The Presidential Office of the Republic of China (Taiwan) will hold a concert on the evening of the 20th to support Taiwanese athletes who will soon be heading to Paris for the Olympics. The Chinese Cultural Association has announced that they have invited the “Okinawa Prefectural Nishihara High School Marching Band,” which won first place in a world championship, to perform alongside the perennial champion Taiwan Shih Hsin University cheerleading squad, combining music and sports to foster friendly relations between Taiwan and Japan.
The Chinese Cultural Association (CCA) issued a press release stating that the concert, co-hosted by the Presidential Office and the CCA, will take place at 7 p.m. on the 20th at the National Theater & Concert Hall plaza. The internationally acclaimed “Okinawa Prefectural Nishihara High School Marching Band” (Nishihara High School Marching Band) will showcase their talents in Taiwan. The Nishihara High School Marching Band clinched the championship at the 2022 World Music Contest (WMC) in the Netherlands, known as the “Olympics of the Music World.”
Shih Hsin University’s cheerleading squad, founded 20 years ago, combines athletics and dance, having won the national collegiate cheerleading championship for mixed men and women’s teams 13 times, the Asian Cheerleading Open Championship, and the runner-up title in the World University Hip-Hop Duo category. They have also consistently medaled at international cheerleading competitions in Japan, nurturing many athletes who have gone on to compete at the world-class level, often finishing in the top three. The CCA stated that both the Taiwanese and Japanese teams are world-class, and the concert will feature a collaboration of two elite cheerleading squads, promising an outstanding performance.
The director and head coach of Shih Hsin University’s cheerleading squad, Li Min-ling, expressed that the theme of the Presidential Concert holds significant meaning, transcending a mere music event to a national movement that incorporates cultural and performing arts into sports. The Shih Hsin University cheerleading squad feels honored to be invited to perform and looks forward to collaborating with the Nishihara High School Marching Band from Okinawa, Japan. They hope for future opportunities to showcase Taiwan on the global stage.
Highlighting the strong cultural affinity between Taiwan and Japan, CCA Secretary-General Lee Hou-ching revealed that students from both schools will perform to popular anime songs loved by the younger generation in Taiwan and Japan, echoing the theme of “Power of Freedom.” The performance will showcase Taiwan-Japan friendship and passion, utilizing different elevations on stage to create varied formations, movements, athletics, and dance routines, promising a visually and auditorily engaging production.
In the past, the CCA has invited the Kyoto Tachibana High School Wind Ensemble and the Jade Knights from Japan to Taiwan, igniting a craze for marching band performances in the country. This type of performance requires maintaining high-quality music even during movement, making it highly appealing. This groundbreaking collaboration with cheerleading adds a new dimension to the performance, not only showing support for the Olympic Games but also representing an innovative attempt in performing arts that transcends borders, combining the energy of Taiwan and Japan through music, athletics, and dance for a dual feast of auditory and visual delight.
The CCA specially acknowledges the efforts of the students. While the students from Nishihara High School are busy with their final exams, the Shih Hsin University cheerleading squad members have taken time out of their summer break to gather for training. The cheerleading sport has been certified by the International Olympic Committee, hinting at potentially becoming a new Olympic event in the future. Stepping onto this national stage not only supports Taiwanese athletes at the Paris Olympics but also recognizes and encourages the dedicated training efforts of cheerleading athletes.
The CCA invites all friends interested in performing arts and sports to join the Presidential Concert on July 20th, cheering for Taiwanese athletes through music and sports and experiencing this international collaboration together. The Nishihara High School Marching Band will arrive in Taiwan on the 17th to rehearse for the performance and will also deliver exciting flash performances at famous landmarks in Taiwan, including Taipei 101 on the morning of the 19th and Grand Hotel Taipei on the morning of the 20th. The public is welcomed to attend these performances, and detailed information will be released on the CCA’s social media channels.
The “2024 Presidential Concert – Power of Freedom” currently features a stellar cast including hosts Xu Zhan-yuan, Sandra, National Youth Symphony Orchestra (NSYO), conductor Yang Zhi-qin, Rui Xing Rhythmic Gymnastics Association, Huang Po-han, Sambuy, Dance Homian, Salaw Dance Troupe, Luan Dan Axiong, Shao Dalun, Shen Wencheng, Chen Mingzhang & Fulong Mountain Minstrels, Xu Jingchun, Vuize Wang Zhongwei, Gong De (Kung Ta), Huang Zixuan and Shan Ping Kuai, Chunmian Band, Okinawa Prefectural Nishihara High School Marching Band, Shih Hsin University Cheerleading Squad, Akua, FORMOSA CREW, Chen Xi-huang Traditional Puppet Troupe, Jin Guang Puppet Show, Zheng Yi-nong, Pan Li-li, Fire EX., with more acts to be announced in the future. Stay tuned to the official CCA social media channels for updates.
The evening’s events will be broadcast live on television and online platforms, including TTV’s main channel, TaiwanPlus, Chunghwa Telecom MOD; YouTube channels of the Presidential Office, CCA, TaiwanPlus, and SET News; official websites of the Presidential Office, Hami Video, Yahoo TV, LINE TODAY, SETN News, and IC Broadcasting Corporation; as well as National Education Radio and Central Broadcasting System on the radio.