The Loyal Copenhagen v.s. the Royal Taipei
Place and Time: 1 solo percussion concert in December 19, 2014 in Forum Auditorium, featuring European/ Scandinavian percussion solo work, and 2 Dygong concerts featuring me in sometime in 2015-2016 ( dates and exact place to be decided ) in Taiwan.
Scandinavian Aesthetics in Taiwan
I would very much like to bring the Scandinavia aesthetics to Taiwan. The higher class people in Taiwan probably have heard about Georg Jensen and the Royal Copenhagen, and maybe Ole Lynggaard. Every kid has read H.C Andersen's fairytales. But Danish contemporary music? It has not been heard much. I want to be one of the first ones to make it possible for people to experience Danish contemporary aesthetics, musically.
I envision that the Danish composers group Dygong being the perfect choice. I have been working with them in many different concert settings since 2008, and I have always liked this composers group 's humour and rebellious energy. They are really fine composers with funny and daring ideas.
The Shock in 2011: Outside in instead of inside out
In 2011, I gave my first solo marimba recital in Taipei. The concert went ok, not splendid. During the extremely short concert preparation process ( literally playing a full concert just 24 hours after getting out of plane) I was disturbed and triggered by the " it-is-about-the-look" culture. I was very surprised that many Taiwanese audiences have been conditioned to believe that one should look in a certain way on the stage, and music should be only entertaining. For example, I was told again and again to smile during the dress rehearsal. And after the concert I was also told by some of my family members that they were disappointed and embarrassed because they have expected me to smile. Some of them commented that I should show more of my legs and wear high-heel shoes. One of the audiences commented that I should wear gloves while playing marimba, because it would look more beautiful.
They compared me with some commercialized pop-stars. I didn't know it was also prevalent in the classical scene in Taiwan.
But the truth is, I am simply not interested in changing my facial expression or adjusting my concert outfit, when it does not come from within, just to get more popular.
My vision for these concert series in Taipei
There are so many world-class Taiwanese movies which are so real and naked, and they reach me very deep. I believe I can do the same with music for the Taiwanese audiences, without following this "it-is- all-about-the-look" culture.
We don't need make smiling faces to please the audiences. That is not creative; it is banal.
We need creativity, sincerity, courage, and contemporary elements- something people can relate to everyday life - to reach the audiences. It comes from within.
Actually, attracting the audiences is not even my business.
It's my business to be myself. The rest will take care by itself. If no one likes it, it's ok.
I am an idealistic woman.
Feb.6, 2014, Copenhagen
Place and Time: 1 solo percussion concert in December 19, 2014 in Forum Auditorium, featuring European/ Scandinavian percussion solo work, and 2 Dygong concerts featuring me in sometime in 2015-2016 ( dates and exact place to be decided ) in Taiwan.
Scandinavian Aesthetics in Taiwan
I would very much like to bring the Scandinavia aesthetics to Taiwan. The higher class people in Taiwan probably have heard about Georg Jensen and the Royal Copenhagen, and maybe Ole Lynggaard. Every kid has read H.C Andersen's fairytales. But Danish contemporary music? It has not been heard much. I want to be one of the first ones to make it possible for people to experience Danish contemporary aesthetics, musically.
I envision that the Danish composers group Dygong being the perfect choice. I have been working with them in many different concert settings since 2008, and I have always liked this composers group 's humour and rebellious energy. They are really fine composers with funny and daring ideas.
The Shock in 2011: Outside in instead of inside out
In 2011, I gave my first solo marimba recital in Taipei. The concert went ok, not splendid. During the extremely short concert preparation process ( literally playing a full concert just 24 hours after getting out of plane) I was disturbed and triggered by the " it-is-about-the-look" culture. I was very surprised that many Taiwanese audiences have been conditioned to believe that one should look in a certain way on the stage, and music should be only entertaining. For example, I was told again and again to smile during the dress rehearsal. And after the concert I was also told by some of my family members that they were disappointed and embarrassed because they have expected me to smile. Some of them commented that I should show more of my legs and wear high-heel shoes. One of the audiences commented that I should wear gloves while playing marimba, because it would look more beautiful.
They compared me with some commercialized pop-stars. I didn't know it was also prevalent in the classical scene in Taiwan.
But the truth is, I am simply not interested in changing my facial expression or adjusting my concert outfit, when it does not come from within, just to get more popular.
My vision for these concert series in Taipei
There are so many world-class Taiwanese movies which are so real and naked, and they reach me very deep. I believe I can do the same with music for the Taiwanese audiences, without following this "it-is- all-about-the-look" culture.
We don't need make smiling faces to please the audiences. That is not creative; it is banal.
We need creativity, sincerity, courage, and contemporary elements- something people can relate to everyday life - to reach the audiences. It comes from within.
Actually, attracting the audiences is not even my business.
It's my business to be myself. The rest will take care by itself. If no one likes it, it's ok.
I am an idealistic woman.
Feb.6, 2014, Copenhagen