Friendship through Music

June 1983

中文

1. After the performance, Premier Sun Yun-suan went on stage to congratulate conductor Rostropovich.

Although the Republic of China and the United States do not have formal diplomatic relations, the two countries' bilateral trade and cultural exchanges are substantial and growing. The recent visit to the ROC at the end of April by the National Symphony Orchestra, at the invitation of Hsu Po-yun, director of the New Aspect Promotion Corp. was the highlight of the fourth International Arts Festival.

The National Symphony Orchestra has been the official orchestra at U.S. presidential inaugurations since 1931, and performs more than 200 concerts each year. While orchestras from Europe have performed in Taiwan recently, the visit by the National Symphony Orchestra was the first by an American orchestra in 17 years. It was therefore especially welcome.

Conductor Mstislav Rostropovich was the focus of attention, not only for his brilliant musical achievements, but also for his love of freedom and democracy.

Rostropovich appeared in three performances in Taiwan, once accompanying a solo vocal recital by his wife, Galina Vishnevskaya, and twice conducting the National Symphony Orchestra. The second orchestral concert was telecast live via satellite to Washington D.C.'s Public Broadcasting System as a program entitled, "Friendship through Music".

The first item, on the program was the first movement of the Pangti Bamboo Fulte concerto, by Prof. Ma Sui-long. It was the first time the National Symphony Orchestra had performed a piece by a Chinese composer.

The performances were well received by the audience which gave a standing ovation to the orchestra. After the second concert, premier Sun Yun-suan walked on to the stage to congratulate Rostropovich.

After receiving such a warm reception, Rostropovich willingly agreed to return next year. Music lovers in the Republic of China are enthusiastically awaiting the chance to appreciate his musical genius again.

[Picture Caption]

1. After the performance, Premier Sun Yun-suan went on stage to congratulate conductor Rostropovich. 2-3.4. Rostropovich conducting the National Symphony Orchestra in the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in Taipei. 5. The first piece performed was a concerto for Chinese flute written by Prof. Ma Sui-lung, who congratulated Rostropovich on his interpretation. Dressed in the blue Chinese gown is Chen Chung-shen, a famous Chinese flautist.

1.2. A violinist and timpanist absorbed in their music. 3. The sold-out concert attracted many music lovers to the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. 4. A cocktail party was held after the performance at which members of the orchestra met with government officials. Rostropovich presented a gift to former President and Mrs. Yen Chia-kan. 5. Rostropovich pictured with director-general of the Government Information Office, Dr. James Soong. 6. Although the National Symphony Orchestra had a tight schedule, its members managed to fit in a visit to the National Palace Museum in Taipei. 7. At the cocktail party, Rostropovich chats with ROC Premier Sun Yun-suan.

2-3.4. Rostropovich conducting the National Symphony Orchestra in the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in Taipei.

5. The first piece performed was a concerto for Chinese flute written by Prof. Ma Sui-lung, who congratulated Rostropovich on his interpretation. Dressed in the blue Chinese gown is Chen Chung-shen, a famous Chinese flautist.

1.2. A violinist and timpanist absorbed in their music.

3. The sold-out concert attracted many music lovers to the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall.

4. A cocktail party was held after the performance at which members of the orchestra met with government officials. Rostropovich presented a gift to former President and Mrs. Yen Chia-kan.