A carnival music lovers can't miss—Chiayi International Wind Band Festival kicks off on December 10

▲ The Chiayi City International Wind Band Festival will be held grandly from December 10 to December 25. (Photo / Provided by Chiayi City International Wind Band Festival)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

With the slogan “Where there’s wind band music, there’s Chiayi,”the “Chiayi City International Wind Band Festival” is gearing up for its 25th edition this year, running from December 10 to 25.The Chiayi City Government has invited over 40 domestic and international bands from countries including Japan, the United States, and France to perform. Centered around three key themes—music, tourism, and public welfare—the festival aims to elevate Taiwan’s musical presence, foster international exchange, and promote local Chiayi culture and creative arts.

This year’s performances will take place across four venues, divided between indoor and outdoor locations.Indoor performances will be held at the Cultural Affairs Bureau Music Hall, while outdoor concerts will feature the Zhongzheng Park, Wenhua Park, and the Cultural and Creative Park as performance sites, accommodating even more attendees to enjoy a diverse musical feast.

Local acts include experienced performers such as the “Chiayi City Wind Orchestra,” “Cub Scout Wind Orchestra,” and “Ministry of National Defense Demonstration Band.” Internationally renowned ensembles such as the “French Saint-Omer Municipal Wind Orchestra & University Brass Band,” “Japan National University of Fine Arts Brass Band,” and “Beijing Dunshan Symphony Wind Orchestra” have also been invited to join the celebration.

▲ The Chiayi City International Wind Band Festival will be held grandly from December 10 to December 25. (Photo / Provided by Chiayi City International Wind Band Festival)

Immerse yourself in the excitement of the band carnival—the “Parade Carnival” and “Formation-Changing Evening” will kick off with great fanfare on December 17.Attracting tens of thousands of visitors over the years, the “Parade Carnival” is set to begin during the day from the Central Fountain, marching along Zhongshan Road, Wu Feng North Road, and Minzu Road toward Chiayi Municipal Stadium. Over 40 bands will perform stirring marching music along the route, stepping in unison to fill the city with majestic sound. The “Formation-Changing Evening” will dazzle audiences in the evening at Chiayi Municipal Stadium, where bands and flag teams will take turns creating impeccable visual patterns in sync with the music. Among the performers, the Matrix Percussion Ensemble, known for its elaborate layering of tones and exceptional percussion skills, and the Japan Omi High School Wind Orchestra, famed for blending folk and pop styles, are the only two foreign acts—adding extra sparkle to the night’s performances.

In addition to letting fans experience the charm of wind band music, the festival also integrates local features. The official website has launched photography contests themed “Chiayi Chicken Rice” and “Welcome Back to Chiayi.” With Christmas approaching, residents of southern Taiwan won’t need to travel north—there will be a Christmas cultural and creative market at the Chiayi Cultural and Creative Park from December 23 to 25.

Chiayi City International Wind Band Festival
Dates: December 10–December 25, 2016
Phone: (02)2768-3306#209
Website: http://www.chiayiband.org/?lang=zh-tw