- Date 2007.09.01
- Venue Zhongcheng Auditorium, Zhongshan Hall, Taipei City
Breaking Dawn
Taipei Chinese Orchestra
Artwork Introduction
The Taipei Chinese Orchestra (TCO) along with U Theatre performed “Breaking Dawn” at Zhongshan Hall in September 2007. “Breaking Dawn” combined modern theatre, percussive drumming and traditional Chinese music to create a visual concerto of sights and sounds. Stage, lighting, design, and innovative placements of performers helped create a breathtaking crossover work.
“Breaking Dawn” contains nine scenes. Some of the songs such as “Breaking Dawn” composed by Huang Chih-chun are specially written, while other songs are traditional Chinese folk songs such as the sad Buddhist-inspired “Song of Sorrow,” which is a new adaptation of Yang Liqin’s erhu concerto. The piece for guqin titled “River” whose refrain is reminiscent of flowing water lent the performance the timeless ambience of China’s glorious aesthetic past.
The meditative “Seeking for Solo Guan” composed by Chung Yiu-kwong features the solo performances of guan, chime bell and string instruments. This solo represents the lonely process of trying to resolve and merge the traditional with modern cultures.
The traditional “Hope” has been around for a thousand years. This beloved tune played with traditional Chinese instruments along with the exquisite costumes and stage design created an elegant moving painting of imagery and music.
The orchestra was not seated in a conventional format but sat in specially designed chairs that allowed for a visually arresting presentation. The drummers of the U Theatre provided dramatic flair, while the combination of both the orchestra and the theatre performers provided a provocative cross-over collaboration which was also both a feast for the eyes and the ears.
About the Artist
The Taipei Chinese Orchestra (TCO), founded in 1979 by Taipei’s Department of Education, has taken official residence in Zhongshan Hall since 2001. The orchestra, which is now under the auspices of Taipei’s Department of Cultural Affairs acts as cultural ambassador and actively participates in international cultural exchange. Besides touring throughout the world, the TCO performs more than 50 concerts per year. In addition, the orchestra publishes a monthly magazine titled “Chinese Music in Taipei” and hosts a summer camp.
Under the general directorship of renowned composer Chung Yiu-kwong and the musical directorship of En Shao, the TCO gained a reputation for exciting and innovative programming.
