NTU Alumni Chorus and National Symphony Orchestra to perform choral concert

臺大校友合唱團與國家交響樂團合作舉辦合唱音樂會

Concert to feature choral and orchestral collaboration with Brahms and Beethoven


TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The National Taiwan University (NTU) Alumni Chorus, the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO), Japanese pianist Kotaro Fukuma, and renowned vocalists will perform a choral concert Thursday (Nov. 14) led by Taiwanese conductor Lu Shao-chia (呂紹嘉).

The first half will feature Johannes Brahms’ Song of Destiny, Op. 54 and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy in C minor, Op. 80. Lo Yang’s (羅揚) Overture of New Technologies Coding Fantasia will also be premiered.

The second half will be dedicated to Brahms’ Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98. The piece is widely considered the composer's greatest masterpiece, serving as his musical autobiography.

Nineteenth-century Europe was a period of significant social and political change, which fostered a climate of artistic innovation. Beethoven, a pivotal figure in the transition from the Classical to the Romantic era, was at the forefront of this movement.

Beethoven's groundbreaking "Choral Fantasy," blending piano, orchestra, and chorus, marked a significant departure from traditional forms. Its universal themes of joy and unity laid the foundation for the choral symphony.

Conductor Lu described Brahms’ Symphony No. 4 as a masterpiece of German-Austrian music. He described the work as a musical equivalent of a Greek tragedy, highlighting its emotional depth and dramatic intensity.

Lu noted the demanding nature of Brahms' Song of Destiny despite its relatively short length. Its dramatic power and emotional range from despair to hope are brought to life by the combined interplay between chorus and orchestra.

Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy, while a choral work, shares characteristics with a piano concerto due to the prominence of the piano, Lu observed. Six additional soloists and a chorus at the end create a grand and inspiring finale, embodying the spirit of musical collaboration.

Hailing from Taiwan, conductor Lu initially studied piano before turning his attention to conducting under the tutelage of Chen Chiu-sheng (陳秋盛). He went on to pursue advanced studies at the US’ Indiana University and Austria’s University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna.

After success in prestigious international competitions, Lu embarked on a career in Europe.

Lo Yang’s “Overture of New Technologies Coding Fantasia” was composed for the “One-minute Symphony Project.” The project is a cooperation between Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the NSO, and the Taipei National University of Arts.

The initiative was designed to nurture and encourage the growth of young, talented composers in Taiwan. It provides a platform for them to showcase their talent by premiering one-minute compositions before main concerts.

Vocalists include sopranos Grace Lin (林慈音) and Lin Siao Chun-han (林蕭淳顄), alto Chen Yu (陳禹), tenors Kingston Kung (宮天平) and Chang Chen-wen (張振文), and baritone Yeh Chan-yu (葉展毓). Vocal coach Hsieh Hsin-Jung (謝欣容) and chorus master Chuang Shun-hsu (莊舜旭) will also contribute to the performance.