On the evening of the 1st, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China, Chen Liguo, hosted a reception welcoming Marek Hilšer, Vice-Chairman of the Social Policy Committee of the Czech Senate, and the Piccolo Coro & Piccola Orchestra from the Czech Republic to Taiwan. He expressed sincere gratitude to Vice-Chairman Hilšer and the members of the orchestra for their continued efforts in deepening bilateral cultural exchanges.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China issued a press release stating that Vice-Chairman Marek Hilšer of the Social Policy Committee of the Czech Senate mentioned in his speech that despite the geographical distance between Taiwan and the Czech Republic, the shared values of freedom and democracy have strengthened the friendship between the two nations. Former Mayor of Prague, Zdeněk Hřib, and current Senate President Miloš Vystrčil, who have visited Taiwan, have played crucial roles in promoting the friendship between Taiwan and the Czech Republic, hoping that both sides will continue their efforts to further advance their relationship.
The Czech orchestra, consisting of a total of 28 members including Vice-Chairman Hilšer, visited Taiwan for the first time, aiming to let the people of Taiwan experience the passion and charm of the Czech Republic through this musical feast and further enhance the cultural exchange between Taiwan and the Czech Republic.
Chen Liguo mentioned that the Piccolo Coro & Piccola Orchestra, established in 1996, had performed over a hundred shows in the Czech Republic and around the world, receiving numerous music awards. This year, Taiwan was specially chosen as the first stop for their world tour, allowing the Taiwanese people to appreciate the world-class performance of the Czech orchestra. Chen Liguo also expressed his gratitude to the Formosa Pipe Organ Culture Association for organizing the two concerts of the orchestra in Taipei and Kaohsiung.
Chen Liguo pointed out that Taiwan and the Czech Republic have been deepening cooperation in various fields in recent years, with visible outcomes in cultural exchanges. In addition to music, both sides’ museums have been collaborating, such as the National Palace Museum of Taiwan planning to exhibit national treasures at the National Museum in the Czech Republic next year. Deputy Minister Chen affirmed the active promotion of exchanges in technology, education, culture, art, and history between Taiwan and the Czech Republic by the Czech Representative to Taiwan, David Steinke, hoping that through cooperation, the relationship between Taiwan and the Czech Republic will reach new heights.
In his speech, Jan Havlik, the conductor of the orchestra, mentioned that this year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of the renowned Czech composer Bedřich Smetana. He expressed gratitude to the governments of both countries and the Formosa Pipe Organ Culture Association for making this performance in Taiwan possible, witnessing the beauty of the island of Taiwan and engaging in profound exchanges with the Taiwanese people through music.