like to rejoice with you that the towns of Kobe
have come back to life beautifully 30 years after the earthquake.
Around the world, many victims of disasters and wars are still born. Together with singers
who are participating in „Sing from Kobe“ from overseas, we would like to pray for peace
in the world through song and chorus.
Yoshio Saida
President of Hyogo Choral Association,
Vice President of Japan Choral Association

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ABOUT
INTERKULTUR

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… CONNECTING BRIDGES.
More than 35 years of success: Since 1988 INTERKULTUR, founded by Günter Titsch,
is the world’s leading organizer of international choir competitions and festivals. The
event series has meanwhile become known throughout the world for its high artistic and
organizational standards. INTERKULTUR is a concept for choirs all over the world, and
their excitement about its competitions and festivals is constantly growing.
For more than 35 years, singers and choirs from all over the world have been
celebrating international choral music with INTERKULTUR in different cities and on
different continents. Whether the Palau de la Música in Barcelona or the Konzerthaus
Liebfrauen Wernigerode, whether dream destinations in Europe or Asia; wherever
they go, participants will experience a peaceful, world-spanning festival of singing and
intercultural choral music on a high artistic level. Friendship Concerts and joint singing
events complete the great emotional impact of INTERKULTUR’s international choral
meetings.
INTERKULTUR unites nations. In 2004 and 2006 – following long negotiations – the
organization was able to bring choirs from North and South Korea together on stage.
Also, choirs from countries like Israel and Iran kept coming together at the choir
festivals and light a beacon of peace in Friendship Concerts.
Participation is the highest honor. INTERKULTUR´s biggest success to date was to
bring the antique Olympic idea to the choral community. The Choir Olympics 2000 in
Linz, Austria was the beginning of a Choir Olympic movement, which goes around the
world still to this day: Its story of success continues with subsequent events in Busan,
Republic of Korea in 2002 and Bremen, Germany in 2004, and as of 2006 under the
name “World Choir Games” in Xiamen, China; Graz, Austria in 2008; Shaoxing, China in
2010; Cincinnati, USA in 2012; Riga, Latvia in 2014 and the Winter Olympics City of Sochi,
Russia in 2016. The 10 th anniversary edition of the World Choir Games in 2018 happened
on African soil for the first time: Tshwane in South Africa attracted more than 300
choirs and more than 16,000 participants in July 2018. Due to the worldwide COVID-19
pandemic the 11 th edition of the World Choir Games hosted by the cities of Antwerp and
Ghent in Belgium had to be postponed from July 2020 to the fall 2021. For the first time
in the event’s history these Games took place as a hybrid event with live competitions in
Flanders and an additional Virtual Competitions part. The 12 th edition of the event invited
choirs from around the world to Gangneung, Republic of Korea in summer 2023. The 13 th
World Choir Games happened in Oceania for the first time: Auckland in New Zealand
welcomed 250 choirs and groups in July 2024.
WORLD RANKINGS
TOP choirs, results and updated statistics
about our festivals on our website
INTERKULTUR.COM

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Since 2007 INTERKULTUR has been transferring the idea of the World Choir Games also
to different continents: The Asia Pacific Choir Games took place for the 4 th time already
in October 2017, and in 2025 the first African Asia Pacific Choir Games will be held
on the dream island Mauritius. In 2013 the European Choir Games premiered in Graz,
Austria. Subsequent editions of the event were held in Magdeburg, Germany (2015), in
Latvian capital Riga (2017) and in the Swedish cities of Gothenburg (2019) and Norrköping
(2023), along with the Grand Prix of Nations, which addresses international top choirs.
The sixth edition of the European Choir Games will happen in Aarhus, Denmark in the
summer of 2025.
The Idea
INTERKULTUR has become the symbol for a unique artistic idea: In comparison to
traditional meritorious choir competitions that only invite international elite choirs
to take part, the INTERKULTUR competitions are open to all non-professional choirs.
Choirs from all over the world interested in gaining international festival and competition
experience can compete according to their level of artistic achievement. INTERKULTUR
has opened a door to new impulses and perspectives for the national and international
choral movement.
The Competitions
There are various categories for all types and levels of choirs in different degrees of
difficulty, with or without compulsory pieces. The competitions offer good, competitive
conditions, valuable, artistic contacts, various workshops and seminars, as well as
practice opportunities with international performers. More than 200 experts and
leading choir conductors from all over the world guarantee a high level of expertise at
all INTERKULTUR events.
Evaluation System
The jury awards Bronze, Silver, and Gold Diplomas on 10 levels at INTERKULTUR
competitions according to the MUSICA MUNDI ® evaluation system (30-points-system);
and Bronze, Silver and Gold Medals at the World Choir Games, the Asia Pacific Choir
Games, the European Choir Games and the Grand Prix of Nations according to the
World Choir Games evaluation system (100-points-system). In each category, a winner
or champion is determined, and outstanding achievements are honored with Special
Prizes. In some competitions there is a Grand Prize Competition of the best choirs
selected by an international jury which determines the overall winner of the competition.
The Pedagogical Concept
INTERKULTUR events are not only competitions and international choir festivals,
but also serve as professional development such as providing feedback from various
pedagogical offerings. In Evaluation Performances or Individual Coachings, choirs have
the chance to work with international jury members and gain advice on their current
level of achievement, receive proficient pedagogical and artistic information and obtain

