Melodious Music in the Air – Taichung Music and Culture Park

Text & Photos / Chi Binghui

 

Many people may not know that Taiwan’s very first symphony orchestra, the “National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra,” is actually located in the Wufeng area of Taichung. It boasts the largest ensemble size in the Far East and, together with the concert hall, music inn, audiovisual culture museum, and administrative building, forms the “Music and Culture Park.” It has become the most comprehensive and the only park in the country rich in musical resources. It has also shed the lofty image of classical music, allowing the general public to easily step into the world of music.

The National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra was initially under the jurisdiction of the Taiwan Provincial Garrison Command, with up to two hundred musicians at one point. After 1997, it came under the administration of the Council for Cultural Affairs. Its environment and hardware facilities are considered the best in Taiwan, featuring its own concert hall, recording equipment, studios, research and training centers, and dormitories. Over the decades, it has accumulated a collection of nearly twenty thousand pieces of music and audiovisual materials. The collection is extensive and can also be loaned to guests staying at the Music Inn.

Audiovisual Culture Museum

The Audiovisual Culture Museum is located on the first and second floors of the Music Inn. The first floor is an instrument exhibition hall, divided into sections for percussion instruments, keyboard instruments, string instruments, woodwind instruments, and brass instruments. There are both commonly seen instruments and some extremely rare and historically significant ones, which are occasionally loaned out for performances by orchestras. Students and groups can book guided tours and, through interactive audiovisual equipment, learn about the orchestra’s history and renowned musicians. They can even pick up a baton and conduct a simulated orchestra, becoming a “Maestro for a Day.” The second floor offers open-shelf displays and individual audio viewing areas, where visitors can choose their favorite CDs to play and enjoy.

Concert Hall

The National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra has its own concert hall, which officially opened ten years ago. It meets world-class standards in terms of stage, acoustics, and recording equipment. The walls on both sides are equipped with sound-adjusting panel designs to enhance the acoustic quality of performances. The concert hall can accommodate 574 seats and is typically used for orchestra rehearsals and performances. It is also available for rent to other groups, hosting around 100 performances each year.