2024 Taiwan Composer Series - LI Tai-hsiang and His Dreamland A Memorial Exhibition Honouring the 10th Farewell Anniversary
Although Master LI Tai-hsiang passed away ten years ago, his indomitable spirit in the face of illness and his relentless dedication to music creation continue to inspire people worldwide. Despite the rapid changes in society and the evolving landscape of the music industry, his melodies remain beloved and widely performed. While many are swept up in the grand dramas of life, LI consistently remained true to himself.
In 1979, as Taiwan was entering what is known as the "Taiwanese money flood" era, the song "The Olive Tree" captured the hearts of many. Its famed lyric, "Don't ask me where I come from; my homeland is far away…" resonated deeply, especially as the song was banned during the martial law era. This timeless heralded the dawn of the Chinese era and cemented LI's reputation and his distinctive voice in history.
As LI's music blended into the currents of folk and pop music, his contributions to classical music and interdisciplinary arts were somewhat overshadowed. It wasn't until he was posthumously awarded the National Award for Arts in 2014 that the full breadth of his genius, which spanned popular to classical and interdisciplinary arts, was truly appreciated. He was not only a musical pioneer but also a passionate advocate for his heritage as a member of the Amis tribe. His dramatic life story mirrors the legacies of other monumental figures like Master Hongyi, BEETHOVEN, and VAN GOGH, showcasing the spirit of his era and the brilliance of humanity through his roller-coaster life and enduring works.
Curating this 2024 Taiwan Composer Series - LI Tai-hsiang and His Dreamland: A Memorial Exhibition Honouring the 10th Farewell Anniversary, I reflect on nearly thirty years of acquaintance and collaboration with Master LI and his family. Within his home, it was common to stumble upon his artistic endeavors beyond music, especially his skilled paintings that perfectly blend visual art with musical elements. LI was akin to an Eastern MENDELSSOHN, painting on musical staves and singing through poetic texts. Reflecting on his luminous life, I have categorized it into six thematic areas that correspond to different stages of his life's journey: "The Birth of a Prodigy and the Influence of Classical Music," "New-style Folk Music," "A Pioneer in Experimental Music," "From Folk Song Music to Pop Music," "From 'Visions Springing Up from the Tradition' to Dance Dramas and Musicals," and "Battling Illness and Li Tai-Hsiang in His Dreamland." (Written by CHANG Wang)
Curator
CHANG Wang
CHANG Wang, born CHANG Ho-chin, emerges from a robust fine arts tradition, having studied under the tutelage of HUANG Pu-ching, CHAO Kuo-tsung, and LI Yi-hung. Despite his artistic roots, CHANG has dedicated over twenty years to the performing arts.
CHANG's approach in both visual and performing arts is distinctly avant-garde and classical, seamlessly blending a sense of primordial naturalism with an aura of mysterious transcendence.
He has shaped the stagecraft for a myriad of performing arts groups, including the "Contemporary Legend Theatre," "Legend Lin Dance Theatre," "U-Theatre," "Tai Gu Tales Dance Theatre," "Golden Bough Theatre," and "Wei Hai Ming Classical Theatre." These groups are celebrated for their hybrid styles that bridge classical and avant-garde sensibilities.
In 1997, CHANG made a landmark contribution by collaborating with "Golden Bough Theatre" to transform the then-abandoned Huashan Winery—a property overlooked by the Monopoly Bureau—into a vibrant artistic hub. This project marked the onset of Taiwan's movement toward the "artistic occupation" of derelict spaces, resulting in the birth of the "Huashan Creative Park."
During a sabbatical, CHANG co-founded the "Association of Culture Environment Reform Taiwan" and spearheaded the early development of the "Huashan Art & Cultural Park." His efforts have been instrumental in repurposing unused spaces across Taiwan and he is heralded as a frontrunner in the realm of cross-disciplinary Taiwanese performing arts.
In 1998, CHANG established "Headspring Theatre" as a focal point for the latest artistic trends, creating a melting pot of diverse artistic forms and a gathering place for talent irrespective of nationality or discipline.
CHANG's directorial prowess is evident in his ingenious integration of art installations into theatrical productions, cultivating a multitude of imaginative spaces. Since 2006, he has driven "Headspring Theatre" to engage the public directly by bringing performing arts to the streets of Taipei.
