The “2024 Presidential Music Concert – The Power of Freedom,” jointly organized by the Office of the President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Chinese Cultural Association, will be held on the evening of the 20th. The internationally renowned cast, the “Okinawa Prefectural Nishihara High School Marching Band” (commonly known as the Nishihara High School Marching Band), will be performing in Taiwan.
The Chinese Cultural Association announced today (July 9) that the Japanese Okinawa Prefectural Nishihara High School Marching Band has been added to the lineup of performers for the “2024 Presidential Music Concert – The Power of Freedom.” In 2022, they won the championship at the prestigious WMC World Music Contest in the Netherlands, often referred to as the “Olympics of the music world.” They have also achieved the remarkable record of five first-place wins in the National Marching Band Competition in Japan.
The Secretary-General of the Chinese Cultural Association, Li Houqing, explained that the connection with Nishihara High School began through a recommendation from Yoko Owan, former representative of the Okinawa Office in Yilan County. Due to the unique style of the marching band from Okinawa and its geographical proximity to Taiwan, as well as the cultural resonances between the two, it is believed that the Taiwanese audience will enjoy their performance.
Li Houqing mentioned that as a result, Yoko Owan made a special call to the Mayor of Nishihara Town, Morihide Nagahara, who was pleasantly surprised and immediately contacted the principal of Nishihara High School, Jun Shimada. Shortly after, Yoko Owan received a call from the principal, who expressed great happiness and willingness to perform in Taiwan.
Li Houqing added that two-thirds of the students from the Nishihara High School Marching Band who are coming to Taiwan have never been abroad before, and some of them do not even have passports. They have applied for their first passports in order to participate in this year’s Presidential Music Concert of the Republic of China. Taiwan will be their first overseas visit, which is both an honor and holds great significance for them.
Regarding the feelings of the invited students about their performance, Li Houqing revealed that they feel a sense of responsibility as they are representing their country and are nervous about performing in front of President Lai. Moreover, they had mid-term exams two weeks before coming to Taiwan, making it challenging to balance their studies and band practice. Li Houqing expressed gratitude to the parents for their positive and supportive attitude towards this invitation.
Li Houqing stated that in recent years, Taiwan has been gaining more international attention, with an increasing number of foreign friends visiting Taiwan. The programming of the Presidential Music Concert aims to align with the global stage. Last year, the Democratic Front of Lithuania vocal group was invited, and this year, through the performance of the Nishihara High School Marching Band, it is hoped that the friendship between Taiwan and Japan will continue to flourish.
The Chinese Cultural Association stated that the Nishihara High School Marching Band will arrive in Taiwan on the 17th for a rehearsal before the performance. In addition to the Presidential Music Concert on the 20th, the Nishihara High School will also deliver exciting flash performances at renowned landmarks in Taiwan. They will perform on the morning of the 19th at Taipei 101 and on the morning of the 20th at the Grand Hotel. Interested audience members are welcome to come and enjoy their performances. Detailed performance information will be announced on the Chinese Cultural Association’s social media channels in the future.
The “2024 Presidential Music Concert – The Power of Freedom” will take place at 7:00 PM on the 20th at the Plaza of the National Theater & Concert Hall, with free admission. The unlocked cast already includes hosts Xu Zhan-yuan, Sandra, NSYO National Youth Symphony Orchestra, conductor Yang Zhiqin, Ruiz Rhyme Rhythmic Gymnastics Association, Huang Bo-han, Sambuy, Dance Eon, Salaw Dance Troupe, Random Impromptu, among others.
Also included are Darren Tao, Shen Wen-cheng, Chen Ming-zhang & Fermoza Danshui Singing Troupe, Hsu Jing-chun, Vuize Wang Zhong-wei, Gong De Kung Ta, Huang Zixuan and Shanping Express, Chunmian Band, Okinawa Prefectural Nishihara High School Marching Band, Shih Shin University Cheerleading Team, Akua Mian, FORMOSA CREW, Chen Xihong Traditional Palm Puppet Troupe, Jin Guang Glove Puppetry, Zheng Yiqi, Pan Lili, Fire EX., and more will be announced later, so stay tuned to the Chinese Cultural Association’s official social media.
The event will be broadcast live on television and online platforms, including but not limited to CTV main channel, TaiwanPlus, Chunghwa Telecom MOD; YouTube channels of the President’s Office, Cultural Association, TaiwanPlus, and SET News; official websites of the President’s Office, Hami Video, Yahoo TV, LINE TODAY, SET News, and others.
The Okinawa Prefectural Nishihara High School Marching Band was established in 1984, consisting of approximately 60 members. Their motto is “heart-stirring music” and “heart-moving marches.” They actively participate in various local activities in Okinawa and have consistently received gold awards at the national competitions.
They have participated multiple times in the World Music Contest held every four years in Kerkrade, the Netherlands, winning the overall first place, gold medals, and best international performance awards several times. They have also won the world championship at the World Championships held in Potsdam, Germany.