Taipei Chinese Orchestra

“They (Taipei Chinese Orchestra) respond well to CHENG Li-Pin’s sensitive direction. This is a highly effective performance of a most appealing work." 

－Marc Rochester, Music Web International

CHENG began learning the violin and piano in his childhood, when he also took up the study of such traditional Chinese musical instruments as the Sheng and Erhu. In 1997, he graduated from the National Institute of the Arts (today's Taipei National University of the Arts), majoring in violin. Then, in 2002, he graduated from graduate institute of the Taipei National University of the Arts with a major in conducting. In the field of conducting, he has benefited under the tutelage of Henry MAZER, HSU Sung-Jen, and Felix CHEN. In March 2006, he was invited to participate in Lorin MAAZEL's master class, where he won the attention and commendation of the maestro.

Having begun his musical career as the Assistant Conductor of the Taipei Symphony Orchestra from 2003-04, CHENG became Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Taipei Philharmonic Youth Orchestra from 2004-15. Since 2007, he has taught full-time at the Department of Chinese Music, Chinese Culture University. In 2015-21, he was seconded to serve as the General Director of the Taipei Chinese Orchestra; and in 2021, he served as the Acting Director of the Taipei Symphony Orchestra. He is often invited as guest conductor in professional Chinese orchestras and symphony orchestras in Taiwan and China; and he has performed on invitation in such locales as Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan, and the United States. In addition to his live performances, CHENG has recorded and released a total of 18 audio publications. He won the award for "Best Interpretation-Conductor" at The 28th Golden Melody Awards for Traditional Arts and Music in 2017 for his work on the album Sketches of Taiwan; and "Producer of the Year, Instrumental "at The 29th Golden Melody Awards for Traditional Arts and Music for Taiwanese Aboriginal Carnival Music Album in 2018. In 2022, CHENG received the "Outstanding Alumni Award" from Taipei National University of the Arts. Possessing the skills and experience in conducting both Chinese and Western orchestras, he is also a fervent supporter of conducting and promoting the works of Taiwanese composers. During his time as General Director of the Taipei Chinese Orchestra, he led the orchestra in establishing "the Sound of Taipei". While highly acclaimed for its artistic achievements, it was also highly recognizable with other Chinese orchestras in terms of its musical aesthetics. The TCO's performance at Carnegie Hall in 2018, with CHENG conducting, was the first appearance of a professional orchestra from Taiwan in the hall.