The highlight of the Kaohsiung Lantern Festival: A spectacular event combining fireworks and symphonic music

By / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team compiled and reported

The "Greater Port Fireworks Show," the highlight of the "2017 Kaohsiung Lantern Festival Art Festival," pioneered setting off a thousand-meter fireworks display across the harbor on the embankment between West Bay and Qijin, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle as thousands of red lotus blossoms bloomed simultaneously in the sky. The first two shows attracted 520,000 visitors; the final "Greater Port Fireworks Show" took place at midnight on February 11, lasting a total of 20 minutes and 17 seconds.

Following the high popularity and economic impact of the first two shows, the program before the final West Bay "Greater Port Fireworks Show" was further enhanced — featuring a special live performance by the Kaohsiung Symphony Orchestra, adding an extra layer of cross-sensory wonder for the crowds who stayed up all night and crossed the harbor to admire the dazzling fireworks during the Lantern Festival.

On February 11, led by conductor Yang Zhiqin, the Kaohsiung Symphony Orchestra selected several popular and well-known pieces, including the Taiwanese folk song "Alisan," the opera "Carmen," and the theme from the movie soundtrack "Star Wars." At the harbor square in front of Sun Yat-sen University’s gate, they enhanced the final "Greater Port Fireworks Show" program with a highly challenging live musical accompaniment, delivering a dual feast of sight and sound for all attendees.

Performing a live symphonic score for the "Greater Port Fireworks Show" requires precise timing with pre-set fireworks launch points, and performing outdoors makes it an exceptionally difficult challenge for any orchestra. But pairing the crescendos of symphonic music with the brilliance of radiant fireworks will undoubtedly be a spectacular experience for audiences.