Taipei Philharmonic Orchestra Delivers Stunning Performance at Korea International Festival

The melodic sounds of the Taipei Philharmonic Orchestra (TPO) echoed through the Seoul Arts Center in Seocho-gu, captivating the hearts of those in attendance. Hailing from the capital of Taiwan, the esteemed orchestra showcased their talents this past Saturday, contributing their musical prowess to the Korea International Music Festival—an esteemed gathering that annually hosts renowned orchestras from all over the world.

A Night of Musical Firsts and Cultural Exchange

The concert featured TPO's worldwide debut of 'Through the Tamsui River,' a compelling piece by Korean composer Suh Soon-jung that draws inspiration from Taiwan's third-longest river. The orchestra also graced the stage with classic compositions such as E. Elgar's Cello Concerto in E minor, Op.85, and A. Dvorak's Symphony No. 9 in E minor, 'From the New World,' Op.95. Under the masterful guidance of Taiwanese conductor Lin Tien-Chi, and with the participation of Korean cellist Mun Tae-guk, the night's performances resonated with the audience's spirit.

Building Bridges Between Cultures

The Taipei Philharmonic Orchestra's second invitation to the festival since 2018 demonstrates the strong cultural ties between Taiwan and Korea. The Taipei Mission in Korea expressed pride in the significance of this re-invitation, highlighting its role in strengthening the relationship between the two nations. Furthermore, the TPO's involvement extended beyond the concert, as they participated in the Forum for the East Asian Music Circle. This event aims to unify music communities from Taiwan, Korea, Hong Kong, and Japan. It promotes cultural exchange through discussions on musical aesthetics, exemplified by the exchange of ideas between Taiwanese composer Pan Hwang-long and Korean counterpart Lee Young-jo.

orchestra, performance, culture