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suggestions as to how to interpret the chosen piece. The MUSICA MUNDI ® Choir
Academy gives new impetus especially to young choir conductors in China.
Every two years the World Choir Council consisting of currently 146 members
representing 96 countries and regions comes together during the World Choir Games to
discuss the choral scene in their respective home countries. These meetings make an
important contribution to the development of the international choral scene.
Locations of Festivals and Competitions
To date, INTERKULTUR events have taken place in Austria, Belgium, Cambodia, Croatia,
Czech Republic, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel,
Italy, Japan, Latvia, Malaysia, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, People’s Republic of
China, South Africa, Portugal, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Russia, Serbia, Spain, Sri
Lanka, Sweden, Thailand, USA and Vietnam. In 2025 INTERKULTUR will organize its
first-ever international choir competition in Denmark and in 2026 the first international
choir competition will happen in Finland.
Many cities have been convinced of the success of INTERKULTUR events and establish
regular choir festivals or apply repeatedly to host more unifying major events.
The Participants
In total, more than 11,000 choirs with more than 460,000 active singers from 112
countries have taken part in the INTERKULTUR competitions to date. An interesting note
is that more than half of the participants have been children and youth up to 27 years
of age and 67% of the participating choirs are returning ensembles looking forward to
new destinations and new choral challenges. Many of them constantly increase their
achievements – from initial successes to a Gold Medal or the sought-after Champions
title.
Means of Support
In accordance with its statutes, INTERKULTUR supports the following activities:
• International music festivals and choir competitions whose goal is to bring together
choirs from different regions of the world and encourage international collaboration
through mutual respect, as well as to contribute to cultural exchange and
understanding among nations
• Children and youth choirs even from financially challenged countries
• Non-professional choirs that focus on the growth of youth development
• Young, talented conductors, young musicians and singers through the support of
scholarship awards
• Specific sponsorship opportunities

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ABOUT
KOBE

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HOST CITY KOBE
Kobe is a vibrant port city and hub for people, information and goods from around the world.
Its location nestled between the mountains and sea gives the city beautiful natural diversity
- skiing on the Rokko Mountains, relaxing in the Arima Onsen Hot Springs, or playing at the
beach. Kobe has a laid-back and open atmosphere which can be enjoyed all throughout the
year.
The city is a great choice not only as a tourist destination but also as a place to do business, with
a wide range of industries and outstanding business environment.
What‘s more, Kobe‘s safety and friendliness and excellent infrastructure give the city everything
needed for a comfortable lifestyle.
Located almost at the centre of the Japanese archipelago on the Seto Inland Sea, Kobe has
developed along with the opening of the Port of Kobe in 1868. A Foreign Settlement that formed
near the port became the doorway by which foreign cultures entered Japan. This settlement
also played an important role in bringing a stylish and modern atmosphere to the entire city.
At the same time, various industries began taking shape at the Port of Kobe.
Ever since Japan was opened to the world, Kobe has been a cosmopolitan port city where
people, goods, and information from around the globe are in constant motion. Now, Kobe has
a population of 1,48 million including 64,000 foreign residents from as many as 132 different
countries, and is well known throughout Japan as being an „international city“.

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In 1995, Kobe and the surrounding area were struck by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake,
causing 4,751 deaths within the city and destroying or damaging much of the city‘s infrastructure.
In the years since, with considerable help and support from people throughout Japan and
the world, the citizens of Kobe have rebuilt the city into the hub it is today.

