Inaugural Taichung Arts Festival set for October

2015/09/21

A citywide festival celebrating Taichung’s vibrant arts scene is set to kick off Oct. 23, offering 205 exhibitions and performances during the event’s 10-day run.

The stellar lineup is headed by local acts like Cloud Gate Dance Theater of Taiwan and Ten Drum Percussion Group, as well as pianist Chen Ruei-bin. They will be complemented by overseas talents such as American cellist Yo-Yo Ma, British pianist Kathryn Stott, vocal group Latvian Voices and Spanish string quartet Paganini.

Mayor Lin Chia-lung said Sept. 16 that Taichung Arts Festival is a look ahead and a tribute to Taichung’s proud legacy. “This year marks the centennial of important local landmarks, including the historic Second Public Market, Taichung Prefecture Hall and Taichung Railway Station.

“At the same time, we are eagerly awaiting completion of Taichung’s metro line in 2018, which coincides with the launch of the city’s first major international floral fair.”

According to Lin, the festival is a turning point in the history of Taichung’s urban development. “We expect it to help lay the foundations for another 100 years of glorious tradition,” he said.

The event, which incorporates the city’s prestigious jazz music festival, also offers a diverse array of activities ranging from float parades and high-tech lighting displays at various historical landmarks to eclectic street performances.

“We are more than confident that the festival will put Taichung on the world map and cement its status as a central Taiwan hub of arts and culture,” Lin added.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=236785&ctNode=2194&mp=9)