The Lincoln Center’s “Alice Tully Hall” in New York was packed on the evening of June 14th, with the New York Youth Orchestra (CYCNY), also known as the “Youth Orchestra,” performing to a full house. The music played by these young musicians aged 10 to 18 resonated through the hall, eliciting thunderous applause from the audience who were immersed in the elegant music brought by this group. Some audience members remarked that it was a source of pride for the Taiwanese-American community. The youth orchestra, organized by Taiwanese-Americans residing in New York, will be celebrating its 30th anniversary next year.
Leading the orchestra at Lincoln Center for over a decade, the conductor was seated on a high stool for the first time during the June 14th performance instead of standing. Since discovering a tumor in 2017, undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, and dealing with residual effects such as hip joint degradation, the conductor has shown remarkable dedication despite physical pain. Under his skilled direction, the young members performed 10 Broadway hits, classical masterpieces, iconic film scores, and Taiwanese folk songs. The conductor mentioned, “When I am conducting, I forget about the pain in my body, and music transforms into my source of strength.”
Born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, the conductor, Chung Chi-jen, joined the orchestra in 2006 as a string instructor before becoming the conductor and music director in 2011. A cellist, he started learning piano, violin, and cello at the age of five, winning the cello championship in Kaohsiung and Taiwan for three consecutive years. He attained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music from Purchase College SUNY in New York in 1997. Despite minor health issues over the years, Chung rarely missed the orchestra’s rehearsals held at IS 158 every Saturday. Parents of students were deeply moved by his dedication and even created a pun using his name to praise him.
The orchestra was founded in 1995-1996 and registered as a non-profit organization with the New York state government in 1997, later joining the Beacon Program in 1998. Operating under the principles of “serving the community, educating talents” and “caring for one’s own children as well as others’,” it is the longest-standing Asian-American youth orchestra in New York. The management and teachers are comprised of Taiwanese immigrants and second-generation Taiwanese-Americans. Each year, the repertoire includes original Taiwanese compositions, showcasing Taiwanese music in prestigious venues worldwide, such as Xiao Tai-ran’s “Angels from Formosa.”
From September to June the following year, the orchestra holds rehearsals every Saturday at IS 158 in Bayside, Queens. Annual events include the Lincoln Center concert, performances at the Taiwan Center showcasing student talents, and the Cardozo High School Christmas concert, providing students with ample training opportunities.
Another key figure in the orchestra is music educator Fang Hsiu-jung. She graduated from the National Taiwan College of Arts in 1968 with top honors in music and obtained a master’s degree in music education from New York University in 1980. Her father was a renowned obstetrician in Taipei. Fang mentioned that while working in an administrative role at a Chicago hospital from late 1968 to 1970, she came across a statistic from the American Medical Association stating that a large number of medical school entrants had graduated from music programs. This realization highlighted the significant impact of music education on personal growth, academic pursuits, and career development. Fang also nurtured her daughter, Chen Chieh-ssu, to become the orchestra’s concertmaster and a successful composer. Serving as the artistic director of the orchestra since 1998, Fang has guided the orchestra to its current success.
Fang often recalls a significant and influential decision she made after taking over the management of the orchestra, which, with hindsight, turned out to be a fortunate and crucial move. She mentioned that with the orchestra heading in the right direction, the shared goal of performing at Lincoln Center and advancing towards professionalism had solidified. As a treasured venue for renowned orchestras worldwide, Lincoln Center provided a significant platform for the orchestra’s young musicians to hone their skills.
Regarding the orchestra’s challenges and accomplishments over the 30 years, Fang expressed that there haven’t been any exceptionally difficult times due to the strong support from everyone involved. Fundraising posed significant challenges as a non-profit organization, but the orchestra received funding from various sources such as the New York State Council on the Arts, Queens Council on the Arts, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, New York City Council, as well as grants from the Overseas Community Affairs Council, Oasis Foundation, Dr. Chuang Sung River Foundation, community, overseas Taiwanese, and parents.
Despite facing the unprecedented adversities of the pandemic years in 2020 and 2021, which led to theater closures and social distancing restrictions, the orchestra continued its instructional activities, rehearsals, and performances seamlessly albeit transitioning from in-person to online formats. Implementing innovative approaches such as online classes since September 2020 and hosting a virtual concert in 2021 demonstrated their resilience, driven by a sense of mission and responsibility.
Chung Chi-jen emphasized the importance of consistent practice for the young musicians, stating, “A year without playing the violin will lead to regression, so we mustn’t let them stop. Parents also hope for our perseverance.”
He described the pandemic period as resembling a “masterclass,” with students individually showcasing their talents, resulting in one-on-one teaching sessions that pushed the students out of their comfort zones. This personalized approach not only prevented skill regression but also significantly enhanced their musical abilities. Fang noted, “We had never attempted such a method before, but not only did we execute it, we surpassed expectations.”
Fang reiterated that the stable growth of the orchestra hinged on a cohesive team of educators such as Lin Chi-ching, percussion instructor, Liao Hsin-hui, brass and wind instructor, and Hung Li-ling, chamber music instructor, all of whom are Taiwanese immigrants. Chung Chi-jen remarked on their harmonious collaboration, minimal conflicts, and collective commitment, which contributed to the orchestra’s stability and successful execution of plans.
On July 10th this year, a small reunion was held for the orchestra. Liang Chao-feng, who served as the conductor and music director for 11 years from 1999 to 2010 and currently the artistic director of the Taiwan Shockwave Wind Orchestra, reunited with Fang Hsiu-jung in Flushing during his performance in New York. The gathering included the late former executive director Lu Hsin-chu’s husband, Chung Tsai-kuei, and his daughter, former orchestra member Chung Chia-hsuan, as well as former executive director Li Yuan-tzu.
Reflecting on past experiences, Liang Chao-feng highlighted the orchestra’s role not only in uniting Asian communities but also in bridging connections with mainstream society and other ethnic groups. He recalled an occasion when the former Minister of Culture, Hsia Li-yen, invited diplomats from various countries to attend the orchestra’s performance at Lincoln Center, aiming to showcase this youth orchestra as a rarity in cities and to provide other nations’ representatives insight into its unique contribution.
Over the 30 years of its existence, the Youth Orchestra has cultivated generations of young individuals with exemplary musical aptitude, underscoring the passionate dedication of Taiwanese-American music educators to music and education. Their unwavering commitment, selfless dedication, and focus on nurturing traditional music skills have constructed a pathway for a large number of Asian-American youth to fulfill their dreams, helping them soar high on the wings of music.