A new lineup of Taiwanese artists are set to debut in France next year as part of the Taiwan Night concert series at the world's largest music trade fair, Marche International du Disque et de l'Edition Musicale (MIDEM), in France.
Aboriginal pop diva A-Lin, singer-songwriter Xiao Yu (小宇), pop-rock singer Shin (信) and indigenous a cappella singing group the O-Kai Singers (歐開合唱團) will perform their popular hits in Paris on Jan. 30, and in Cannes on Feb. 1.
Supervised by the Ministry of Culture, the Taiwan Night concert series are part of Taiwan's efforts to promote its music at MIDEM, which attracts thousands of musicians, producers and managers each year.
Wang Hsi-chuan, co-producer of the O-Kai Singers' award-winning debut album, said the group will prepare a program of a cappella music, ancient Taiwanese indigenous tunes, and French folk songs.
The O-Kai Singers captured the prestigious Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards in the United States earlier this year for their album 'O-Kai A Cappella.'
Former band leader Shin, known for his wide vocal range, said he hopes to interact with musicians from different countries in France and to perk their interest in Taiwan.
'That is what we as musicians can do,' he said.
Chang Chung-jen, head of the Ministry's Bureau of Audiovisual and Music Industry Development, called MIDEM 'the best venue' for introducing Taiwanese musicians to the world.
The MIDEM committee won the Taiwan-France Cultural Award this year, he noted.
It is the 19th year for Taiwan to participate in the annual trade fair, which will take place from Feb. 1 through 4. In addition to setting up exhibition booths, the government also began bringing Taiwanese entertainers to give live performances at the fair in recent years.
Past performers include rock band Mayday, pop diva Jolin Tsai, singer-songwriter William Wei, and Yen and Z of the electronic band Salamander.