By Wei Ruyu, compiled and reported
After a six-year hiatus, the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra is making its second visit to Taiwan. Tonight and tomorrow night (Nov 18–19), at 7:30 p.m., they will perform “Opening Night” and “Voice of the King” at the National Concert Hall in Taipei. The performances will also be simulcast outdoors at Taipei Arena, the National Taiwan College of Physical Education Stadium, Hsinchu County Government Plaza, Taichung Dali High School, and Hualien Arena, and livestreamed globally in HD via satellite from the “Berlin Digital Concert Hall.”
The Berlin Philharmonic’s “Digital Concert Hall” headquarters will also broadcast the vibrant atmosphere of these live performances and outdoor screenings to audiences worldwide. (Photo courtesy of Niu’er Art)
Under the baton of Chief Conductor Sir Simon Rattle, the 145-member orchestra is embarking on an Asian tour via chartered flight, visiting Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul, Taipei, and Japan. Taipei is the only city hosting both simultaneous outdoor broadcasts and an online livestream via the Berlin Digital Concert Hall. For the Nov 18 concert, microphones flown in from Berlin will be used in the hall. Due to their high sensitivity, Mahler’s Symphony No. 9 — lasting 80 minutes — will be performed without an intermission, and latecomers will not be admitted.
The Berlin Philharmonic’s performances around the world are always a highlight for classical music enthusiasts. Currently, the Berlin Digital Concert Hall is offering 48-hour valid access vouchers. Interested individuals can register as members at www.digital-concert-hall.com, then select “Vouchers” and enter the serial number provided in the program brochure. Each registered member may use this serial number once, and vouchers are valid until the end of December 2011.
Chief Conductor Sir Simon Rattle is delighted that technology allows more people to experience the beauty of music. (Photo courtesy of Niu’er Art)
Additionally, classical music fans interested in exploring the profound works of Mahler and Bruckner can watch two 15-minute introductory videos specially prepared by Chunghwa Telecom on “hichannel.” The inaugural digital edition of the official magazine Performance, themed around the Berlin Philharmonic, is now available for free download on iPads. Search for “MNA” in the App Store to access it.
Currently, both Taipei Arena relay screenings are sold out. Northern Taiwan audiences are advised to take convenient transportation to Hsinchu County Government Plaza to enjoy the outdoor broadcast on Sat, Nov 19. For the Hualien screening on Sat, Nov 19, tickets must be reserved by calling the Hualien County Government Tourism & Public Affairs Division at 03-8230751.
[Simulcast Concert Venues]
Nov 18, 7:00 p.m.
Taipei Arena (No. 2, Section 4, Nanjing East Road, Taipei City)
National Taiwan College of Physical Education Stadium (No. 271, Lixing Road, North District, Taichung City)
National Dali High School (No. 369, Dongrong Road, Dali District, Taichung City)
Hualien Arena (No. 23, Dagu Lake Bay Road, Hualien City)
Nov 19, 7:00 p.m.
Taipei Arena (No. 2, Section 4, Nanjing East Road, Taipei City)
Hsinchu County Government Plaza (No. 10, Guangming 6th Road, Zhubei City, Hsinchu County)
Hualien Arena (No. 23, Dagu Lake Bay Road, Hualien City)