TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s National Symphony Orchestra is set to embark on a concert tour of Japan from May 31 to June 4, with performances scheduled across four concerts in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kumamoto.
Themed “From Formosa,” the tour celebrates the longstanding cultural and artistic ties between Taiwan and Japan. The NSO will perform at four prestigious venues, including the Suntory Hall and Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall in Tokyo, The Symphony Hall in Osaka, and the Kumamoto Prefectural Theater.
The program features a dynamic blend of Western classical masterpieces and contemporary works by Taiwanese composers. Highlights include Ludwig van Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D Major, Op.61 and Max Bruch’s Double Concerto for clarinet, viola, and orchestra in E minor, Op.88, alongside compositions by Tyzen Hsiao (蕭泰然), Chin Shi-wen (金希文), and Chen Ke-chia (陳可嘉), offering a distinct Taiwanese cultural perspective to international audiences.
NSO Music Director Jun Markl described the tour as both a celebration of Taiwan’s musical achievements and an opportunity to share its cultural identity on the global stage. He emphasized that the deep connections between Taiwan and Japan extend beyond music, and that the tour represents not just an artistic endeavor, but a meaningful exchange of culture and creativity.
One highlight of the tour is Bruch’s Double Concerto for clarinet, viola, and orchestra in E minor, Op.88, arranged for violin and viola. The piece is performed by Taiwanese violinist Paul Huang (黃俊文) and Japanese violist Imai Nobuko, underscoring the spirit of cross-cultural dialogue that defines the tour, Markl said.
Another centerpiece of the program is Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 in G major, which features a soprano solo in its final movement. Two of Japan’s leading sopranos, Mori Maki and Miyachi Ena, will join the NSO for the performances.
Unlike previous tours, Markl noted that each program in this series differs significantly, offering a rich mix of classical and contemporary works. He emphasized that the diversity of the repertoire poses both technical and expressive challenges for the performers.
Imai expressed her excitement about participating in the tour, particularly the opportunity to perform at world-renowned venues such as Tokyo Opera City and Suntory Hall. She praised Taiwan’s vibrant cultural scene and the strong artistic connections she has developed through years of collaboration with Taiwanese musicians.
The NSO’s Japan tour not only showcases the orchestra’s evolving artistry but also serves as a testament to the enduring friendship between Taiwan and Japan, the orchestra stated.
