Taipei City-based Ju Percussion Group is showcasing diverse aspects of Taiwan culture in two shows at the Salihara International Performing-arts Festival (SIPFest) Aug.14-15 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The performances are supported by the Ministry of Culture and Taipei City Government’s Department of Cultural Affairs as part of efforts to raise the international profile of Taiwan artists while bolstering ties with New Southbound Policy target countries.
Tickets for the 90-minute program called “Stunning Virtuosity” sold out for both nights. The production showcases some of the troupe’s best works over the past 30 years including a composition inspired by an indigenous story about shooting down one in a pair of suns, according to the group’s foundation.
A highlight of the performance is a guest appearance by a member of the Taipei Chinese Orchestra who joins the group for a piece that features traditional instruments including the four-stringed pipa.
The group’s founder and artistic director, Ju Tzong-ching, said the audience rewarded the performers with a standing ovation Aug. 14, adding it was a big encouragement after they had worked so hard to prepare for the show.
This is the first time the percussionists have performed in Indonesia. They are scheduled to attend the Bangkok International Festival of Dance and Music in Thailand Sept. 16.
The biennial SIPFest, run by the Jakarta-based Komunitas Salihara, a private arts center, is a monthlong summer celebration of dance, music and theater acts.
A key plank in the government’s national development strategy, the NSP aims to deepen Taiwan’s agricultural, business, cultural, education, tourism and trade ties with the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, six South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand. (CPY-E)
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