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INTERTNATIONAL
CHOIR FESTIVAL &
COMPETITION
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JOHAN ROOZE
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
NETHERLANDS/REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Johan Rooze studied Classic Piano, Choral and Orchestral Conducting at the Utrecht
Conservatory of Music in the Netherlands. He went to the U.S. to study with Phil Mattson,
Michelle Weir and others to specialize in Jazz Piano, Singing and Arranging.
He was founder and Musical Director of the Utrecht University Vocal Group “Dekoor”.
They won The Netherlands Choir Festival, The International Vocal Group Festival and the
“Idols for choir” TV show, “Korenslag” 2007 in the Netherlands. He was Musical Director
of the Utrecht Student Choir and Orchestra. With the two student choirs he made tours
all over the world. In 2008 he received the honorary “Zilveren Penning” (Silver Medal) of
the Utrecht University. He founded the “Dudok-Ensemble” Project Choir and Orchestra,
conducted the Bach Cantata Society in Utrecht and was guest conductor of the National
Radio Choir. He taught Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Choral Conducting and Arranging at the
Conservatories of Rotterdam and Alkmaar in the Netherlands.
In 2008 he moved to Daegu, South Korea, taught Music at Keimyung University and Choir
and Jazz Piano at Yeongnam University in Daegu. He is the Musical Director of the Daegu
Jazz Singers, the Daegu Chamber Choir and Conductor of the Beomeo Cathedral in
Daegu. Besides his choral work he is very active as a Jazz Pianist and Arranger, and a
frequently asked as guest conductor, lecturer and workshopleader. He is now the Senior
Artistic Director for the international choral organization INTERKULTUR.

ARTISTIC COMMITTE & JURY
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SAEKO HASEGAWA
JURY
JAPAN
Saeko Hasegawa is President of Japan Choral Association (JCA). As Conductor Laureate
and Honorary Artistic Director of the Little Singers of Tokyo (LSOT), she has led and
contributed to the success of LSOT’s various projects including subscription concerts. She
is an active member of the Japanese and international choral community, committed to
promoting choral music both in Japan and overseas.
Since being appointed Principal Conductor of the LSOT in 1971, Saeko has founded and
conducted the Senior Choir and Youth Choir comprising of LSOT graduates who perform
works from Gregorian Chants to Renaissance choral music as well as contemporary
works from Japan and abroad to enrich and increase their repertoire and to improve their
techniques.
She has been very active internationally as lecturer and adjudicator in many competitions,
such as Llangollen International Music Eisteddfod, International Chamber Choir
Competition Marktoberdorf, and Singapore Youth Festival. She was Chairperson of the
Artistic Committee at the 7 th World Symposium on Choral Music in Kyoto, and was invited
as a conductor for the 1 st and the 3 rd Asia Pacific Youth Choir (APYC)
Saeko is a former Vice President and was a Board member of the International Federation
for Choral Music (IFCM) over 20 years. Awards received include the Medal with Blue
Ribbon in 2023 Autumn Conferment of Decorations for many years of service to the music
culture and the Agency for Cultural Affairs Commissioner’s Award in 2019.

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RANDALL JOHNSON
JURY
USA
Dr. Randall Johnson received his Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting from
the University of Washington in Seattle. He then joined the faculty of the University of
Guam with principal responsibilities in solo and ensemble vocal music. His additional
responsibilities varied but have included ear training, jazz band, conducting, music theory,
saxophone and others as needed.
He has travelled to over 30 countries as a conductor, singer, instrumentalist and clinician.
Randall Johnson has written choral music for many different choirs and his university
choirs have won competitions internationally and performed in choral festivals and tours
to 13 different countries. One of his recent compositions, “Ragnarök,” was commissioned
by the American Choral Directors Association for their grades 7-10 TTBB National Honor
Choir. The piece will premiere at the ACDA National Conference in Dallas, Texas, in March
2025. Randall is thrilled to be part of the INTERKULTUR “Sing From Kobe” international
choir festival and competition!
Besides music, Randall and his wife and 14-year-old daughter enjoy many of the activities
available on the tropical island of Guam: hiking, biking, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba and
sailing.

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BEVERLY
SHANGKUAN-CHENG
JURY
PHILIPPINES
Dr. Beverly Shangkuan-Cheng is President of the Philippine Choral Directors Association,
Chair of the Conducting & Choral Ensemble Department at the University of the
Philippines College of Music, and Artistic Director of the Las Piñas International Bamboo
Organ Festival.
She won first prize at the ACDA National Graduate Conducting Competition and the A1
Piano Category of NAMCYA. She was conductor of the Asia Pacific Youth Choir (2018),
and in 2023, served as Artistic Director for the World Symposium for Choral Music and
was a featured presenter at the ACDA National Conference. That same year, she guestconducted
the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.
Her honors include the Levi Barbour Fellowship (University of Michigan), the Phyllis Curtin
Career Entry Award (Yale School of Music), and the One UP Professorial Chair Award in
Music (2022–2024), among others.
She has performed and adjudicated in over a dozen countries across Asia, Europe, Africa,
and the US, and frequently leads workshops throughout the Philippines.
Dr. Shangkuan-Cheng holds a BM (summa cum laude) from the University of the
Philippines, an MM from the Yale School of Music and Yale Institute of Sacred Music, and
a DMA from the University of Michigan.

