Taiwan Choir Wins Gold at World Choir Games Amid Flag Ban

Helsingborg: Taiwan's Nibun Chorus secured two gold medals at the 14th World Choir Games in Sweden, despite a flag dispute that unfolded as organizers prohibited the display of the Republic of China (Taiwan) flag. The controversy arose just outside the Helsingborg Concert Hall while the Indigenous choir was preparing for the mixed choirs competition. According to Focus Taiwan, a Swedish supporter named Jorgen Grugaard was stopped by event staff after he unfurled a ROC flag during a conversation with a CNA reporter. Organizers cautioned the reporter that their press accreditation would be revoked if the flag appeared in any news coverage, citing the "Olympic model." This model mandates Taiwanese teams to compete as "Chinese Taipei," preventing the ROC flag's presence at competition venues. Grugaard, who previously visited Taipei for a Rotary International gathering, expressed his disappointment, stating that he and many Swedes admire Taiwan's musical traditions and had attended four of the choir's performance s. Nibun vocal coach Hsu Chia-lun mentioned that the choir has adhered to these rules since they began competing internationally in 2018. The World Choir Games organizer, Interkultur, declined an interview on the matter but issued a written statement explaining that the regulations have been consistent since 2000. Interkultur emphasized that its events are based on the "Olympic idea," following the International Olympic Committee's practice of using the name "Chinese Taipei" for Taiwan's participation, a practice rooted in the 1979 Nagoya Resolution. This convention was further solidified through an agreement involving the People's Republic of China and Chinese Taipei in Linz, Austria, in 2000. Despite the flag controversy, the choir triumphed in both the Contemporary Music and Mixed Choirs championship divisions, securing scores of 87.28 and 88.38, respectively. The ensemble, hailing from Kaohsiung's rural Liouguei and Baolai districts, opted to perform barefoot in traditional Bunun and Taivoan attire inst ead of formal suits. Conductor Chen Chun-chih expressed that this attire has become integral to the choir's identity during its performances in Sweden, instilling confidence and pride in representing Taiwan through music. "We may not have a large budget for military procurement, but we have strong voices and wonderful music that can earn recognition for Taiwan," Chen stated. The choir's performance has already led to invitations for two ticketed concerts in Sweden. The Nibun Chorus has faced political challenges before, such as during the 2025 Tokyo International Choir Competition, where their designation was altered from "Taiwan" to "Chinese Taipei" after protests from China. Nevertheless, they persevered and won gold. Taiwanese teams collectively earned eight gold medals and one silver medal at this year's World Choir Games, held from August 6-16.