TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — An Indigenous Atayal children’s choir from Hsinchu’s Chia-hsin elementary school captured second place and other awards at the Andrea del Verrochio: International Choral Festival in Italy, the group announced Tuesday (Aug. 13).
The Hngzyang na Matui & Nahuy Children's Choir was accompanied by Atayal elder Tingting Payan (頂定・巴顏), conductor Chen Han-wei (陳翰威), and several teachers. Chen said the team's most significant achievement was winning second place in the Grand Prix Competition, per CNA.
The group also placed first in the folk song category, “Category G-Popular, Folk, Gospel, Barbershop, Jazz and Modern Ensembles.” They also won second place in a children's category, “Category D-Children’s Choirs,” per Hngzyang na Matui & Nahuy Children's Choir.
In addition, the choir earned awards for best performance of Italian songs and best musical interpretation. One choir member, Lee Yuan-tai (李元太), won best male soloist.
Held Aug. 8 to 11 in Florence, the festival honors 15th-century Italian sculptor Andrea del Verrocchio, teacher of Leonardo da Vinci. The event promotes cultural exchange through music, per Florence Choral and Britannica.
Born in Italy, conductor Chen felt a profound connection to his homeland. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return after 26 years to lead the Atayal children in international competition.
Chen described the experience as transformative. He noted he had “learned more than he taught” during the process. Chen emphasized that performance requires technical skill and genuine emotional expression.
