NSO Chamber Music with Pianist Yen Chun-chieh Brings Hometown Sounds to 'Taiwanese American Heritage Week'

(Central News Agency, Taipei, 13th) Following a highly acclaimed US tour in 2023, the NSO National Symphony Orchestra will embark on another US tour in May, featuring chamber music and inviting pianist Yen Chun-chieh to join, to witness the shared culture and friendship between Taiwan and the US during 'Taiwanese American Heritage Week'.

In 1992, US Congressional Act HR5572 was passed, designating May as 'Asian Pacific American Heritage Month'. Since 1999, former President Bill Clinton designated the week after Mother's Day as 'Taiwanese American Heritage Week'. Over the years, communities in Taiwan and various parts of the United States have collaborated through cultural activities, continuously showcasing the deep and diverse cultural ties between Taiwan and the US to American society.

NSO CEO Kuo Wen-tsen stated that 2026 is a year for NSO to continue its deep international cultivation. This journey is not only a musical tribute to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, but also an important moment to foster emotional connections through 'Taiwanese American Heritage Week'. She hopes that in a turbulent world situation, through the musical symphony of islands and continents, tradition and modernity, blessings will be brought to the world.

This tour is led by NSO acting concertmaster Teng Hao-tun, joined by NSO violinist Chen Yi-ju, violist Chen Yu-pai, and cellist Lien Yi-hsien. They are invited to visit Los Angeles, and will delve into Phoenix and New York, embarking on a cultural exchange journey that transcends language and national borders. There will also be a Taiwanese Pop-up Fair by the General Association of Chinese Culture, bringing a 'zero time difference' Taiwanese cultural experience to the American public.

NSO's repertoire includes 'Taiwanese Traditional Indigenous Song Suite', arranged by composer Chen Ting-chuan for string quartet and TBT Taiwu Ancient Ballads Troupe; the world premiere of 'Silver Reed Field' Piano Quintet by Taiwanese-American composer Chen Ko-chia; 'Indigenous Suite' Piano Quintet by veteran Taiwanese composer Hsiao Tai-jan; and 'Earth/Sound' commissioned by the Hakka Affairs Council's 'Music for Hakka 2.0' and composed by Chen Yun-jou.

Other pieces include two 'String Quartets' by American composer Aaron Copland, and 'Telling Lake' by American composer James DeMars, performed by NSO Chamber Music and Grammy Award regular, legendary Native American flute player R. Carlos Nakai. Through the dialogue between Native American flute and chamber music, a new chapter intertwining Taiwanese island music and Native American spirit is written.

This US tour's first stop will kick off on May 13 at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego; May 15 at the Thayer Hall, Colburn School in Los Angeles; May 17 at a church in Phoenix, Arizona; and May 19 at the Merkin Concert Hall, Kaufman Music Center in New York. (Editor: Wu Su-jou) 1150413

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