Tokyo: Homage to President Lee Teng-hui made its Japanese debut Monday as part of the National Symphony Orchestra's (NSO) ongoing tour of Japan. The NSO performed Movements III and IV of the piece by Taiwanese composer Gordon Chin in memory of the late former President Lee at the prestigious Suntory Hall in Tokyo.
According to Focus Taiwan, several Japan-based individuals known for their support of Taiwan attended the special occasion, including Akie Abe, widow of the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe; Japanese lawmaker Keiji Furuya, chairman of the Japan-ROC Diet Members' Consultative Council; and House of Councilors member Ken Akamatsu. Daniel Ernst, Minister Counselor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, and Lee I-yang, Taiwan's representative to Japan, also attended the event.
"Mr. Lee Teng-hui holds an extraordinarily revered place in the hearts of the Japanese people. Through this piece of music, we can feel how arduous and full of setbacks the process of democratizing Taiwan was under former President Lee's leadership," Lee I-yang told reporters before the concert. He added that with Lee's wisdom and the resilient spirit of Taiwanese society, challenges were overcome, guiding Taiwan toward a more hopeful future.
During the concert, the NSO also premiered 'Echoes of Home,' marking its world debut. The piece, composed by Taiwanese musician Chen Ke-chia, is written for chorus and inspired by "Return to Hometown," a poem by Hakka poet Tseng Kuei-hai. Chen explained that the piece begins with the oboe, building a theatrical atmosphere before introducing the trumpet to mimic the suona in traditional Hakka bayin music. Through pizzicato string playing, the rhythm of mountain songs is conveyed, evoking imagery and emotions of the audience's hometown.
Lee I-yang noted that the piece, commissioned by the Hakka Affairs Council, portrays the nostalgia felt by the Hakka people. Both pieces featured a choir, projecting Taiwan's voice to the world, he said. Before the show, Akie Abe inquired about the character of the Hakka people, to which Lee replied that they are "tenacious and diligent."
The NSO will hold its final concert of the tour Wednesday at Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall.