Taiwan's oldest symphony orchestra holds first outdoor concert since March at Gaomei Wetlands
After a hiatus lasting over three months, the National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra (NTSO) held its first outdoor concert since nationwide efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus put a halt to large gatherings in March.
Taiwan's oldest symphony orchestra greeted live audiences again at Taichung's Gaomei Wetlands on June 14. Joined by Deputy Minister of Culture Hsiao Tsung-huang (蕭宗煌), the concert saw more than 2,000 people enjoy an afternoon of performances at the popular tourist destination where people catch spectacular sunsets.
Called "Dialogue between Mountains and the Sea: NTSO Romantic Beachside Sunset Concert," the event kicked off with performances by music class students and orchestras from four local elementary and junior high schools. NTSO later took the center stage with classical symphonies and well-known Taiwanese and Hakka folk songs composed by renowned musicians Deng Yu-shian (鄧雨賢), Hsu Shih (許石), Lu Quan-sheng (呂泉生), and Su Tong (蘇桐).
Featuring Golden Melody-winning Hakka musician Hsieh Yu-wei (謝宇威), trumpet player Hou Chuan-an (侯傳安), and violinist Chen Li-ju (陳俐如), the outdoor event was held to mark the start of easing public health precautions as local COVID-19 cases have ceased in Taiwan. All attendees were still required to wear a surgical mask, have their temperatures monitored, practice social distancing, and also provide their
contact information.
The NTSO's next outdoor concert will take place at the Nantou-based
Qingjing Farm on June 21. To be conducted by NTSO Director Liu Suan-yung (劉玄詠), the ensemble will perform a number of classic works, including
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s "The Music of the Night" and Mandarin classic "Just like your Tenderness (恰似你的溫柔)," with singer Johnny Yin (殷正洋), a laureate of three prestigious honors presented in Taiwan. All attendees to the free concert will also be required to wear a surgical mask. Visit
here for more information.