The 32-year-old Taipei Chinese Orchestra has become the first group of its kind to join Opus 3 Artists, a leading U.S. company managing the touring activities of distinguished artists and ensembles from around the world.
“Being able to work with Opus 3 Artists means the TCO is of international caliber, on par with the Philadelphia Orchestra and similar troupes,” Hsu Ke-wei, a TCO public relations officer, said Feb. 8. “One of our strengths is that we give traditional pieces an innovative touch.”
Opus 3 Artists noted that TCO, the first professional Chinese orchestra in Taiwan, has established a high reputation for its versatility and artistic excellence since its foundation in 1979.
Led by composer Chung Yiu-kwong and conductor Shao En, who have doubled as the TCO’s general director and music director, respectively, since 2007, the orchestra has been characterized by “innovative and adventurous programming which has broadened the definition of traditional Chinese music,” Opus 3 Artists said.
In 2008 Sweden’s BIS Records recorded “Whirling Dance” by the TCO and flutist Sharon Bezaly, which won the Jury Award and the Best Traditional Music Album Award at Taiwan’s 2010 Golden Melody Awards.
Other renowned artists who have collaborated with the TCO include Kronos Quartet and cellists Mischa Maisky and Julian Lloyd Webber, the music company added.
The TCO will tour the U.S. Feb. 9 to 16, “introducing traditional Chinese music with a Taiwan flavor,” performing pieces such as “Northwest Suite,” pipa concerto “The Yang’s Saga” and Taiwanese folk song “Longing for Spring Breeze.” (THN)
Write to Grace Kuo at morningk@mail.gio.gov.tw