衛武營國家藝術文化中心 National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Weiwuying)

Haydn’s oratorio The Creation, produced by Spanish avant-garde group La Fura dels Baus, will be presenting its first performance in Asia on the 26th and 28th of October at National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Weiwuying). The performance will be led by internationally-renowned German-based conductor Lin Chin-Chao and performed by soprano Sunhae Im, tenor Dovlet Nurgeldiyev, baritone Thomas Tatzl, together with Kaohsiung Symphony Orchestra and Kaohsiung Chamber Choir. La Fura dels Baus incorporated several large mechanical installations including a 9-meter-high crane, 36 large balloons, and aquarium into their performance at Weiwuying concert hall, combined with art projections, orchestras, solo vocals, and choirs, to interpret God’s creation of sunshine, air, water, and the story of Adam and Eve, giving new life to the classic oratorio.

La Fura dels Baus’s The Creation is distinct from traditional productions of the work, which usually presents the music through orchestras, choirs, and vocals. La Fura dels Baus’s integration of multiple innovative concepts of theater performance transforms the classic work into a bold aesthetic expression. The fusion of digital media, electronic music, and visual art gives birth to a unique aesthetic and theatrical narrative. The use of the soaring crane, large balloons, a gigantic aquarium, and other mechanic equipment allows for unexampled viewing experiences.
 

Zamira Pasceri, the executive director of La Fura dels Baus, stated that: “Since The Creation is such a classic work, La Fura dels Baus aims to add contemporary elements while maintaining the essence of the original work. The portrayal of Mediterranean refugees and the hope and light brought forth by God after the explosion of the atomic bomb inspires alternative sensations and contemplations for the audience.”

▲ Zamira Pasceri

Last year, La Fura dels Baus’s production of The Creation was popularly received by audiences during their performance at Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, Germany, and the opening performance of La Seine Musicale in Paris. By integrating classical music with modern theater performance, La Fura dels Baus brings new life to the already popular work, which aligns with the artistic goal of Weiwuying. The first Asia performance of the work will be presented during the opening season of Weiwuying, hoping to give Taiwanese audiences an entirely new experience.
 

Weiwuying has specially invited conductor Lin Chin-Chao to return to Taiwan for the occasion. At only 31 years of age, Lin is an outstanding young Taiwanese artist who has been appointed as music director for Theater Regensburg and Regensburg Philharmonic Orchestra last year, listing him alongside Lu Shao-chia, music director of National Symphony Orchestra, and Chien Wen-pin, artistic director of Weiwuying, as the few Taiwanese conductors to hold central posts at German opera houses. Lin Chin-Chao completed his degree in violin, conducting, and opera accompaniment in Austria and Switzerland and was the winner of the National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra Conducting Competition, Witold Lutoslawski International Contest for Young Conductors in Poland, Operetta Competition in Musikalische Komödie Leipzig, as well as various competitions domestic and abroad.
 

Speaking about his role as conductor for the performance of The Creation, Lin stated that: “The challenges of interpreting this work lies in the superb acoustic of Weiwuying concert hall, which allows perfect music performance but also enhances tiny mistakes or noise. Both the Kaohsiung Symphony Orchestra and Kaohsiung Chamber Choir are highly professional groups. I learn something new with each rehearsal.”

The Spanish avant-garde group La Fura dels Baus was established in 1979. Over the past 40 years, La Fura dels Baus has presented over 3,000 performances and is recognized by the international art world through their innovative theatrical concepts and listed among the most creatively-energetic theatre groups.