Taishin Bank Foundation for Arts and Culture

Comments on the Finalist

After several effortless western productions of the “Der Ring des Nibelungen” cycle, the National Symphony Orchestra has courageously brought this much-anticipated piece to the Taiwan stage.  Although the lead vocalist sings well-known melodies from abroad, a Taiwanese flavor is conveyed through surprisingly colorful and animated vocals.  Through a succinct visual design that utilizes half the stage to contrast with Wagner’s complexities, the NSO production brings out the dramatic flair and theatrical effects of Wagner’s music.  In recent years, NSO has promoted productions and invited instructors from abroad to train vocalists and offer insights into stage design, costume, and dance collaborations.  Taiwan gradually emerges within this larger environment to establish its place in the opera industry, as clearly revealed in “Der Ring des Nibelungen.”  From its leading performers to its orchestra, this production is not only a milestone in opera performance by local artists, but it is also a work of an international standard. （By Committee Member Fang-yi LIN）