The UAE’s top school choirs competed in a thrilling showcase of musical talent and teamwork.
The region’s premier choral competition, ChoirFest Middle East, concluded its largest-ever junior competition yesterday, with Hartland International School’s “Hartmonies” crowned Choir of the Year 2025. The four-day event, hosted at GEMS Wellington Silicon Oasis, saw 40 choirs from across the UAE take to the stage, representing both private and public schools from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Al Ain. The finals brought together 600 talented young voices, filling the venue with an electrifying energy and passion.
600 young voices united in harmony at the region’s biggest junior choral competition
The prestigious competition, featuring students aged 6-11 years, was adjudicated by an esteemed panel including Rob Johnston, Drew Scott, and Ange Johnston. Choirs were evaluated on technical ability and musical expression, with particular emphasis on pitch, phrasing, interpretation, and overall choral tone.
“ChoirFestME is not merely a celebration of voices; it is a platform where young minds discover the power of expression and connection. Through the lens of choral music, they learn the value of collaboration and the beauty of storytelling. This year’s ChoirFestME for Junior Schools was nothing short of spectacular. It’s been an incredible journey, and the competition was fierce,” said Shelley Frost, Founder of The Fridge and ChoirFestME.
The venue buzzed with excitement throughout the competition, with young performers beaming with pride as they took to the stage, many experiencing their first taste of performing in a major event.
Hartland International School’s ‘Hartmonies’ secures back-to-back victories at ChoirFestME 2025
“We are thrilled to have won ChoirFestME for the second year in a row. As a school, we are so proud of all the students in ‘Hartmonies’; their dedication to improving amazes us at every rehearsal. ChoirFestME is the embodiment of everything we enjoy about singing in choirs, and it has been incredible to see so many amazing school choirs perform. We are already making plans for next year to try and achieve a three-peat,” said Gareth Ansell, Choir Director of Hartmonies at Hartland International School.
Alongside the Choir of the Year victory, Jebel Ali School’s “JAS Melodix” secured the Runner-Up position. Other notable winners included Swiss International Scientific School’s “Swiss Super Singers” for Best Artistic Impression, Sharjah English School’s “Sharjah Primary Choir” for Best Blend and Balance, Safa Community Choir for Best Solo Performance, Repton Al Barsha’s “Repton Junior Choir” for Best Non-English Performance, and Jabel Hafeet Charter Schools’ “Jabel Hafeet” receiving the Judges’ Pick.
“Being part of ChoirFestME has been an unforgettable experience!” – Yousef Khan, Repton Al Barsha
“Being part of ChoirFestME has been an unforgettable experience!” said Yousef Khan, Head of Music and Performances at Repton Al Barsha. “Winning the Best Non-English Performance category was a proud moment for us—especially as we sang in French! It was wonderful to perform and connect with so many talented school choirs from across the UAE. We can’t wait to be back next year!”
With another successful edition of ChoirFestME complete, schools across the region are already looking forward to the next opportunity to showcase their talent on this prestigious platform.
Find out more about ChoirFestME