台灣國際重唱藝術節 -The PARTICIPANTS

* Gay Singers - Hong Kong

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 02:39:02 +0800

The Gay Singers began as a collegiate team, with all eight members being graduates of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Their interest in a cappella singing continued after leaving the university, and soon became a uniting force for the alumni to sing for themselves as well as to perform for others.

Although a cappella singing has yet to become a mainstream performing format in Hong Kong, the Gay Singers have been able to make their voices heard, literally, in the mainstream media. They were featured in the Hong Kong Connection series, an RTHK documentary programme, performed on the charity gala show to raise funds for the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, and were presented with the Lifestyle Award by Metro Radio. The group even cut the first-ever a cappella version of the Chinese national anthem for NOW TV.

As the only a cappella group in Hong Kong with a discography to its credit, the Gay Singers have released four CDs to date.

The group has chosen the western classical vocal tradition in favour of the dominating trends of pop, rock, Jazz and doo-wap. But in terms of repertoire and rendition, it goes for the contemporary ‘fusion’ style that has made Hong Kong unique, a style that incorporates the classical and the modern and shows an East-West mix.

* Mosaic - Hong Kong

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 02:35:08 +0800

Mosaic is an a cappella singing group formed by students and alumni of The University ofHong Kong. The name “mosaic” resembles a picture made up of colored pieces of diversity; it was chosen to capture the very nature of the group – coming from different backgrounds, Mosaic-ers brings our individual uniqueness into harmonized pieces of alive and spirited music.

Since July 2006, Mosaic has been invited to perform in various public venues, including schools,university campuses and railway stations. Mosaic held its debut charity concert Not Toy Long Ago in December 2007, drawing over 200 audiences to a fun musical evening. We were also invited as a guest performer in Harvard Krokodiloes’ concert in Hong Kong in June 2008. Mosaic has taken master classes of Chapter Six and The King’s Singers in January and June 2008 respectively.

Please visit www.mosaichk.org and drop us a line!

* Cool A Cappella - South Korea

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 02:30:14 +0800

A 'mixed' group that consists of 5 singers under the group's slogan 'Communication of Voice'. Each has his/her own background. Two members are majoring Classic Vocal Performance. The other two are based on Korean Traditional Vocal Technique and the last one is a pop vocalist. They are trying to mix diverse kinds of music into one song under the direction of Mr. Cool-jae HUH Who also leads Korean Choral composers Association as chairman.

* University of Macau Choir

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 02:26:07 +0800

UM choir is a studen choir with high singing enthusiasm. The Choir is established at September 2004 and is currently under the leading of Student Affairs Section of University of Macau. It is one of the youngest leagues among all student associations. We have periodic trainings which include all four-part singings skills, practicing Chinese and foreign famous songs. The trainings are to improve individual singing skills of members and foster their team spirit. In the past three years, UM choir has taken part in many activities and performances on campus as well as to society. UM Choir is dedicated to promote music appreciations to all UM members and to the fellow citizens of Macao;

* So What - South Korea

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 02:08:59 +0800

Move to the edge of your seat.
Get ready to bounce your feet and start to move.
When So What starts to sing, it’s hard to sit still.

For four years, this a cappella sextet has been singing in clubs and on stages in Seoul, South Korea. Along the way, the group has made thousands of friends and drawn a regular following in the city’s music scene.

So What embraces vocal styles from all over the world. At home, audiences love to hear them put a new twist on a Korean traditional or pop song. And they’re just as creative with Western jazz and rock standards, sassy French torch songs and even some selections from the King, Elvis.

The a cappella sound is still relatively new in Korea. That’s why So What often takes a few moments at each gig to break down their sound and show the audience how they do it. They win more hearts each time.

The six members of So What love making music. You will soon find out why. Just move to the edge of your seat and don't worry if you can't sit still. Neither can anyone else.

