2004 Taiwan
Our invitation to visit Taiwan came to mark the 25th anniversary of the Country's Institute for the Information Industry.
The Choir performed a concert on the 23rd July at Taiwan's stunning 2,000 seat National Concert Hall, pictured above and situated in the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park, in the capital city, Taipei.
The exterior design of the Concert Hall is based on traditional Chinese styles. Its grand columns, carved beams, stone walls and railings, as well as auspicious and bright colours, fully express the aesthetics of Chinese classical architecture. However, the interior is a modern auditorium with a seating capacity of 2076; the stage, lighting, acoustics, air conditioning and noise prevention designs were based on the advice of an elite professional group.
The audience included government ministers, Taiwan's leading business representatives and industrialists, and also representatives from the British Council, WDA, and members of other overseas missions. The music was enthusiastically received by the audience, and 'Ode for Formosa' resulted in a standing ovation. Musical Director Alwyn Humphreys was able to respond to the audience's demand to repeat that particular piece of music.
On the following evening the Choir performed outdoors for the Taiwan Welsh Society at the far Eastern Plaza Hotel in Taipei.
Soloist
Samantha Cole (soprano)
Musical Staff
Alwyn Humphreys (Musical Director) ~ Joy Amman Davies (Accompanist) ~ Rob Nicholls (Organist)
Flights
1st party - Bristol ~ Taipei (via Amsterdam)
2nd party ~ Cardiff ~ Taipei (via Amsterdam)
Taipei
21st July ~ Stayed at Holiday Inn
22nd July ~Press Conference
23rd July ~ Concert ~ National Concert Hall
24th July ~ Mini-concert and party with the Welsh Society
25th July ~ Flew home
