Taiwanese Conductor Chen Wei-Chung Wins First Prize at International Conducting Competition in Turkey

Central News Agency Report

(Taipei, April 14, CNA reporter Chao Ching-Yu) The results of the 1st Eskişehir International Gürer Aykal Conducting Competition were announced in the early hours today, with Taiwanese conductor Chen Wei-Chung emerging victorious among the final four contestants, bringing honor to Taiwan.

The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) released a press statement today, noting that Chen was selected for the "TSMC × NSO × TNUA Music Without Borders Program – Maestro Lu Shao-Chia Conducting Masterclass" for three consecutive years from 2023 to 2025. He conducted the Taipei National University of the Arts (TNUA) Department of Music Orchestra with outstanding results.

Held in Turkey during the early hours of today (Taiwan time), the inaugural Eskişehir International Gürer Aykal Conducting Competition was established in honor of Gürer Aykal, a highly respected Turkish maestro. The competition attracted young conductors from around the world. Participants underwent rigorous rounds, including video pre-screening, on-site rehearsals, and final performances. Chen Wei-Chung was ultimately awarded the top prize.

Second place went to Han-Cheng Kuo from China, third to William Lai from Hong Kong, and a special prize was awarded to Yuan-Hung Liao, also from Taiwan.

After winning, Chen received a congratulatory call from NSO Executive Director Kuo Wen-Tseng. "Thank you to everyone in the orchestra for your support," he said.

Chen shared that his interest in conducting began during his time at Jian-Guo High School, where he participated in the school's marching band under the guidance of teacher Wang Chan-Chi. "I realized how differently conductors shape an orchestra’s sound, and from then on, I began seriously observing and studying conducting," he recalled.

Chen later studied Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology at National Taiwan University, continuing his engagement with music through participation in wind and symphony orchestras. He received mentorship from Liu Shao-Tung, Chang Ying-Chung, Chuang Shun-Hsu, and Chuang Wen-Chen. "I am grateful to Professor Hsu Hsing-Hsin for helping me refine my technique and expand my repertoire after I entered the graduate program at National Taiwan Normal University. I also thank senior Fan Chia-Ming for inviting me back to lead the marching band at my alma mater, which gave me invaluable practical experience."

Chen has been awarded a Ministry of Education overseas scholarship and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Music degree in orchestral conducting at Indiana University in the United States.

He expressed deep gratitude to the "Music Without Borders" program and Maestro Lu Shao-Chia for accepting him into the masterclass for three consecutive years. "Those years were the happiest and most eye-opening of my life—the main reason I eagerly flew back to Taiwan from the U.S. every year."

He also thanked conductors Chang Yin-Fang and Chang Yu-An for their guidance and emotional support during the week-long competition, which helped him maintain a healthy mindset throughout the three rounds.

In an exclusive interview with CNA, Chen noted that his science background has been helpful in score reading, allowing him to approach scores more analytically. "But as humans, we also have emotional dimensions. I’d say I’m constantly balancing the two," he said.

Reflecting on his transition from medicine to music, Chen expressed gratitude for his family’s open-mindedness and support. "The path of a conductor is tough, but I will persevere," he affirmed. (Edited by Chang Ya-Ching) 1150615

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