On the afternoon of April 5th, at 3 p.m., the Taiwan-American Industry Technology Association Silicon Valley (TAITA-SV) held the “Taiwan Echoes” indoor concert at the Santa Clara University Music Hall. With over 200 seats filled, the melodious music and warm singing enveloped the audience in a sense of nostalgia, bringing tears to many eyes.
This cultural event attracted distinguished guests such as Deputy Director Zhu Yongchang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco, Director Zhuang Yashu of the South Bay Overseas Chinese Education Center, and Lee Han-wen, Chairman of the Sister Counties Committee between Santa Clara County and Hsinchu County, who joined the audience in witnessing this cultural celebration.
The concert opened with Tchaikovsky’s “Recollections of Florence,” where the passionate melody awakened the hearts of the spectators. Smetana’s “From Homeland” tenderly expressed homesickness, while the Erhu concerto “Adagio” seamlessly blended Eastern essence with Western harmony, touching the audience deeply. The freshness of Masaki Hayakawa’s “Six Moon Jasmine,” and the exquisite skill and emotional blend of the trio performance, added depth to the concert.
In the second half, the focus shifted to Taiwan’s charm, with selections from “Four Seasons of Taiwan” portraying the picturesque beauty of spring flowers and autumn moon. The finale piece, “Memories of Formosa,” adapted by composer Liang Yuzhu, intertwined Taiwanese folk music with symphony, evoking a strong sense of nostalgia. The last Taiwanese folk song, “She’s Our Precious,” was softly sung by the audience and singers together, creating a heartwarming and emotional moment with thunderous applause. This musical journey intertwined Western classics with Taiwanese memories, warming every heart in the audience.
Before the concert began, Deputy Director Zhu Yongchang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco expressed to a reporter from the Epoch Times: “The concert’s selection of songs resonating with hometown sentiments and infused with Taiwanese characteristics is truly moving.”
Director Zhuang Yashu of the South Bay Overseas Chinese Education Center noted: “TAITA-SV promotes democracy and human rights, allowing the locals to experience Taiwanese culture. Next year, we plan to expand the event to more communities.”
Jonathan Hsu, the overall planner, shared with reporters: “We organized this event out of our love for music, inviting local Taiwanese musicians from Silicon Valley to participate and incorporating original folk songs, which were truly stunning.”
Chun-Pang Chiu, the founding president of TAITA-SV, voiced to reporters that since TAITA-SV was established in 2003, the organization has been dedicated to promoting democracy, freedom, and human rights while constantly caring for Taiwan, carrying the hope and responsibility for Taiwan’s freedom and democracy.
Vice President of TAITA-SV, Servina Liu, stated: “We showcased the beauty of Taiwan through music, allowing locals to feel the warmth of the culture. This interdisciplinary collaboration truly embodies TAITA-SV’s deep integration into the community, enabling Silicon Valley to experience the charm of Taiwan. We appreciate the team’s efforts, making this nostalgic concert leave a deep imprint in the hearts of all attendees.”
Ernest Yen, founder and conductor of the VIRTUOSI SAN JOSE Orchestra, expressed, “Collaborating with Taiwanese musicians and incorporating traditional and innovative elements in Liang Yuzhu’s new composition was truly an honor.”
Composer Liang Yuzhu remarked, “I adapted familiar folk tunes, adding echoes of nostalgia to make the music resonate more deeply with people.”
Audience members Lee Ruihong and Tsai Mingqin, a couple who have lived in the United States for over 50 years, emotionally shared, “Hearing familiar melodies brings tears to our eyes, making us feel the warmth of Taiwan.”
The “Taiwan Echoes” concert was more than just a musical feast; it was a heartfelt call from Taiwanese people living abroad. Through two hours, 200 audience members transcended time and space to rediscover the warmth and pride of their homeland. TAITA-SV, rooted in technology and propelled by music, soared into wider community skies.
Established in 2003 by Chun-Pang Chiu, the Taiwan American Industry Technology Association Silicon Valley (TAITA-SV) is committed to promoting Taiwan-US technological cooperation and cultural exchange, serving as a vital pillar of the Taiwanese community in the Bay Area.