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EVENT VENUES
AND CITY MAP

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KOBE BUNKA HALL
Kobe Bunka Hall offers the opportunity to enjoy high quality performing arts in a wide range of
genres such as music, theater and ballet at relatively low prices. The Kobe Culture Hall, with 2
floors underground and 6 floors above the ground, with a total floor area of 18,603 m2, is a public
hall with a multipurpose large hall mainly composed for music, a multipurpose middle hall
centered on theater, a rehearsal room, a multipurpose room and others. Located in Chuo-ku,
Kobe City, it is a 1-minute walk from Okurayama Subway Station.
Address: 4-2-2 Kusunokicho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture 650-0017, Japan

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PIFULE HALL
Pifule Hall is a vibrant hub for music and culture in Kobe, hosting a wide range of community
and cultural events. From youth ensembles to school choirs, amateur groups, and professional
performers, the hall brings together artists of all ages and levels.
For example, in 2025 it hosted the “Hall Concerts by the Musicians of Tomorrow” as part of the
Kobe International Music Festival, featuring youth brass bands, choirs, and school ensembles
performing for local audiences. Beyond festivals, Pifule Hall is regularly used for local concerts,
rehearsals, ceremonies, and other cultural gatherings, making it a central space for artistic expression
in the community. Its accessible, welcoming atmosphere ensures that everyone—from
performers to audience members – can enjoy the joy of live music in Kobe.
Address: 4-2-15 Wakamatsucho, Nagata ward, Kobe, Hyogo 653-0038, Japan

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EVENT SCHEDULE
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GENERAL SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026
BUNKA HALL, MAIN HALL
19:30 h
Opening Concert
Performing Choirs:
- Motýli Šumperk (Czech Republic)
- Collège Vocal (Canada))
- We Play Choral (Türkiye)
- SKH Lam Woo Memorial Secondary School Alumni Choir (China/Hong Kong SAR)
FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2026
PIFULE HALL
13:00 h
Competition in Category SE – Senior Choirs
PIFULE HALL
14:15 h
Competition in Category F – Folklore
PIFULE HALL
18:00 h
Friendship Concert

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2026
BUNKA HALL, MEDIUM HALL
14:00 h
Competition in Category A – Adult Choirs (Mixed or Equal Voices)
BUNKA HALL, MEDIUM HALL
15:15 h
Competition in Category G1 – Children’s Choirs
BUNKA HALL, MEDIUM HALL
16:30 h
Competition in Category R – Religious Music
BUNKA HALL, MEDIUM HALL
17:45 h
Competition in Category G2 – Youth Choirs
BUNKA HALL, MEDIUM HALL
19:00 h
Competition in Category V – Vocal Ensembles (Mixed or Equal Voices)

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2026
BUNKA HALL, MAIN HALL
13:30 h
Pray from Kobe Concert
BUNKA HALL, MAIN HALL
17:00 h
Kobe Choir Prize
BUNKA HALL, MAIN HALL
18:30 h
Awards & Closing Ceremony

hull
International Choir Competition
April 30 - May 4, 2027 | Hull, Great Britain
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interkultur.com/Hull2027

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PRAY FROM KOBE CONCERT
SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2026
BUNKA HALL, MAIN HALL
13:30
The Pray from Kobe Concert, as it is known in Japan, was first held in 2012 in the city
of Kobe. It was created as a musical act of remembrance and prayer for the victims
of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck eastern Japan, particularly the
Fukushima region, in March 2011. Since then, the concert has grown into a cherished
annual tradition, bringing together hundreds of singers from Kobe and the surrounding
regions, usually held in January.
For the people of Kobe, remembrance through music carries special meaning. In 1995,
the city itself was struck by a powerful earthquake that claimed many lives and destroyed
tens of thousands of buildings. Today, Kobe stands rebuilt and vibrant, with only a few
visible traces of that tragedy – an enduring testament to resilience, hope, and the power
of life over natural disaster.
Since 2016, the Pray from Kobe Concert has evolved beyond remembrance alone. Choirs
from across Japan now gather not only to honor the victims of past disasters, but also to
sing and pray for peace in the world. The concert is not bound to any single faith or belief
system; rather, it embraces spirituality in its broadest sense. It is an invitation to pray
through music in the shared language of humanity.
Each year, more than 600 singers come together in the beautiful Main Hall of Kobe
Bunka Hall, joined by international choirs who share the same wish for peace and
understanding across borders. In a time when the world deeply needs compassion and
unity, this concert carries a powerful message – one perhaps best captured by the words
of St. Augustine: “Those who sing, pray twice.”

