TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — German conductor Jorg Widmann will collaborate with the National Symphony Orchestra to present two concerts on Thursday and Nov. 29, featuring the power of symphonic music, hymns praising God, and elements of opera.
Widmann will lead the National Symphony Orchestra on Thursday, performing Felix Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 1, composed at age 15, and works by Robert Schumann that celebrate the joys of newlywed life. He will also give the Taiwan premiere of his own composition, “Freie Stucke,” which breaks traditional harmonic and performance structures and allows the audience to explore the music in new ways.
On Nov. 29, Widmann and the orchestra are set to perform Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 5, composed to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the Reformation. Its fourth movement will feature religious-themed hymns and combine flute with orchestral performance.
Widmann will also conduct his “Babylon Suite,” adapted from his 2012 opera “Babylon,” marking its Asian premiere. The orchestral work conveys the opera’s storyline, incorporates cultural and religious elements, and features vocal performances.
At a press conference on Tuesday at the National Concert Hall, Widmann said he was honored and looked forward to returning to Taiwan for the shows. He said that when he first met the orchestra, they held exchanges that led to close ties and ongoing collaborations.
Widmann praised the orchestra for being well prepared during rehearsals and for its strong understanding of the pieces to be performed. He also hopes to engage with Taiwan’s musicians during the performances, which will feature classical and Romantic styles.
National Symphony Orchestra CEO Kuo Wen-tsen (郭紋岑) said she was pleased to welcome Widmann to Taiwan and praised his musical talents. She added that orchestra members have learned a sense of joy and freedom in performance from working with him.
Kuo also thanked I-Mei’s Foundation for Culture and Education for its support. Chair Henry Kao (高志尚) has long been dedicated to promoting classical music performances in Taiwan and supporting Taiwanese musicians.
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