Taipei Chinese Orchestra

Spring is coming to an end and what could be more apt than celebrating it with an all-encompassing music programme by Taipei Chinese orchestra (TCO). TCO is ready to wow the audience once again with a rich and versatile programme and activities. Many world-class virtuosi will lead in the up-coming TCO concerts as a show of reconnecting with the rest of the world since covid-19 almost brought a halt to regional and global communication. Conductor YE Tsung flew in from the United States and QUEK Ling-Kiong from Singapore. Young conductor Kahchun WONG also joins the fun. Other internationally acclaimed musicians partaking in the festival are YANG Wen-Sinn, WU Wei, and WANG Jian. Together with TCO, the virtuosi are ready to raise their game. TCO’s late spring programme covers a wide spectrum of music from East to West – ZHUANG Zhou's Dream Cello Concerto and The Rite of Spring; Zhuolu & Dreaming of Butterflie and Pictures at an Exhibition – the clash and fusion of Eastern and Western music continues to push boundaries and gain new perspectives. It is most certainly not an easy feat to achieve. The interaction and fusion across cultures and genres require time, in-depth understanding, and mutual respect. Bi-musicality and Crossover production are still relatively new concepts waiting to be explored. To fight the battle and win the war, we need meticulous but bold composers and conductors, highly skilled orchestras, and professional production teams. Not to mention encouragement and appreciation from kindred spirits and like-minded souls in the audience seats. This is what a successful performance makes and a hopeful and aspiring future for contemporary Chinese music needs. We believe that all the seemly naïve and foolhardy attempts will act as catalysts to revitalize the Chinese music world and facilitate the growth and advancement of the music culture that is near and dear to our hearts.

To thrive in a generation brimming with diversity and change requires an open mind. We must not be afraid to incorporate the best from the West and the East, seeking connections among music, performing arts, and traditional arts. Needless to say, related academic research and discussions of Chinese music composition also plays an important role. This year, the programme of Taipei Traditional Arts Festival includes indigenous folk songs, a middle eastern dance play – A Magnificent Century, the collaborative work of Musical Serendipity of Japanese and Hana No Waon – Meeting and Fusion, Taiwanese opera from the well-known Troupe Ming Hwa Yuan – The Ri Theatrical Troupe and Siou Hua Yuan Taiwanese Opera Troupe, and Hakka plays from Tzu Hsuan Chu Opera Troupe. Sound of Joy Ensemble, a group of extremely talented visually impaired musicians also takes part in the celebration. The music season really speaks to and for all groups of the public in love with music. As for the TCO music education plan, Taipei Chinese instrumental Competition and Who Will Take Over – The Star Project for Young Musicians of Chinese Music are the cradle for aspiring Chinese music talents. In addition, a series of Chinese music international seminars are hosted for enthusiastic professors and composers from China, Southeast Asia, Europe, the United States and Australia. They congregate in Taiwan to discuss the impact on Chinese music composition as the society and environment changes over the years. Finally, it is our most sincere hope that the fans and readers of New Silk Road will take a minute or two to visit the issues crucial to the composition and development of Chinese music whilst appreciating the wonderous music we present. Let us value, cherish, and promote the Chinese music we love from every angle possible.

01 The Route to Innovation : Celebrate the Passing of Time with All-Encompassing Sounds and Promote Chinese Music by All Means Possible

02 Cover Story : Glorious Arts Taipei – Redefining Tradition and Daring to Create

03 Guest Columnist Session : Showcasing the Chinese Orchestra's Uniqueness through The Rite of Spring and Pictures at an Exhibition