2018 Alishan Sunrise Impression Concert: Performances by Hsu Ching-chun and Nan Hsien-tien

The Alishan National Scenic Area Administration held a press conference on the 13th to announce the official launch of the 2018 Alishan Sunrise Impression Concert. (Photo by Lü Yanting)

Now in its 16th year, the “2018 Alishan Sunrise Impression Concert” takes the theme of a national-level musical feast. For the first time, it features the National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra Youth Symphony Orchestra, soprano Hsu Ching-chun, and tenor Nan Hsien-tien. These three internationally accomplished ensembles and seasoned musicians will collaborate in a performance. On the morning of New Year’s Day 2018, the organizers welcome friends from across the country to join them on Alishan and welcome the first rays of the new year amid the uplifting melodies.

The Sunrise Impression Concert is jointly organized by the Alishan National Scenic Area Administration of the Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Chiayi County Government, and the Chiayi Forest District Office of the Forestry Bureau under the Council of Agriculture. A press conference was held on the 13th morning on the grassland of the Chukou Niupuzai Recreation Area, where Hsu Ching-chun and Nan Hsien-tien also performed live, giving a preview of their vocal talents.

Attendees at the press conference included Xu Wen-zhi, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Yunlin–Chiayi–Tainan Joint Service Center under the Executive Yuan; Li Ding-zhong, Deputy Director of the Chiayi Forest District Office of the Forestry Bureau; Hsu Yu-jen, Director of the Chiayi County Cultural and Tourism Bureau; Chien Hsin-li, Chief of the Alishan Forest Railway Office under the Taiwan Railways Administration; Liu Hong-wen, Magistrate of Meishan Township; Lin Meng-yi, General Manager of Zhushan Township Farmers’ Association; and Ma Hui-da, Director of the Alishan National Scenic Area Administration. Together, they served as ambassadors for the concert, donning Sunrise Impression scarves and blowing train whistles to mark the official launch of the “2018 Alishan Sunrise Impression Concert.”

Ma Hui-da stated that during the year-end and New Year celebrations, one must not miss Alishan’s annual highlight — the “Sunrise Impression Concert.” Unlike typical urban New Year’s Eve events, visitors can enjoy the magnificent performance of a national-level orchestra while taking in the golden first light of Alishan in 2018, stepping into a new year at life’s highest point.

Li Ding-zhong also noted that Alishan boasts a wealth of tourist resources and encouraged the public not to rush away after the concert but to take their time exploring leisurely with family and friends. Hsu Yu-jen also sincerely invited the public to participate in locally distinctive events in Chiayi, especially the 2018 Taiwan Lantern Festival, which will be grandly held in Chiayi for an entire month, featuring rich and exciting performances and lantern displays every day. He encouraged everyone to come to Chiayi for the lantern festival after attending the 2018 Alishan Sunrise Impression Concert.

Located at an altitude of 2,405 meters, the Sunrise Impression Concert will have organizers thoughtfully provide hand warmers and ginger tea for attendees. The site will also offer limited-edition event souvenirs such as the exquisitely designed “Alishan New Impression Desk Calendar” and “Cultural Creative Memorial Train Whistle.”