The Ministry of Culture has proposed awarding a presidential citation posthumously to the founder of Meinong Hakka Bayin music troupe Chung Tsai-hsiang (鍾彩祥), who passed away on Jan. 7 at the age of 85, in recognition of his life-long contribution to the preservation and continuation of Hakka Bayin music. Minister of Culture Lee Yung-te expressed his condolences and attended the memorial service on Jan. 16.
Born in 1938, Chung was highly regarded as the founder and representative of Meinong Hakka Bayin music troupe. He was recognized for his talent in traditional Hakka bayin (eight notes) erxian, gongs, and drums. In addition, Chung was invited by MOC to perform at various domestic art and music festivals, as well as overseas performances such as "Festival de l'Imaginaire" in Paris, and "Taiwanese Arts Festival" in Geneva, Switzerland.
MOC pointed out that Chung spared no effort in promoting the Meinong Hakka Bayin music and cultivating talents. He was awarded the Global Chinese Culture and Arts Award in 2013 and the Hakka Contributions Awards in 2015. In 2016, he was named by the Ministry of Culture as a preserver of the important traditional performing arts of Hakka Bayin music.
Minister Lee stated that Chung’s life epitomized the history of Hakka Bayin music in the Meinong area. He established a reputation for his extensive performing experience and deep knowledge of local Hakka customs. MOC will continue to support the inheritance of Hakka Bayin music so as to preserve intangible cultural assets.