Organised by Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Archives, ‘Ode to Life: Concert of World Renowned Composer Huang Anlun’ was successfully held at St Paul’s Church on June 6, 2026. Mr Huang Anlun, Music Consultant to the Archbishop, conducted the concert, with the Revd Prof Philip L. Wickeri serving as M.C.. The concert was well attended despite the Red Rainstorm Signal being in effect, and the music was outstanding.
The concert will be remembered as a moving performance of very talented instrumental and vocal musicians and an historic event for the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui. This was the first time that selections of all of Huang Anlun’s music (both sacred and secular) has been featured.
Mr Huang Anlun conducted the concert
The Rt Revd Matthias Der opened the evening with prayer. In his prayer, he gave thanks to God as the Lord of life and the Creator of music and arts. All that is good and beautiful in life comes from the Lord. In the Bible, God teaches us to praise Him with new songs. Bishop Matthias added that God’s glory, great love, and holiness will be praised through the concert.
The Most Revd Andrew Chan delivered a warm address on the high regard he held for his friend and advisor Huang Anlun and his high expectations for the evening. In his address, he emphasised that ‘Ode to life’ is more than just a beautiful phrase. People express the meaning of ‘Ode to life’ through their own life movements and music. Around the world, various instruments and musical compositions enrich the way people express their praise to God. He praised the composer Huang Anlun, emphasising that he is not only a world-class musician but also a musician who belongs to the Chinese world. Through his music, he has vividly expressed the sentiments of Chinese Christians. Archbishop Andrew concluded by urging the Chinese world in this era to learn how to contribute the culture God has given us to the world.
According to Archbishop Andrew, Mr Huang ‘has composed many moving pieces for the world. As a fourth-generation Christian, sacred music forms a particularly significant part of his compositions.’ ‘Guided by Beethoven’s teaching that “there is no nobler work than to spread God’s light among humanity,” he has been composing magnificent works characterised by wide construction, rich orchestration and lofty spirituality.’
Archbishop Andrew Chan delivered a warm address
St Paul’s Church Choir and St Paul’s College Alumni Choir sung three pieces Psalm 100, Who will not fear you, Lord (No.4 of Cantata ‘Revelation’) and Ode to Life: Easter Cantata (ending) together. All of these three pieces were composed by Mr Huang Anlun.
The Organist Dr Anne Lam, Director of Music at Chung Chi College Chapel, played one of Mr Huang’s organ solos Sinfonia to Psalm 22.
The nineteen-year-old pianist Ms Anita Enjia Chen is from Shanghai. She played three pieces Mountain, Camel, and Welcome Kinsfolk selected from Huang Anlun’s 30 Pieces in Saibei Folk Style.
The World Premier of the Violin Concerto The Dream of the Red Chamber (piano accompaniment version) was played by Mr George Cong Zhuo, a well-known violinist from Beijing, with Dr Rowena Ruiwen Chen, HKSKH Archives Researcher, accompanying him on the piano. Their performance was very moving.
The Violin Concerto ‘The Dream of the Red Chamber’
was played by Mr George Cong Zhuo, with Dr. Rowena Ruiwen Chen
accompanying him on the piano.
As the Revd Philip L. Wickeri wrote in the programme, Christianity is a religion of music. Throughout our long history, the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui has consistently emphasised the use and development of melodies from many parts of the world. Music has helped shape the spirit and liturgy of Anglicanism, and plays a significant role in fostering the development of churches and the spread of the gospel.
The Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Archives is collecting Huang Anlun’s music and papers about music. A video of the June 6 performance is forthcoming and will be available through the HKSKH Archives’ website.