Beginning this April, the Taiwan Music Institute will organize three concerts under the program name "2019 Taiwan Music Image Series" at the Taiwan Traditional Theatre Center, highlighting musical pieces composed by Taiwanese composers through performances by prominent artists and orchestras.
The first concert on April 27 is titled "Spring Autumn Music — Collection of Contemporary Compositions for Oboe in Taiwan." Oboist Hsieh Wan-chan (謝宛臻), winner of the best classic CD album award at the 19th Golden Melody Awards, has been invited to curate this concert and co-perform with pianist Yeh Ching-ching (葉青青) and Counterpoint Ensemble (對位弦樂四重奏). The musical pieces chosen by Hsieh are composed by veteran Taiwanese musicians Kuo Chih-yuan (郭芝苑), Ma Shui-long (馬水龍), Lai Deh-ho (賴德和), Chien Nan-chang (錢南章), and Yang Tsung-hsien (楊聰賢).
"Childlike Innocence — Concert of Children Music by Kuo Chih-yuan," which will be staged on May 4 as the second of the concert series, will see performances by pianists Lina Yeh (葉綠娜) and Liao Chiao-han (廖皎含), baritone Liao Yu-meng (廖宇盟), and the Taipei Philharmonic Youth & Children's Choir (台北愛樂兒童合唱團).
Kuo (1921 – 2013) was a prolific composer whose works encompass the genres of orchestra, opera, chamber music, concerto, piano, chorus, lied, children's music, and pop music. His creativity brimmed with both the depth of traditional Taiwanese music and the artistry of modern composition, and the topics he chose were sometimes entertaining, often imbued with a sense of hospitality associated with folk music, and descriptive of the scenic beauty of Taiwan’s countryside.
The third concert, "Encounter the Master — Choral Works by David L. Wen," will be staged on June 4 to showcase children's choir and mixed chorus recitals. Co-performers Yangin Children’s Chorus (揚音兒童合唱團), Taipei Chamber Singers (台北室內合唱團), David L. Wen String Quartet (温隆信弦樂四重奏), and Clap & Tap Chamber Orchestra (四爪樂團) are poised to give a fabulous choral concert by pairing pure and sincere singing with classical, jazz, and modern music.
Director Chen Chi-ming (陳濟民) of the National Center for Traditional Arts pointed out that the "Taiwan Music Image Series" concert has been one of the Taiwan Music Institute’s leading projects since 2013, given its goal to inspire the interpretation and presentation of art music through performances of iconic productions by Taiwan composers.
Taiwan Music Institute Director Weng Chih-tsung, (翁誌聰) stressed that Taiwan, with its energetic and diversified environment, has provided composers with the liberal space and cultural resources needed for their creations. Rooted in deep affection for Taiwan, their wonderful works will be presented at the concert series running from April 27 through June 4.