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COMPETITION
FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2026
PIFULE HALL
13:00 h
CATEGORY SE – SENIOR CHOIRS
1 GWANGJU DONG-GU CHOIR
Gwangju Metropolitan city, Republic of Korea
Conducter: Byung-Kuk Park
1 Trad. Philippines, arr. George G. Hernandez: Ay, Ay, Ay, O Pag-ibig!
2 Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, arr. Mark Brymer: Never Enough
3 Inhae Park: Naneun bandisbul
2 YES CHORUS (YOUNG ELDERLY SINGERS CHORUS)
Bangkok, Thailand
Conducter: Nutthan Inkhong
1 Brendan Graham, Rolf Lovland, arr. Roger Emerson: You Raise Me Up
2 Eua Sunthornsanan, arr. Nutthan Inkhong: Baan Kerd Meuang Non
3 Trad. Thailand, arr. Nutthan Inkhong: Sa-ne Sa-yaam (Siamese Charm)
3 SEOUL PURNAME CHOIR
Seoul, Republic of Korea
Conducter: An Lee
1 Nanpa Hong: Spring in My Hometown
2 Enrico Toselli: Serenata Rimpianto
3 Jae Myeong Hyeon: A Girl Who Picks Vegetables
4 SEOUL METROPOLITAN FEMALE CONCERT CHOIR
Seoul, Republic of Korea
Conducter: Jin-soon Im
1 Junhyeok Lee, arr. Jinsoon IM: Love Letter
2 Hyo Won Woo: Jeong Gua Jeong
3 Ryan Main: Il Lampo

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PIFULE HALL
14:15 h
CATEGORY F – FOLKLORE
1 COLEGIO DE LA PURISIMA CONCEPCION CHORALE
Roxas City Philippines
Conducter: Jofferson Dela Cruz
1 Trad. Philippines, Delarmente Rodolfo: Iddem dem Mallida
2 Trad. Philippines, Palaruan Eudenice: Pasigin
3 Gerard Dela Peña: Salidummay
2 UKM PSM UNM PINISI CHOIR
Makassar, Indonesia
Conducter: Achmad Ali Saifuddin
1 Trad. Indonesia, arr. Agustinus Bambang Jusana: Yamko rambe yambo
2 Trad. Indonesia, arr. Moh. Ridho Arrahman: Langkan maega
3 GWANGJU DONG-GU CHOIR
Gwangju Metropolitan city, Republic of Korea
Conducter: Byung-Kuk Park
1 Dong Hoon Lee: Dukkeob-a dukkeob-a
2 Trad. Republic of Korea, arr. Hyowon Woo: Arirang
3 Trad. Republic of Korea, arr. Hyunju Baek: Hollo Arirang

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4 TORAYA CHOIR JAKARTA
Jakarta, Indonesia
Conducter: Rainier Revireino
1 H. Anang Ardiansyah, arr. Ken Steven Paris Barantai
2 Trad. Indonesia, arr. Amillio Fahlevi: Piso surit
3 Trad. Indonesia, arr.Agnes Hapsari Marandeng Marampa
5 NAGA CENTRAL SCHOOL 1 CHILDREN‘S CHOIR
Naga City, Philippines
Conducters: Lyn Arriola & Lyn Arriola
1 Trad. Philippines, Bing Rio-Pablico: Banwar
2 Trad. Philippines, arr. Bing Rio-Pablico: Ragragsakan
3 Trad. Philippines, arr. Saunder Choi: Leron, Leron Sint
6 WE PLAY CHORAL
Istanbul, Türkiye
Conducter: Haluk Polat
1 Trad. Türkiye, arr. Haluk Polat: Ah Bir Ataş Ver
2 Trad. Türkiye, arr. Haluk Polat: Dut Ağaci
3 Trad. Türkiye, arr. Haluk Polat: Hayde Gidelum
4 Trad. Türkiye, arr. Haluk Polat: Cevriye Hanım
7 EASTERN ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Lahore Punjab, Pakistan
Conducter: Robina Shaheen
#
1 Nusret Fateh Ali, arr. Robina Shaheen: Allah Hoo - Allah Hoo
2 Manzoor Hussain, arr. Robina Shaheen: Sadqua de de saqi
3 Waqar Alis Santoo, arr. Muhammad Rashid: Dam mast mast jhuly laal

