Taipei Chinese Orchestra Performs 'Gods Procession' in Leipzig, Opens with Suona

(Central News Agency, Leipzig, 5th) The Taipei Chinese Orchestra performed at the Gewandhaus in Leipzig on the 4th, opening with composer Chen Shu-si's 'Gods Procession.' The performance featured suona players walking from the audience onto the stage while playing, creating a powerful and dramatic atmosphere. Orchestra Director Zheng Li-bin acknowledged the challenges of overseas tours but expressed his hope to continue spreading the sound of Taipei. Chen Shu-si, the composer of 'Gods Procession,' told CNA that he felt honored and amused that his music could be performed with the TCO at the Gewandhaus. 'If foreign music fans can hear this and become interested in Taiwan, then my goal is achieved,' he said. Zheng Li-bin stated that compared to symphony orchestras, the music and essence of a Chinese orchestra are rooted in the land of Taipei, giving it a unique depth. 'Planning an international tour is very difficult, but I always hope that so many good works can be heard by more people,' he said. Recalling their performance at the Berlin Philharmonic on the 3rd, Zheng noted, 'High and low frequencies are easily heard on stage, but in the mid-range, you might need to use more performance energy than usual.' He said that performing in such an acoustically sensitive hall was a huge test. 'I especially loved the performance of Taiwanese cellist Yang Wen-sin, who is based in Germany. His musical control is impeccable.' Regarding performing at top classical music venues like the Berlin Philharmonic and the Gewandhaus, Zheng said he approached it with a calm mindset. 'But I told myself, I didn't study music abroad, but I am sharing the sound of Taiwan with the orchestra members, and I feel very happy.' Zheng stated that this European tour began with Jiang Wen-ye's 'Taiwan Dance' and will end with young composer Zeng Yi-xuan's 'Formosa Under Time.' He said Taiwan is the code of deep affection for this tour and represents his earnest expectations for Taiwanese composers. Zheng said he has always been proud to perform works by Taiwanese composers. 'But I also believe that the younger generation of Taiwanese composers must work harder. They cannot only create experimental modern sounds; that kind of music will not be passed down. Melody is still the most important core.' In addition to leading the orchestra abroad to build an international brand, Zheng has also been working quietly in Taiwan, promoting a 'One School, One Orchestra' initiative to encourage Chinese music clubs. Furthermore, Zheng founded the 'TCO Future Star Chinese Orchestra Summer Camp.' The first edition last year attracted young overseas Chinese musicians from Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and even the United States to return to Taiwan to register. 'I hope to do my best to pass on the nourishment of Chinese music,' he said. The final stop of the TCO's European tour will be on June 7th at the Musikverein in Vienna. (Editor: Lung Po-an) 1150605