Taiwanese opera singer, writer awarded top cultural honors

2019/01/31

Novelist Li Qiao and Taiwanese opera singer Tang Mei-yun have been named recipients of this year’s National Cultural Award, the country’s highest creative honor, the Ministry of Culture said Jan. 29.
 
 According to MOC Minister Cheng Li-chiun, the two artists’ distinguished achievements and lifelong contributions have earned them deep respect and enriched Taiwan’s creative scene.
 
 Li, born in the northern county of Miaoli, is one of the nation’s most prominent Hakka writers, the MOC said, adding that he has worked hard to revitalize the ethnic group’s traditional culture. His most significant work of fiction according to the ministry, “Wintry Night Trilogy,” is set before, during and after Japanese colonial rule (1895-1945) and depicts Taiwan people’s love for their homeland.
 
 The 84-year-old expressed his surprise at being named an awardee and hopes his literary works have had a positive impact on society. He has just completed a new manuscript, he said, adding writing has brought meaning to his life.
 
 Tang, who hails from the southern city of Tainan, started performing on stage when she was a teenager. She established her own Taiwanese opera company in 1998 and is known for stretching the creative boundaries of the genre by blending the traditional art form with Western musical styles.
 
 Expressing her gratitude for the recognition, the 53-year-old singer said it was a reminder for her to continue working hard. Tang has won numerous awards during her decadeslong career, including best actor at the 2018 Golden Melody Awards for Traditional Arts and Music.
 
 Established in 1981, the NCA is organized by the Executive Yuan and Ministry of Culture. This year’s winners will each receive a certificate, medallion and prize money of NT$1 million (US$32,495) at an award ceremony May 9 in Taipei City.

Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)