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TURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2026
KOBE BUNKA HALL, MEDIUM HALL
14:00 h
CATEGORY A – ADULT CHOIRS (MIXED OR EQUAL VOICES)
1 SKH LAM WOO MEMORIAL SECONDARY SCHOOL ALUMNI CHOIR
China/Hong Kong SAR
Conducters: Wing Chi Gigi Wong & Pui Yee Theresa Lam
1 Josef Rheinberger: Abendlied
2 Kai-Young Chan: From the Chrysalis
3 Z. Randall Stroope: Amor de mi alma
4 Darius Lim: The Fire Dance of Luna
2 CANCAONOVA
Hyogo, Tokyo, Japan
Conducter: Shimozono Taiki
1 György Ligeti: Nonsense Madrigals - 3. The Alphabet
2 György Ligeti: Nonsense Madrigals - 5. The Lobster Quadrille
3 Miho Fujishima: Amanogawa
4 Camille Saint-Saëns: Hymne au printemps
3 TAIPEI LADIES SINGERS
Tapei City, Chinese Taipei
Conducter: Chien-Min Wenig
1 Ming Chieh Lin: Alleluja
2 Robert Schumann: Romanzen für Frauenstimmen, op. 91 - 3. Der Wassermann
3 Loize Lebič: Urok
4 Trad. Indonesia, arr. Ken Steven: Cikala le pong pong
KOBE BUNKA HALL, MEDIUM HALL
15:15 h
CATEGORY G1 – CHILDREN‘S CHOIRS
1 COLLÈGE VOCAL
Montreal, Canada
Conducter: Gregory Charles
1 Trad. Gospel, arr. Gregory Charles: Gospel Medley
2 Jeanne and Robert Gilmore, arr. Susan Brumfield: Ton Thé
3 Gregory Charles: Malama

46
2 SINGING TITANS
Tokyo, Japan
Conducters: Emma Hunsicker & Masatoshi Takami
1 Earlene Rentz: Gaudeamus hodie
2 Evan Ramos: O magnum mysterium
3 Ivo Antognini: Les éléphants savent
4 Trad. Czech Republic, arr. Mark Weston: Stodola pumpa
3 NAGA CENTRAL SCHOOL 1 CHILDREN‘S CHOIR
Naga City, Philippines
Conducter: Mary Lynn Arriola
1 Mark Raeniel B. Agpasa: Laudati Dominum
2 Robert Delgado: Anak
3 Arwin Tan: Bal-laygi
4 AL AZHAR THIRTY FIVE CHOIR
Surabaya, Indonesia
Conducter: Temmy Tedja
1 Ko Matsushita: Horane
2 Darius Lim: The Water Dance of Lluvia
3 Trad. Indonesia, arr. Agustinus Bambang Jusana: Yamko Rambe Yamko
KOBE BUNKA HALL, MEDIUM HALL
16:30 h
CATEGORY R – RELIGIOUS MUSIC
1 THE JERICHO PROJECT
Davao City, Philippines
Conducter: Jeremy Sarmiento
1 Ernesto Herrera: Agnus Dei
2 Gerard Dela Peña: Sanctus
3 John Pamintuan: Ama namen
2 TORAYA CHOIR JAKARTA
Jakarta, Indonesia
Conducter: Rainier Revireino
1 György Orbán: Daemon irrepit callidus
2 Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina: Sicut cervus
3 Michael John Trotta: Dies irae
4 Elaine Hagenberg: Alleluia

47
3 MOTÝLI ŠUMPERK
Šumperk, Czech Republic
Conducter: Helena Stojaníková
1 Jan Facilis Boleslavský: Když jsi v štěstí
2 Sarasola Xabier: Pater Noster
3 Poulenc Francis: Ave verum corpus
4 Koronthály Petr: Magnificat
KOBE BUNKA HALL, MEDIUM HALL
17:45 h
CATEGORY G2 – YOUTH CHOIRS
1 RICE MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL CONCERT CHOIR
South Burlington, USA
Conducter: Kevin Ginter
1 John Rutter: A Gaelic Blessing
2 Damijan Močnik: Acclamatio
3 Blake R. Henson: O vos omnes
4 Moses Hogan: Hear My Prayer
2 ST. MARY‘S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL VARSITY ENSEMBLE
Tokyo, Japan
Conducter: Jason Drahos
1 René Clausen, arr. Robert Scholz:
All That Hath Life and Breath Praise Ye the Lord
2 Randall Johnson: Cantate Domino
3 Jacques Arcadelt: Il bianco e dolce cigno
4 Ko Matsushita: Tsugaru jongara bushi

