Lu Shao-chia leads TNUA Symphony Orchestra on Germany tour, immersing in the birthplace of classical music
Renowned conductor Lu Shao-chia is leading the Taipei National University of the Arts (TNUA) Symphony Orchestra on a tour of Germany this May, showcasing Taiwan's higher music education standards. The repertoire includes Beethoven's "Symphony No. 5" and works by Taiwanese composers.
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- 📰 Published: April 16, 2026 at 22:48
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(Central News Agency reporter Chao Ching-yu, Taipei, 16th) Returning to the birthplace of classical music, renowned Germany-based conductor Lu Shao-chia will lead the Taipei National University of the Arts (TNUA) Symphony Orchestra on a tour of Germany in May. Lu Shao-chia stated that the TNUA Symphony Orchestra possesses a youthful quality, "I have great confidence in this group of music students."
Speaking at a press conference today, Lu mentioned that he had previously taken the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) on overseas tours multiple times, but leading the TNUA Symphony Orchestra abroad this time holds significant meaning in showcasing the level of higher music education in Taiwan. Lu also expressed his gratitude for the assistance of young conductor Wu Yao-yu, NSO acting concertmaster Teng Hao-tun, and NSO section members. "They prepared the students well, allowing me to refine the details."
Regarding the repertoire, Lu explained that it needed to demonstrate Taiwan's performance standards. His first thought was Beethoven's "Symphony No. 5" (Fate). "This is a work that expresses strong willpower; the music moves from darkness to light, symbolizing resilience. I think it is very suitable for our young children to go to Germany and represent Taiwan."
Other pieces include "Song of Resound" by TNUA Associate Professor of Composition Lin Ching-Mei, which translates Hakka mountain song elements into a modern musical language, full of Taiwanese characteristics and freshness. TNUA Assistant Professor of Piano, Wang Yi-Wen, will also collaborate with NSO Principal Trumpet, Yu Hsin-Le, to perform Shostakovich's "Piano Concerto No. 1."
The bond between Lu Shao-chia and TNUA teachers and students stems from a sentence a student wrote on a questionnaire in 2019: "If I could be conducted by Teacher Lu Shao-chia, it would be the happiest thing since I entered TNUA." This sentence moved then-Music Department Chair Lu Wen-ya and College of Music Dean Su Shien-ta. Under their sincere invitation, Lu has served as a Distinguished Chair Professor at TNUA since 2020, guiding music students to this day.
Music Department Chair Wu Ssu-shan stated that she is not worried about the music aspect of this German tour. "My job is to lead these children, ensure they are physically and mentally safe, and feel happiness in the music." Wu mentioned that the entire university mobilized to help with this tour; the budget for instrument rentals and travel expenses alone has exceeded ten million NT dollars. "For the students, making a pilgrimage to the birthplace of classical music will give them a deeper understanding of music."
"Boundless Music: Fate - Lu Shao-chia and the TNUA Symphony Orchestra" will be performed in Taipei at the National Concert Hall on April 20. "Voices of Youth from Germany and Taiwan" will be performed at the Kulturpalast Dresden concert hall on May 3, and a joint performance with German music students will take place at the Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media concert hall on May 7. The "May Concert: Voices of Youth from Taiwan" will be performed at the Berlin Cathedral on May 5. (Editor: Hsieh Ya-chu) 1150416
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Speaking at a press conference today, Lu mentioned that he had previously taken the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) on overseas tours multiple times, but leading the TNUA Symphony Orchestra abroad this time holds significant meaning in showcasing the level of higher music education in Taiwan. Lu also expressed his gratitude for the assistance of young conductor Wu Yao-yu, NSO acting concertmaster Teng Hao-tun, and NSO section members. "They prepared the students well, allowing me to refine the details."
Regarding the repertoire, Lu explained that it needed to demonstrate Taiwan's performance standards. His first thought was Beethoven's "Symphony No. 5" (Fate). "This is a work that expresses strong willpower; the music moves from darkness to light, symbolizing resilience. I think it is very suitable for our young children to go to Germany and represent Taiwan."
Other pieces include "Song of Resound" by TNUA Associate Professor of Composition Lin Ching-Mei, which translates Hakka mountain song elements into a modern musical language, full of Taiwanese characteristics and freshness. TNUA Assistant Professor of Piano, Wang Yi-Wen, will also collaborate with NSO Principal Trumpet, Yu Hsin-Le, to perform Shostakovich's "Piano Concerto No. 1."
The bond between Lu Shao-chia and TNUA teachers and students stems from a sentence a student wrote on a questionnaire in 2019: "If I could be conducted by Teacher Lu Shao-chia, it would be the happiest thing since I entered TNUA." This sentence moved then-Music Department Chair Lu Wen-ya and College of Music Dean Su Shien-ta. Under their sincere invitation, Lu has served as a Distinguished Chair Professor at TNUA since 2020, guiding music students to this day.
Music Department Chair Wu Ssu-shan stated that she is not worried about the music aspect of this German tour. "My job is to lead these children, ensure they are physically and mentally safe, and feel happiness in the music." Wu mentioned that the entire university mobilized to help with this tour; the budget for instrument rentals and travel expenses alone has exceeded ten million NT dollars. "For the students, making a pilgrimage to the birthplace of classical music will give them a deeper understanding of music."
"Boundless Music: Fate - Lu Shao-chia and the TNUA Symphony Orchestra" will be performed in Taipei at the National Concert Hall on April 20. "Voices of Youth from Germany and Taiwan" will be performed at the Kulturpalast Dresden concert hall on May 3, and a joint performance with German music students will take place at the Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media concert hall on May 7. The "May Concert: Voices of Youth from Taiwan" will be performed at the Berlin Cathedral on May 5. (Editor: Hsieh Ya-chu) 1150416
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