Taipei Chinese Orchestra Kicks Off European Tour in Berlin; Representative Office Hosts Welcome Reception

The Taipei Chinese Orchestra (TCO) is set to perform its first European tour concert at the Berlin Philharmonie. Representative to Germany Shieh Jhy-wey hosted a welcome reception, where the orchestra performed several Taiwanese folk songs to warm up for the June 3rd performance. The TCO members have arrived in Berlin and met with the ambassador at the representative office. The chamber music ensemble performed pieces such as 'Taipei Sky' and 'Diu Diu Dang A,' bringing a strong sense of Taiwanese culture to the local overseas community. TCO Director Cheng Li-pin stated, 'As musicians, we hope to use our music to assist in cultural diplomacy, as culture is an important soft power for Taiwan.' Shieh remarked, 'I often say that diplomacy is the duty of a diplomat, but I have found that when a musician plays a piece of music in any corner of the world, they are the best diplomat.' Shieh noted that the performance will include 'Taiwan Dance' by Taiwanese composer Jiang Wen-ye, who won an honorable mention at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The representative office prepared a feast of fried rice noodles and egg yolk pastries to welcome the performers.