48
3 UKM PSM UNM PINISI CHOIR
Makassar, Indonesia
Conducter: Achmad Ali Saifuddin
1 Trad. Spiritual, arr. Jack Halloran: Witness
2 Trad. Indonesia, arr. Avip Priatna and Agustinus Bambang Jusana: Janger
3 Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy: Ehre sei Gott in der Höhe
4 Ken Steven: Hentakan Jiwa
4 MOTÝLI ŠUMPERK
Šumperk, Czech Republic
Conductor: Helena Stojaníková
1 Jacobus Gallus: Pueri concinite
2 Ivo Antognini: Great Spirit
3 Robert Schumann: Der Wassermann
4 Zdeněk Lukáš: Řemeslníci
5 SYUKUGAWA ANGEL CHOIR
Nishinomiya, Japan
Conductor: Nezu Yoshiko
1 Zoltán Kodály: Esti dal
2 Trad. Japan, arr. Ko Matsushita: Sakura
3 Kainuma Minoru: Satono Aki
4 Trad. Japan, arr. Ishiwaka Masaya: Soran bushi
KOBE BUNKA HALL, MEDIUM HALL
19:00 h
CATEGORY V – VOCAL ENSEMBLES
1 TIFFANY LAU VOCAL PERFORMANCE ACADEMY CHOIR
Tsuen Wan, China/Hong Kong SAR
Conducter: Tiffany Lau
1 Bob Chilcott: A Tree of Song
2 Sarah Quartel: The Birds‘ Lullaby
3 Manolo Da Rold: Jubilate Deo

MAY 19-23
49
2027
14 TH INTERNATIONAL JOHANNES BRAHMS
CHOIR FESTIVAL AND COMPETITION
WERNIGERODE, GERMANY
INTERKULTUR.COM/WERNIGERODE2027

50
CHOIRS

51

52
PARTICIPATING CHOIRS
COLLÈGE VOCAL
MONTREAL, CANADA
FOUNDED: 2000
G1
CONDUCTOR: Gregory Charles
SKH LAM WOO MEMORIAL SECONDARY SCHOOL ALUMNI CHOIR
HONG KONG, CHINA/HONG KONG SAR
FOUNDED: 2005
CONDUCTORS: Wing Chi Gigi Wong, Pui Yee Theresa Lam
A

53
TIFFANY LAU VOCAL PERFORMANCE ACADEMY CHOIR
TSUEN WAN, CHINA/HONG KONG SAR
FOUNDED: 2015
V
CONDUCTOR: Tiffany Lau
TAIPEI LADIES SINGERS
TAPEI CITY, CHINESE TAIPEI
FOUNDED: 2007
CONDUCTOR: Chien-Min Wenig
A

54
PARTICIPATING CHOIRS
MOTÝLI ŠUMPERK
ŠUMPERK, CZECH REPUBLIC
FOUNDED: 1962
G2, R
CONDUCTOR: Helena Stojaníková
AL AZHAR THIRTY FIVE CHOIR
SURABAYA, INDONESIA
FOUNDED: 2017
G1
CONDUCTOR: Temmy Tedja

55
TORAYA CHOIR JAKARTA
JAKARTA, INDONESIA
FOUNDED: 2013
F, R
CONDUCTOR: Rainier Revireino
UKM PSM UNM PINISI CHOIR
MAKASSAR, INDONESIA
FOUNDED: 2011
F, G2
CONDUCTOR: Achmad Ali Saifuddin

56
PARTICIPATING CHOIRS
CANCAONOVA
HYOGO,TOKYO, JAPAN
FOUNDED: 2016
A
CONDUCTOR: Shimozono Taiki
SINGING TITANS
TOKYO, JAPAN
FOUNDED: 2017
G1
CONDUCTORS: Emma Hunsicker, Masatoshi Takami

57
ST. MARY‘S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL VARSITY ENSEMBLE
TOKYO, JAPAN
FOUNDED: 2004
G2
CONDUCTOR: Jason Drahos
SYUKUGAWA ANGEL CHOIR
NISHINOMIYA, JAPAN
FOUNDED: 2006
G2
CONDUCTOR: Nezu Yoshiko