Program
11/16(Sat)19:30 Concert Hall
►Do Not Bid Farewell—The 10th Memorial Concert of LI Tai-hsiang
Sponsor
 |
2024 Taiwan Composer Series - LI Tai-hsiang and His Dreamland A Memorial Exhibition Honouring the 10th Farewell Anniversary
Although Master LI Tai-hsiang passed away ten years ago, his indomitable spirit in the face of illness and his relentless dedication to music creation continue to inspire people worldwide. Despite the rapid changes in society and the evolving landscape of the music industry, his melodies remain beloved and widely performed. While many are swept up in the grand dramas of life, LI consistently remained true to himself.
In 1979, as Taiwan was entering what is known as the "Taiwanese money flood" era, the song "The Olive Tree" captured the hearts of many. Its famed lyric, "Don't ask me where I come from; my homeland is far away…" resonated deeply, especially as the song was banned during the martial law era. This timeless heralded the dawn of the Chinese era and cemented LI's reputation and his distinctive voice in history.
As LI's music blended into the currents of folk and pop music, his contributions to classical music and interdisciplinary arts were somewhat overshadowed. It wasn't until he was posthumously awarded the National Award for Arts in 2014 that the full breadth of his genius, which spanned popular to classical and interdisciplinary arts, was truly appreciated. He was not only a musical pioneer but also a passionate advocate for his heritage as a member of the Amis tribe. His dramatic life story mirrors the legacies of other monumental figures like Master Hongyi, BEETHOVEN, and VAN GOGH, showcasing the spirit of his era and the brilliance of humanity through his roller-coaster life and enduring works.
Curating this 2024 Taiwan Composer Series - LI Tai-hsiang and His Dreamland: A Memorial Exhibition Honouring the 10th Farewell Anniversary, I reflect on nearly thirty years of acquaintance and collaboration with Master LI and his family. Within his home, it was common to stumble upon his artistic endeavors beyond music, especially his skilled paintings that perfectly blend visual art with musical elements. LI was akin to an Eastern MENDELSSOHN, painting on musical staves and singing through poetic texts. Reflecting on his luminous life, I have categorized it into six thematic areas that correspond to different stages of his life's journey: "The Birth of a Prodigy and the Influence of Classical Music," "New-style Folk Music," "A Pioneer in Experimental Music," "From Folk Song Music to Pop Music," "From 'Visions Springing Up from the Tradition' to Dance Dramas and Musicals," and "Battling Illness and Li Tai-Hsiang in His Dreamland." (Written by CHANG Wang)
Curator
CHANG Wang
CHANG Wang, born CHANG Ho-chin, emerges from a robust fine arts tradition, having studied under the tutelage of HUANG Pu-ching, CHAO Kuo-tsung, and LI Yi-hung. Despite his artistic roots, CHANG has dedicated over twenty years to the performing arts.
CHANG's approach in both visual and performing arts is distinctly avant-garde and classical, seamlessly blending a sense of primordial naturalism with an aura of mysterious transcendence.
He has shaped the stagecraft for a myriad of performing arts groups, including the "Contemporary Legend Theatre," "Legend Lin Dance Theatre," "U-Theatre," "Tai Gu Tales Dance Theatre," "Golden Bough Theatre," and "Wei Hai Ming Classical Theatre." These groups are celebrated for their hybrid styles that bridge classical and avant-garde sensibilities.
In 1997, CHANG made a landmark contribution by collaborating with "Golden Bough Theatre" to transform the then-abandoned Huashan Winery—a property overlooked by the Monopoly Bureau—into a vibrant artistic hub. This project marked the onset of Taiwan's movement toward the "artistic occupation" of derelict spaces, resulting in the birth of the "Huashan Creative Park."
During a sabbatical, CHANG co-founded the "Association of Culture Environment Reform Taiwan" and spearheaded the early development of the "Huashan Art & Cultural Park." His efforts have been instrumental in repurposing unused spaces across Taiwan and he is heralded as a frontrunner in the realm of cross-disciplinary Taiwanese performing arts.
In 1998, CHANG established "Headspring Theatre" as a focal point for the latest artistic trends, creating a melting pot of diverse artistic forms and a gathering place for talent irrespective of nationality or discipline.
CHANG's directorial prowess is evident in his ingenious integration of art installations into theatrical productions, cultivating a multitude of imaginative spaces. Since 2006, he has driven "Headspring Theatre" to engage the public directly by bringing performing arts to the streets of Taipei.
Program
11/16(Sat)19:30 Concert Hall
►Do Not Bid Farewell—The 10th Memorial Concert of LI Tai-hsiang
Sponsor
|
