The Archdiocese of Seoul formally inaugurated the World Youth Day Seoul 2027 Choir and Orchestra during a Mass on Jan. 17 at the Familia Chapel of Myeongdong Cathedral.
Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick of Seoul presided over the Inauguration Mass, concelebrated by priests of the World Youth Day Seoul 2027 Local Organizing Committee.
Established to serve the major liturgical celebrations of World Youth Day Seoul 2027, the choir and orchestra were inaugurated as a dedicated music ministry intended to foster prayerful participation and support pilgrims from around the world in offering a unified expression of faith.
In his homily, Archbishop Chung welcomed the newly selected members and thanked them for their commitment to serve through sacred music.
“Praised be Jesus Christ. It is a joy to welcome all of you gathered here to offer music in service of WYD Seoul 2027, and I thank you—truly—for your decision to serve,” he said.
He noted that the membership reflected a wide range of ages, from teenagers to those in their thirties, and that applicants had come from across the country, including Jeju and the southern provinces.
Archbishop Chung emphasized that the ministry extended beyond musical performance and constituted a spiritual offering.
“For each of you, this ministry is, in one sense, for your own faith; but above all, it is service offered to God and service offered to the Church,” he said, encouraging members to regard the months of preparation ahead as a grace-filled journey.
Referring to the words of the Holy Father, Archbishop Chung underscored the role of music in leading people toward God and deepening participation in the liturgy.
“Pope Leo said in December, ‘Music is like a bridge that leads us to God.’ I believe your commitment and effort will make you artisans who build that bridge for the participants of WYD Seoul 2027,” he said.
He also highlighted the ecclesial dimension of liturgical music, reminding members of the nature of their service.
“This calling is not simply a line to add to a résumé; it is a summons to self-giving service—for God, for the Church, and for the young people entrusted to us. Liturgical music is not a mere ornament; it is an integral part of the liturgy,” he said.
Following the homily, a Founding Ceremony was held, which included the Pledge of Members, a Declaration of Foundation, and the Promulgation of Bylaws by Archbishop Chung.
The ceremony also introduced the WYD Seoul 2027 Local Organizing Committee Music Team Director, Fr. John Ho-young Choi, who was presented as the priest entrusted with guiding the music ministry in preparation for the event.
As of the Inaugural Mass, the choir comprised 126 members as a four-part mixed-voice ensemble, while the orchestra numbered 78 members, including 68 Western instruments and 10 Korean traditional instruments.
The ensemble aims to grow to 200 choir members and 100 orchestra members, with an additional audition scheduled for Jan. 31.
According to the Archdiocese of Seoul, the Local Organizing Committee Music Team oversees the operation of the choir and orchestra and coordinates the WYD Seoul 2027 Theme Song Contest.
The contest has advanced to its final round, with the final five songs set to be submitted to the Holy See for consideration before the winning entry is announced.
