Classical music complements breathtaking scenery as the Taroko Gorge Music Festival makes a splendid debut

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Nestled in a landscape resembling a paradise on earth, Taroko is elevated to even greater beauty with the addition of melodious music. The 12th edition of the Taroko Music Festival kicked off its first performance on the 28th at the gravel beach of Qingshui Cliff, where the stunning mountain and sea views blended with heavenly vocals, captivating all who attended. The grand finale — the second and third concerts titled “East Meets West” — will take place on October 5th at the Liwu River Valley near Changchun Shrine.

2013 Taroko Gorge Music Festival. (Photo / Courtesy of the Taroko National Park Headquarters website)

The theme of the first concert was “Vina！Formosa,” which means “Long Live Formosa” in Chinese. Organizers explained that over 400 years ago, when Portuguese sailors sailed past Taiwan’s east coast, they were struck by the beauty of the island’s mountains. The concert featured several Portuguese and Spanish folk songs, alongside the spectacular scenery of Qingshui Cliff, collectively celebrating Taiwan’s beauty over the past four centuries.

The first concert of the 2013 Taroko Gorge Music Festival took place on the gravel beach beside Qingshui Cliff. (Photo / Courtesy of the Taroko National Park Headquarters website)

The second and third concerts on October 5th at Changchun Shrine will feature the themes “East Meets West” and “Quiet Notes” respectively. The performances will include renowned cellist Zhang Zhengjie, violinist Liang Xianwen, and pianist Shen Meiling. A special highlight this year is the fusion of Eastern and Western music, with the inclusion of traditional Chinese musicians such as erhu player Wang Ying and dizi (bamboo flute) musician Wu Zongxian.

Now in its 12th year, the Taroko Gorge Music Festival first debuted at Qingshui Cliff last year to great acclaim. The second and third performances on October 5th will begin at 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM respectively. Visitors can take a free shuttle bus from Xincheng Railway Station to the venue, and after the event, shuttle buses will return them to the station. Organizers also remind attendees that with the onset of autumn, the weather is cooler, so it’s advisable to bring light jackets and rain gear.

The first concert of the 2013 Taroko Gorge Music Festival attracted a large crowd of music enthusiasts. (Photo / Courtesy of the Taroko National Park Headquarters website)