Wang Ming-che is one of Taiwan’s most prominent composers of native Taiwanese art songs. His works are characterized by deeply moving, soul-stirring melodies paired with clear, evocative lyrics. Many of his choral arrangements are frequently performed in major concert halls by Taiwanese-diaspora choirs across the United States and Canada, as well as by top choirs within Taiwan. Boasting high popularity, his masterpieces have become irreplaceable anthems at major national celebrations.
Featuring a selection of Wang Ming-che’s most moving pieces dedicated to his deep love for Taiwan, this concert aims to bring comfort and inspiration through music amid Taiwan's declining birthrate and turbulent social atmosphere. It is a heartfelt wish that these songs will inspire people to contribute love to Taiwan in their daily lives—from families to society, and from society to the nation. Through this collective devotion, Taiwan can become a kinder, more polite, harmonious, law-abiding, and orderly society that embraces scientific reasoning and technology-driven governance, ultimately blossoming into a land of happiness for its people and a nation respected worldwide.
Notably, eight of the pieces in tonight's program—including Beautiful Formosa, Rainy Night Flower in the Mountain Town, Rocking the Grandchild, A Beautiful Mountain and River is Our Home (3-part women's choir), The Earth's Garden (3-part women's choir), The Longed-For Homeland, The Bruised Sweet Potato, and The Ocean Nation—are newly arranged and making their world premiere.
Concert Program
I. Children’s Choir + Women’s Choir
(1) Braised Pork Rice
Written by the 86-year-old "artistic old prankster," the lyrics encapsulate the traditional, old-time flavors of Taiwanese cuisine passed down through generations.
(2) I Am the Wind
Deeply concerned about the crisis of mother tongue extinction, renowned poet Lin Zong-yuan wrote this piece hoping that the mother tongue could act like the wind—free from obstacles, flying out of Tainan, reaching every corner of Taiwan, and soaring into the world.
(3) Beautiful Formosa
Performed by the children's choir, this piece offers a profoundly moving expression of the future leaders' praise and expectations for a beautiful Taiwan.
Conductor for these three pieces: Ms. Li Ma-pao
II. Soprano Solo with Violin and Piano
The sweet and emotionally expressive voice of Soprano Dr. Ling Meng-wen pairs exquisitely with the flowing, seamless violin performance of Dr. Hong Yin-zhou.
(1) Rainy Night Flower in the Mountain Town
Refers to Puli, a town renowned for its beautiful mountains and pristine waters.
(2) The Discolored Spring
Depicts the profound, endless sorrow of the victims of the 2-28 Incident, whose "spring" would never feel warm again.
III. Tenor Solo with Mandolin and Piano
(1) Spring of the Miscanthus Flower
Metaphorically describes the historical plight of Taiwanese people, who, lacking their own country to rely on, must depend on their own resilient vitality to stand tall in nature.
(2) Rocking the Grandchild
Great poet Lin Zong-yuan uses the imagery of an infant in a cradle to describe how the Taiwanese people have endured successive foreign invasions and have yet to establish their own nation.
Accompanied by Italian-trained tenor Huang Yi-cheng, a Mandolin ensemble leader on the mandolin, and a pianist, these two songs deliver an exceptionally sorrowful and moving emotional depth.
IV. Women’s Choir
(1) A Beautiful Mountain and River is Our Home
The lyrics won first prize more than 20 years ago in a competition for the official song of Kaohsiung County (prior to its merger with Kaohsiung City). Written by Director Yu Bu-guang, Wang Ming-che was commissioned to compose the music. Remarkably, the lyricist and composer did not meet in person until early 2022. Director Yu now serves as the Chairperson of the Wang Ming-che International Music Association (registered under the Ministry of the Interior), making their collaboration a beautiful twist of fate.
(2) The Earth’s Garden
The lyrics were penned by Ms. Lu Chien-hui, a renowned children's literature author and wife of the former Taiwan Representative to Japan. Though living abroad, her heart remains tied to Taiwan. She wishes to dedicate the most beautiful flowers to Taiwan, hoping it will become the garden of the world.
These two pieces are performed with exceptional emotion by the Tainan Girls' Senior High School Choir, conducted by Ms. Zheng Yi-lin.
V. Joint Choirs
(1) The Path of Asceticism
On February 28, 1980, Mr. Lin I-hsiung suffered a tragic family massacre. Composer Wang Ming-che wrote this piece to commemorate the tragedy, carrying an atmosphere akin to the Passion of Jesus Christ. It is now frequently sung in churches.
(2) The Glorious Sunlight
This song is widely performed by various choirs across the US, Canada, and Taiwan. Both the lyrics and music represent Wang Ming-che's praise for a beautiful Taiwan, making it a monumental work in Taiwanese native vocal music.
These two pieces are performed by the Yage Music Association, the Taipower Southern Phoenix Choir, and the Ciguang Choir, conducted by Ms. Sha-shang Gui-xiang.
VI. White Orchid
Both the lyrics and music were created by Wang Ming-che. Along with Taiwan, this piece won the Highest Excellence Award from the General Association of Chinese Culture. The "White Orchid" refers to Formosan Wild Lilies; though untended, they blossom with beautiful, fragrant flowers every year, symbolizing the endless vitality of the Taiwanese people even under harsh conditions.
Performed by the Caiyun Zhi Qiu Choir, conducted by Mr. Su Yi.
VII. Mixed Choir
The Longed-For Homeland & Anticipation
These two songs represent Wang Ming-che's only collaborations with the legendary pop singer Fong Fei-fei. For this concert, they have been rearranged into a four-part mixed-voice (SATB) choral version, making their premiere performance by the Xinyun Choir under the direction of conductor Ms. Liao Zhi-hui.
VIII. Tenor Solo
(1) Mother Has Grown Old
With lyrics by Ms. Lan Shu-zhen, this piece compares the Earth to a mother, describing the severity of human over-exploitation and environmental pollution.
(2) The Bruised Sweet Potato
A metaphor for unyielding determination—just like a bruised sweet potato that still manages to sprout and grow.
These two pieces are delivered with a remarkably rich, robust, and precise interpretation by Tenor Chen Wei-han.
IX. The Ocean Nation (海洋國家)
The lyrics were written by Mr. Lin Yong-sheng, an activist who dedicated his life to Taiwan's independence. After his close friend Wang Ming-che composed the melody, it served as the campaign song for Mr. Peng Ming-min during Taiwan's first democratic presidential election. Powerful and majestic, it is often sung to boost morale.
X. When the Phoenix Flowers Bloom
Great poet Mr. Lin Zong-yuan uses the blooming of phoenix flowers to depict the flourishing cultural and humanistic development of the historic capital, Tainan. Wang Ming-che sets this piece to a waltz rhythm, showcasing a joyful emotion rarely seen in native Taiwanese art songs. It is highly suited to be promoted as the official city song of Tainan.
The organizers reserve the right to make final adjustments to the program information. In the event of any changes, announcements made on-site and on the official website shall prevail.
