Just 15 Singers—Yet They Took the World Stage by Storm!
Led by conductor Ying-Chien Wang, New Orange County Children’s Choir (NOCCC) captivated judges at the 8th World Youth Choral Festival in Jeju, winning two silver medals and the prestigious “Choir of the Year” title.
This marks conductor Ying-Chien Wang’s second consecutive year of international success.
In 2025, she led NOCCC to a Level 7 Silver Certificate at Denmark’s European Choir Games, competing against more than 130 choirs from 35 countries and regions—and paving the way for this year’s Jeju triumph.
Small Choir—Big Stage
Founded on Jeju Island in 2018, the World Youth Choral Festival & Competition in Jeju promotes choral excellence, music education, and cultural exchange.
Held July 15–18 at the Seogwipo Arts Center, this year’s event drew 13 choirs and 533 singers from the United States, South Korea, China, Vietnam, and beyond.
While many choirs fielded 50 to 60 singers, NOCCC competed with just 15—performing two pieces each in the sacred and secular categories.
Six Parts—Fifteen Voices
To create a pure, full sound, the choir sang in three parts, with some passages divided into six.
Under conductor Ying-Chien Wang’s direction, each singer held their part while blending into a rich, balanced harmony.
When the judges announced that NOCCC had won two silver awards and been named “Choir of the Year,” the singers and their families erupted in celebration.
One judge told conductor Ying-Chien Wang, “Your choir’s voices are truly beautiful”—praise that made the victory even more meaningful.
Wang said larger choirs may rely on size, choreography, and formations, but she values clean, refined singing.
For just 15 singers to stand out among much larger ensembles reflects strong training, balance, and teamwork.
Global Voices—Mother-Son Spotlight
Founded in 1989, NOCCC has performed in Vienna, Salzburg, Carnegie Hall, and at the Lunar New Year Lantern Festival co-presented by the South Coast Chinese Cultural Association and Pacific Symphony.
NOCCC Music Director and Conductor Ying-Chien Wang holds a master’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music and has starred in leading roles in operas.
In South Korea, her elder son, Dylan Lee, accompanied the choir on piano, making their mother-son performance a festival highlight featured by KBS.
Sing Dreams—Soar Worldwide
From New York to Austria,Denmark, and South Korea, conductor Ying-Chien Wang is leading young singers onto the world stage.
To her, international competition is about more than medals—it builds discipline, teamwork, confidence, and a wider vision.
NOCCC singers and parents pose after their victory.（All photos courtesy of Ying-Chien Wang）
NOCCC is now welcoming singers ages 5 to 18 who are ready to grow, perform, and let their voices soar.
New Orange County Children's Choir - NOCCC 38th season Registration