NTSO shares Swiss composer’s passion for Taiwan

2015-01-21

A world premiere concert will be staged by National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra Jan. 23 in Taichung City, showcasing Taiwancentric concertos by Swiss ethnomusicologist Fabian Muller.

Conducted by Chien Wen-pin and jointly performed by Muller’s wife cellist Chien Pi-chin, the four-piece show includes “Taiwan Rhapsody” and “Six Taiwanese Songs.” After the performance at Taichung Chung Hsing Hall, the concert moves to Kaohsiung City Dadong Arts Center Jan. 24.

“Taiwan and Switzerland boast diverse cultures and longstanding art assets, especially in ballads,” Muller said Jan. 16. “I wish to dedicate these pieces to my wife and her beautiful homeland.”

According to Muller, his concertos are inspired by local folk songs such as “Longing for the Spring Breeze,” “Memories” and “Train Through the Tunnel.” “Such Taiwan ballads perfectly express the richness of the country’s history,” he said, adding that it is important to promote their deep meanings via Western-styled interpretations.

In addition, the concerts feature classics “Salut d’Amour” and “Sospiri” by late British composer Edward Elgar.

One of the leading Swiss composers of his generation, Muller won the Art Award of Zollikon in 2012 and Award of the Canton of Zurich in 2006 for significant contributions to the music sector in Switzerland. His works have also debuted in world renowned venues like Carnegie Hall in New York and Beethoven Hall in Stuttgart.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=226576&CtNode=413)