Website : http://www.sowhat.co.kr

* Vocaldente - Germany

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 21:08:41 +0800

The five young singers of vocaldente can look back on a sound musical education in boys' choirs and university studies in music. They perfected their experience within the country and internationally with numerous gigs and concerts, as well as attending workshops held by the King's Singers, the Real Group and Naturally 7.

With a rich and varied repertoire covering more than 80 years, they entertain and delight their audience with songs and pieces from the Comedian Harmonists to rock 'n' roll and ABBA, from the big 80s hits to the latest pop, always presented in the gloriously elaborate sound of five professionally educated voices. Their vocal imitations of rhythm and instruments, their self-written arrangements and the humourous entertainment sections complete the presentation, enlivened by self-ironic spoken interludes and sweeping dance choreographies. And the five young singers don't even need a microphone for this. They reproduce the charm of the roaring twenties, the drive of the sixties and the modern radio sound without amplifiers – purely a capella!

“if it must be a boy band, then this is the one”
(Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung)

“... a real lust for their singing and performing that is infectious for the listener ...”
(Stephen Connolly, The King's Singers)

* IRMELIN - Sweden

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 09:10:14 +0800

Three female singers meet in the vocal traditional music of Scandinavia. Dark and elegant songs and tunes in personal arrangements that emphasize improvisation and individual expression. With personal arrangements and great passion they tell stories that are equally relevant today as they were centuries ago.

In March 2006 they released their debut album “Kärligheten” – love songs and in May 2008 they release their second album “GyldeneFreden” – the golden piece.

IRMELIN members Malin Foxdal, Maria Misgeld and Karin Ericsson Back have been singing together since 1999. The group has given concerts on some of the biggest stages in Sweden and in March 2006 they went on their first international tour: Japan.

IRMELIN has performed live several times on Swedish television and radio and they often performs in spectacular contexts, especially with their uniquepoly phonic “kulning” – herding calls. They have also recorded soundtracks for the Swedish University College of Film, Radio, Television and Theatre and worked as the atre musicians. IRMELIN members are experienced teachers and give workshops in folk-singing, kulning and diddling/mouth music.

*TAKARABUNE - Japan

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 01:27:11 +0800

TAKARABUNE is a contemporary a cappella band based in Kobe Japan. Being one of the few female-only a cappella band in Asia, TAKARABUNE is unique precious!

“Takarabune” is the name of a Japanese legendary phantom treasure boat that sails to shore every New Year’s Day to bring good fortune for people who sees it! Just like all the TAKARABUNE singers, committed to bring best harmony sound to all audiences.

The group not only played in various venues in Kobe, they also performed at significant venues around Japan, such as Blue Note OSAKA and Blue Note NAGOYA. TAKARABUNE receives high popularity in festivals, school events, events at welfare foundation around Japan.

TAKARABUNE perform live vocal jazz numbers, Japanese oldies, and Japanese folk songs with a twist of contemporary touch. You can be impressed with their powerful voices including extremely low-pitched bass and splendid percussion.

The group had its first international debut at Asian A Cappella Festival in Seoul, Korea in 2007 which was a huge success. This year, TAKARABUNE will expand their voice to Taiwan and let the Taiwanese audience see the female superpower!

*Listen to Takarabune: Takarabune mp3

*2008 Participants in all festival activities

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 23:24:09 +0800

International Competition Participants:
Klangbezirk, Germany (Guest performance)
Vocaldente, Germany
Irmelin, Sweden
Takarabune, Japan
So What, South Korea
University of Macau Choir, Macau
Mosaic, Hong Kong
Cool-a cappella, South Korea
#1 winner, Taiwan
#2 winner, Taiwan
#3 winner, Taiwan

National Competition Participants:
O-Kai Singers (Guest Performance)
Focal Plus
POPPHONE SINGERS
Blis-sing
The Public Bath Tub
All Pass
Angella

Touring participants:
In Hsin-Choo: Crystal Children's Choir
In Taichung: Gao-Nong Choir
In Yi-Lan: Sonar Choir

*List is updated frequently.