Northeastern District Convention
This year from Maine, the NED District Convention and Contest brings the best in barbershop harmony together from across the Northeast. Come see it in person, or check out the Acaville livestream!
Tag: BHS
Barbershop Harmony Society Crowns 2025 Champions in Denver
2025 International Contests Results
DENVER, CO – July 5, 2025 – The barbershop world came alive last week as the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) hosted its highly anticipated 2025 International Convention at the Pepsi Center in Denver. Fans from around the globe gathered to witness the world’s best barbershop quartets and choruses compete for the coveted gold medals and the results did not disappoint.
2025 International Quartet Champions: Lemon Squeezy (SNOBS – Sweden)
Making history with style, Swedish quartet Lemon Squeezy soared to victory, earning theinternational gold medal and becoming only the third non-North American quartet to win the title.
- Final Score: 2,292 points (93.9)
- Standout Songs: “Popular (Parody)” and “All-American Prophet (Parody)”
- Their win highlights the growing global reach of barbershop and brings the title back to Scandinavia for the first time since Ringmasters in 2012.
Silver – Gimme Four (MAD – USA)
- Score: 2,249 points (93.5)
- Notable Songs: “What a Wonderful World,” “Five Minutes More”
Bronze – First Take (MAD – USA)
- Score: 2,221 points (92.5)
- Notable Songs: “At the Swing Cat’s Ball,” “A Cup of Coffee, A Sandwich, and You”
Full Effect (4th) and GQ (5th) rounded out the medalists.
2025 International Chorus Champions: The Vocal Majority (SWD – Dallas)
The legendary Vocal Majority continued their unprecedented run by capturing their 14th international chorus championship with an electrifying and emotional performance. Their performance was a technical and musical masterclass, confirming their place as barbershop royalty.
- Final Score: 2,301 points (95.9)
Their performance was a technical and musical masterclass, confirming their place as barbershop royalty.
Silver – Music City Chorus (SHD – Nashville)
The 2022 Gold medalists returned to competition with another stellar and comedic performance to earn a little more hardware. For many, their rendition of “My Way” was the ballad of the contest.
- Final Score: 2,276 points (94.8)
Bronze – Pacific Connection (BHNZ – New Zealand)
Their podium finish reflects a rising barbershop scene in New Zealand.Their lively singing was matched by their enthusiastic and authentic dancing and stage presence that had the crowd on their feet.
- Final Score: 2,222 points (92.6)
Fog City Singers (4th) received their first ever international medal andSound of the Rockies (5th) took home field advantage to complete the medalist finishes..
Barbershop’s Next Generation is also thriving, with Radiant becoming the first non-male international champions in the NextGen Varsity Quartet contest. Radiant has had a stellar year, also capturing the 2024 Rising Star Championship and 2024 SAI Novice Quartet Award.
The Denver contests were a bold signal that this timeless genre is not only surviving—but innovating.
A Global Celebration of Harmony
This year’s contests underscored the international evolution of the barbershop style, with powerhouse ensembles from Sweden, New Zealand, UK, Japan, Canada, and across the U.S. competing at the highest levels. The Pepsi Center buzzed with energy as fans, families, and fellow performers celebrated tight harmonies, creative arrangements, and heartfelt performances.
BHS will return to District level contests and International will return in July 2026 in St. Louis.
Barbershop Harmony Society Names Robert Rund as New CEO
Breaking News!
The Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) has announced Robert Rund as its new CEO and Executive Director, effective August 18, 2025. A seasoned leader with over 30 years in the arts world, Rund brings a powerful mix of strategic vision, fundraising expertise, and musical passion.
A 50-year BHS member, Rund holds an MBA, is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA). Known for surpassing fundraising goals and driving mission-focused growth, he’s ready to lead BHS into its next chapter.
“With deep respect for our history and culture, Robert will help us move forward toward our mission and vision of Everyone in Harmony,” said BHS President Kevin Keller.
Rund succeeds Steve Denino, who served as Interim CEO since September 2023 and helped guide the Society through a critical transition.
“For me, harmony isn’t just what we sing — it’s what we build together,” Rund said.
With his leadership, BHS is poised for a bold, inclusive future in vocal music.