National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra (NTSO) performed a concert with its 20-member string ensemble featuring violinist Robert Chen (陳慕融) at the Lithuanian National Philharmonic Hall on Sept. 25. Led by Director Liu Suan-Yung (劉玄詠), NTSO marked the first time for Taiwanese orchestras to perform in Lithuania. Under the arrangement of the Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania, high-ranking officials of Lithuania and members of Ukrainian groups attended the concert.
At the opening, NTSO delivered a rendition of "Svajonė (The Dream)" by Lithuanian composer Juozas Naujalis as the piece celebrates Lithuania's independence and the regaining of freedom and dreams. The orchestra also attempted to convey its hope for world peace and to comfort the Ukrainian refugees that fled to Lithuania with the music piece.
The following program included "Divertimento in D Major, K. 136" by W. A. Mozart, "Rondo in A Major for Violin and Strings, D. 438" by F. Schubert, "The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires" by A. Piazzolla, "Plum Blossoms" by Chen Shih-hui (陳士惠), and "Hakka Songfest" arranged by Chen Shu-si (陳樹熙). Folk songs from Taiwan and Lithuania were performed as encore pieces.
NTSO Director Liu stated that, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania, Lithuania's Ministry of Culture, Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society, and many others, NTSO has the opportunity to promote Taiwanese culture through music.
According to Director Liu, the previous stop of NTSO’s Europe tour was in Vienna, Austria on Sept. 23. After the arrival in Lithuania, the interviews and reports covering the concert broadcasted by Lithuanian National Radio and Television demonstrated the importance of the visit from Taiwan. As for the last stop in Europe, NTSO will head to Kaunas, Lithuania, hoping Taiwan's voice to be heard internationally through cultural exchanges.