Full of Passion, Stirring the Soul

Resonating Long After the Performance 

Recently, at the first phase of the 13th World Choir Games held in Auckland, New Zealand, the Nankai University Student Choir triumphed by winning two gold medals in the Scenic Folk and Adult Mixed Voice categories with their outstanding performances of “Banna Tone Poems Suite” (1. “Lao Mo Li Da” 2. “Guyu Terraces” 3. “Oran”), “Autumn,” “Carnival,” “Xiao He Tang Shui,” and “Snowy Aspiration.” The Adult Mixed Voice group scored an impressive 90.38 points. 

Hu Jiawei, a 2021 undergraduate from the School of Finance, played the male lead in “Banna Tone Poems,” Li Deyu, also a 2021 undergraduate, served as the narrator, Zhang Huiyi, a 2022 undergraduate, was the lead singer for “Carnival,” and Yang Tongxin and Yu Guo, both 2023 undergraduates, participated in the choir. 

In this sea of choral music, we shared a musical feast, feeling the surge of life. Congratulations to the Nankai University Choir! And we are proud of the finance students who took part in the competition!

These “Choral Youth” were stirred by emotions and inspired to express.

Hu Jiawei, 2021 Undergraduate:

“After eight years, the Nankai University Student Choir returned to the stage of the World Choir Games, showcasing the spirit of Nankai. I am extremely excited. As a member of the High-Level Art Troupe for three years, this World Choir Games was my first and also my last competition. In the folk performance category, we presented a meticulously arranged ‘Banna Tone Poems’ to showcase the rich and diverse culture of the Chinese nation to the world. Playing the role of ‘Tian Xiaohuo,’ I was responsible for leading the singing and dancing. After a week of intensive training, we successfully completed our task. These two gold medals are the result of the collective wisdom and hard work of everyone in the group, a culmination of three years of dedication. I hope the Nankai University Student Choir will continue to strive for excellence and create even more glorious chapters in the future!”

Li Deyu, 2021 Undergraduate (second row, first from the left):

“Three years ago, when I first stepped into the choir rehearsal room, I was in awe of the photos covering the walls—foreign lands, gold medals—each documenting the honors won on distant shores. Three years later, as I embarked on the journey to New Zealand to lead the narrative performance, I was finally fighting for my school and my country. When the words ‘Nankai University Student Choir Gold Medal’ flashed on the big screen, I was overwhelmed and speechless. ‘Is it really... over?’ ‘No, this is just the beginning.’ ”

Zhang Huiyi, 2022 Undergraduate (fourth from the right):

“I saw the diverse ethnic and cultural beliefs of the world unfold like a scroll through the art of choral music—indigenous shouts, rhythmic dances...; I also saw the powerful voice of China on the world stage, with Chinese ethnic traditional music being recognized and Chinese artistic levels affirmed in the global art evaluation system. Patriotism peaks when you step out of the country and represent it with the five-star red flag. We thought we were focusing on the 'Student Choir of Nankai University,’ but we were cheering for every ‘From China,’ shedding tears to the melody of the national anthem under the red flag.”

Yang Tongxin, 2023 Undergraduate (third male from the left):

“Opportunities always favor the prepared. The careful refinement of our pieces before the competition allowed our choir to shine on the world stage. As a Nankai student and choir member, I am incredibly proud of our choir’s outstanding achievements. Sharpening our skills pays off in the long run; in the future, whether on the competition stage or in our studies and lives, as Nankai students, we should carry forward this spirit of resilience and perseverance to enhance our lives.”

Yu Guo, 2023 Undergraduate (first row, fourth from the left):

“The World Choir Games is the largest choral competition globally. I am deeply honored and thrilled to have participated in this grand event as a choir member. During the competition, I witnessed the strength of many renowned choirs from around the world and exchanged experiences with choirs from different countries who share a love for music. All the teachers and choir members devoted immense effort to this competition, and in the end, we lived up to expectations and won double gold! My final thought is—NK Choir is the best! Go Nankai!” 

On the World Stage, Winning Glory for the Nation.

Congratulations to the Nankai University Student Choir! Congratulations to the well-rounded and outstanding finance students!