Staff, resident students, and visitors to our weekly chapel were recently privileged to experience an excellent and deeply spiritual performance by The Korale, a visiting 24-voice university choir from Seoul, currently touring churches across the United Kingdom.
The programme was both varied, beautiful and spiritual with their repertoire moving seamlessly between sacred music, general choral works, and Korean folk song. Sung with clarity and warmth — including several pieces performed in English — the music filled the chapel with a spirit of reverence and joy. The choir’s performance was warmly received and appreciated by all who attended.
During the introduction, the current conductor, Professor Shin Seung-yong, shared that he himself had once sung with this choir as a university student. His early passion for choral music has come full circle, as he now guides a new generation of singers with artistic and spiritual direction.
A Longstanding Friendship
What makes this visit especially meaningful is its history. The Korale has been including OCMS in its UK tour programme since 2006, and we are genuinely honoured to be part of that tradition. We are very touched that a choir of this calibre chooses to bring their music to this community. We captured the beautiful singing on this video. We look forward to welcoming them again in the years to come.
A Choir with a Rich Heritage
Founded in 1966 (originally as the Korean Students Choir), The Korale is composed primarily of university music majors from Seoul and the surrounding metropolitan region. For six decades, the choir has combined musical excellence with a strong sense of mission, devoting itself to sacred music and to the advancement of Korean choral artistry.
The choir’s ministry and cultural engagement extend far beyond Korea. Over the years, The Korale has undertaken numerous international tours, performing across North America, Asia, and Europe. Their appearances in churches, universities, civic venues, and public institutions have helped them serve as cultural ambassadors for Korean choral music.
Since its founding, The Korale has been shaped by devoted musical leadership. The choir was led for 45 years by founding conductor Professor Chai Hoon-cha, followed by Professor Park Dong-hee. Today, Professor Shin Seung-yong continues this legacy with renewed passion and artistic vision.
Having studied voice and church music in Korea before completing advanced studies in choral conducting in the United States, Professor Shin has served in numerous prestigious conducting roles. Alongside his work with The Korale, he leads other major choirs, teaches future musicians and conductors, and remains deeply committed to the development of choral music in both church and society.
Note
For those who were not able to be with us for The Korale performance, we have captured a video recording that can be viewed.