In a cultural exchange organized by the Overseas Community Affairs Council of the Republic of China, the 2024 U.S.-Taiwan Traditional Week Cultural Visiting Group, featuring the Ten Drum Percussion Group, delivered a spectacular performance at the Cary Arts Center in North Carolina on the evening of May 15th at 7 p.m.
Over 400 Taiwanese expatriates and friends from North Carolina attended the performance, offering enthusiastic applause throughout the night. More than 10 bipartisan members of the North Carolina State Legislature were invited to watch the performance and expressed appreciation for the contributions of the Taiwanese community to the United States and their support for Taiwan. Officials from three cities in North Carolina that have sister city relationships with Taiwan extended commendations for the Traditional Week activities.
The theme of this year’s Ten Drum Percussion tour in the United States is “Impression of Taiwan,” showcasing the rural landscapes and cultures of Taiwan’s residents and indigenous peoples. The performance opened with the traditional Eight Generals’ commands, followed by other pieces such as “Eighteen Arhats Drum,” “Sky Slash,” and “Boastful Chicken,” incorporating a blend of percussion, flutes, suona horn, singing bowls, bamboo tubes, wooden fish, vocals, and chanting. The dynamic and climactic nature of these pieces resonated with the audience, earning rounds of applause.
Mr. Lin and his wife from Taiwan sat in the front row of the theater. Mr. Lin expressed his admiration for the harmonious integration of drums and other instruments, noting the talent involved. He remarked that the incorporation of flutes and suona horns amid the drum-based background symbolizes peace, portraying Taiwan’s current state of being both lively and tranquil.
Mrs. Lin echoed her husband’s sentiments, stating that despite having seen performances in Taiwan during their visit, this particular show in North Carolina left a deep impression on her after more than 20 years of living in the United States.
According to the Ten Drum Percussion Group’s website, the group was founded in the spring of 2000 with a mission to promote Taiwan’s local culture and advance the art of percussion. Embodying the character for “ten,” the group symbolizes the intertwining of drumsticks—uniting energies from all directions to bolster unity.
Leading up to the performance, the Taiwan community in North Carolina hosted a reception. Over ten state legislators from the North Carolina General Assembly, council members from Cary City Council, as well as officials from Morrisville, Apex, and Kernersville, joined representatives from various Taiwanese community organizations at the reception. These three cities in North Carolina also extended commendations for Taiwan Culture Week.
The commendation from Apex read, “Apex Town is proud to be home to many Taiwanese Americans whose heritage and culture have contributed to the success, democracy, economy, culture, and character of our town. Following tonight’s event, the mayor and town council members warmly welcome the Ten Drum Percussion Group’s performance of ‘Impression of Taiwan.’ Thus, we hereby declare May 12th to May 18th, 2024, as Taiwanese American Week in Apex Town, and thank our Taiwanese American friends and citizens for their contributions and goodwill.”
Co-chairs of the North Carolina Legislative Taiwan Caucus, Ted Alexander (Senate) and Dennis Riddell (House of Representatives), also expressed their appreciation for the contributions of the Taiwanese community to North Carolina’s development during the performance.
Alexander notably emphasized that both chambers of the North Carolina General Assembly had passed legislation supporting Taiwan last year, reaffirming ongoing support for Taiwan from the state legislature.
Commissioner of Overseas Community Affairs, Chen Ke-zheng, remarked, “Perhaps due to the success of the contemporary orchestra sent by Taiwan last September, which showcased the high level of Taiwan’s arts, the enthusiastic audience turnout exceeded expectations, with even VIP seats for state legislators fully occupied.”
“Under the organization of our Taiwan cultural events committee, the pre-performance reception was also very successful. Mr. Wang Yi-long, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta, specially attended and delivered a speech, adding significant diplomatic significance to our event!”