Introducing the WSCM 2026 Composers... Steve Ho, Canada

Jun 01 highlighted

Published: Jun 01,2026

As part of the WSCM tradition, six WSCM 2026 invited choirs will be paired with six commissioned composers, culminating in world premieres at their gala concerts at the Macau Cultural Centre. Reflecting the symposium’s theme, each choir will perform a newly created work by a composer from a different country, creating a dynamic space for cultural exchange and musical dialogue.

Steve Ho (Canada)

Steve Ho is a multi-award-winning composer whose musical language integrates classical, popular, and cultural elements from his birthplace, Hong Kong. His compositions reflect a style deeply rooted in Cantonese expression within a global perspective. It is refined yet accessible, often conveying life-affirming messages. Steve has established a distinguished career in both film scoring and choral composition, receiving Best Original Film Score at the 21st Hong Kong Film Awards and the CASH Golden Sail Award for Most Performed Local Serious Work (2005). Most recently, he was awarded the Artistic Achievement Award at the 2025 World Choral Festival (Hong Kong), hosted by the World Youth and Children Choral Artists' Association (WYCCAA).

Steve Ho’s note on Cantare amantis est – To sing is to love

Cantare amantis est – To sing is to love is a celebratory work that extols the healing and restorative power of singing—a positive force that fosters connection and offers a sense of hope. This a cappella composition explores a wide spectrum of choral textures, from transparent to richly layered, from homophonic to contrapuntal, and from fluid rubato lines to irregular driving meters.