58
PARTICIPATING CHOIRS
EASTERN ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
LAHORE, PUNJAB, PAKISTAN
FOUNDED: 2018
CONDUCTOR: Robina Shaheen
F
COLEGIO DE LA PURISIMA CONCEPCION CHORALE
ROXAS CITY, PHILIPPINES
FOUNDED: 2012
CONDUCTOR: Jofferson Dela Cruz
F

59
NAGA CENTRAL SCHOOL 1 CHILDREN‘S CHOIR
NAGA CITY, PHILIPPINES
FOUNDED: 2013
F, G1
CONDUCTOR: Lyn Arriola
THE JERICHO PROJECT
DAVAO CITY, PHILIPPINES
FOUNDED: 2024
F, R
CONDUCTOR: Jeremy Sarmiento

60
PARTICIPATING CHOIRS
GWANGJU DONG-GU CHOIR
GWANGJU METROPOLITAN CITY, REPUBLIC OF KOREA
FOUNDED: 1996
F, SE
CONDUCTOR: Byung-Kuk Park
SEOUL METROPOLITAN FEMALE CONCERT CHOIR
JONGRO-GU, SEOUL, REPUBLIC OF KOREA
SE
CONDUCTOR: Jin-soon Im

61
SEOUL PURNAME CHOIR
SEOUL, REPUBLIC OF KOREA
FOUNDED: 2011
SE
CONDUCTOR: An Lee
YES CHORUS (YOUNG ELDERLY SINGERS CHORUS)
BANGKOK, THAILAND
FOUNDED: 2019
SE
CONDUCTOR: Nutthan Inkhong

62
PARTICIPATING CHOIRS
WE PLAY CHORAL
ISTANBUL, TÜRKIYE
FOUNDED: 2023
F
CONDUCTOR: Haluk Polat
RICE MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL CONCERT CHOIR
SOUTH BURLINGTON, USA
FOUNDED: 2018
G2
CONDUCTOR: Kevin Ginter

63
UC BERKELEY ALUMNI CHOIR
BERKELEY, USA
FOUNDED: 1985
FESTIVAL
CONDUCTOR: Paul Flight

64
IMPRINT
ORGANIZERS
Organizer according to law is the INTERKULTUR Management GmbH (Brüsseler Straße
1-3, 60327 Frankfurt, Germany – Registered at AG Frankfurt, HRB 77821 – represented
by Günter Titsch, President INTERKULTUR).
TEAM INTERKULTUR
Project Manager: Jana Kalniņa
Tourism Manager: Zsuzsanna Lahmeyer
Jury Secretary: Sandra Voldiņa
Stage Management: Francesco Leonardi
IT, competition results: Sebstian Ferstl
International Choral Networking: Francesco Leonardi
CONTACT
2 Chome-3-1 Nakamachidori, Chuo, Kobe,
Hyogo Prefecture 650-0027, Japan
mail@interkultur.com
www.interkultur.com
IMPRESSUM / PRINT
Editors: Jana Kalniņa, Masahiro Kishimoto
Graphic Design: Ina Hennig
Print: Digitālā Pele, SIA, Latvija
PHOTO CREDITS
COVER, Page 2: © INTERKULTUR
WELCOME
Page 6/7: © Jonas Persson
Page 9: © AdobeStock
ABOUT INTERKULTUR
Page 12: © INTERKULTUR
ABOUT KOBE
Page 16, 17, 19: © AdobeStock
Page 18: © Kobe Convention & Visitors Association
INTERNATIONAL CHOIR FESTIVAL & COMPETITION
Page 20: © INTERKULTUR
EVENT VENUES AND CITY MAP
Page 26/27: © AdobeStock
Page 28: © INTERKULTUR
Page 29: © Pifule Hall
EVENT SCHEDULE
Page 32/33, 38: © INTERKULTUR
Page 35, 36: © Jonas Persson
Page 43, 45, 47: © Greg Wong
CHOIRS
Page 50/51: © INTERKULTUR
Back Page: © AdobeStock
Page 8, 10, 11, 22, 23, 24, 25, 52-63: All portraits were supplied by the corresponding people either privately or
through their offices. The choir photos are from private collections belonging to the choirs themselves.

October 21-25, 2027 | Calella/Barcelona, Catalonia (Spain)
65
CANTA AL MAR
Festival Coral Internacional
interkultur.com/calella2027

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phone: +49 (0)6404 69749-25
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