Soma Szabó, conductor Concerts／ 2011/07/25 Mon. 19:30   National Concert Hall 2011/07/26 Tue. 19:30   National Yunlin University of Science & Technology, Yunlin County 2011/07/27 Wed. 19:30   Cultural Affairs Bureau of Taoyuan County Government Performance Hall

Cantemus Mixed Choir, Hungary

The Cantemus Mixed Choir was created by the unstoppable enthusiasm of former
Zoltán Kodály Primary School pupils for singing because they needed another choir
once they had become too old for the Cantemus Children’s, Boys’ or Pro Musica Girls’ Choirs.

The choir - founded by Dénes Szabó - initially came together only to rehearse and
perform on special occasions (one of which was a performance of Spem in Alium by Thomas Tallis) and eventually began to work independently in 1998 under the baton of Soma Szabó. Since its foundation the choir has won several international choir
competitions, taken part in leading festivals and undertaken concert tours in Europe.

The greatest achievements to date are :
2001 Budapest International Choir Competition 1st Prize in Mixed Voice hoirs category, Grand Prix. 2006 Gorizia International Choir Competition 4 First Prizes, 3 Special Prizes, Grand Prix. 2008 Tolosa International Choir Competition 2 First Prizes, 1 Special Prize, Grand Prix.

The choir performs representative pieces from the ’a capella’ and oratorical choral repertoire from the times of the Renaissance to the music of contemporary composers.

Soma Szabó, conductor

Soma Szabó (1974) began his studies at the Zoltán Kodály
Primary School. He graduated as a choral conductor at the
Ferenc Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest in 1998. Since then
he has been the conductor of the Cantemus Mixed Voice Choir.

In addition to his conducting work he teaches at the School of
Art in Nyíregyháza, remains a founding member of the vocal
sextet, the Banchieri Singers - winners of several international
competitions - and has led several international workshops for
music teachers and summer school participants. He has also been on the judging panels of international choir competitions.

		Duncan Ferguson, conductor Concerts／ 2011/07/23 Sat. 10:30   National Taiwan Museum 2011/07/24 Sun. 19:30   National Concert Hall 2011/07/25 Mon. 12:00   National Taiwan University Hospital 2011/07/26 Tue. 19:30   National Concert Hall 2011/07/27 Wed. 19:30   National University of Tainan, Tainan County

The Choir of St Mary´s Cathedral, Edinburgh, UK

The Choir of St Mary’s Cathedral is unique in Scotland in maintaining a daily choral tradition, and enjoys an international reputation.

The Cathedral was the first in the United Kingdom to allow girls to join boys as trebles in 1978. The choristers (aged 9-14) are educated at St Mary’s Music School, Scotland’s specialist music school, while the lay clerks of the choir consist of ndergraduate choral scholars alongside more experienced singers. In 2008 the thirtieth anniversary of the successful admission of girl choristers into the Choir was marked by an article and editorial in The Times.

The Choir broadcasts regularly across the BBC on radio and television. Including a Classic FM Christmas Concert, broadcast on Christmas Eve in 2008, and a BBC Songs of Praise at Christmas 2009. During the Edinburgh Festival the Choir is in residence, singing the daily services and at a number of high-profile concerts and broadcasts. In the 2010 Festival the Choir performed Handel’s Messiah with period ensemble Ludus Baroque and broadcast Evensong live on BBC Radio Three.

The Choir has an extensive discography which includes the Fauré and Duruflé Requiems, the sacred works of Gabriel Jackson and Sir Peter Maxwell-Davies, etc.. In 2010, the Choir’s most recent CD of works by the sixteenth-century composer John Taverner was released to critical acclaim, earning an ‘outstanding’ accolade from International Record Review and five stars from Classic FM Magazine.

Previous Choir tours include France, Norway, Hungary, and several trips to the USA and Canada, the most recent being 2008. The Choir has been invited to sing at the 2011 Festival of the Sons of the Clergy at St Paul’s Cathedral, London, and will be undertaking a tour of the Far East in the summer.

and Canada, the most recent being 2008. The Choir has been invited to sing at the 2011 Festival of the Sons of the Clergy at St Paul’s Cathedral, London, and will be undertaking a tour of the Far East in the summer.

Duncan Ferguson, conductor

Duncan Ferguson was appointed Organist and Master of the Music at St Mary’s Cathedral in 2007 at the age of 26. In this role he has responsibility for the extensive musical life of St Mary’s. He trains the choristers and directs the Cathedral Choir, the only choir in Scotland that sings daily services in the Anglican tradition and
which has its own choir school.

Duncan’s debut recording with St Mary’s was received with great critical acclaim in the national and international press, earning an ‘outstanding’ accolade from International Record Review, with him being described as ‘a wizard’ by The Times. In 2008 an interview in the same newspaper led to an editorial about the success of the introduction of girls into the same top line as boys at St Mary’s, a story that was also picked up by BBC Scotland. He has recently conducted in the choir in a recording of Bruckner’s Latin motets.

Duncan started his musical education at Magdalen College, Oxford, where he was Organ Scholar between 1999 and 2002. He accompanied the choir and played solo organ pieces on numerous CDs and broadcasts. Special events included accompanying the premiere of an oratorio written for the choir by Sir Paul McCartney and recording the soundtrack to the BBC’s Blue Planet natural history series. After being awarded a Distinction for his Master of Studies degree, Duncan became Organ Scholar at St Paul’s Cathedral, London. Here he gave regular recitals both at St Paul’s and throughout the City, and played the organ at a number of diocesan and national services. His organ teachers included David Goode, Kevin Bowyer, and Thomas Trotter.

Duncan moved to Edinburgh in 2005 to take up the post of Assistant Organist at St Mary’s Cathedral. He
premiered a new work by Malcolm Archer at the Incorporated Association of Organists’ conference in 2007.
More recently he has played the organ for BBC Songs of Praise, recorded the St Mary’s organ as part of the
Edinburgh Organs project, and gave recitals as an organ soloist in America in summer 2010.

		Jürgen Becker, conductor Concerts／ 2011/07/23 Sat. 14:30   Taipei East Metro Mall Plaza7 (Taipei Philharmonic Choral Plaza) 2011/07/24 Sun. 10:00   Central Pictures Corporation Auditorium 2011/07/24 Sun.. 19:30   National Concert Hall 2011/07/26 Tue. 12:00   National Taiwan University Hospital 2011/07/26 Tue. 20:00   Chung Hsin Concert Hall, Taichung City

Dresden Philharmonic Children´s Choir, Germany

The Dresden Philharmonic Children’s Choir is looking back at more than forty years of successful work. It is one of Germany’s leading children’s choirs. In 1990 Jürgen Becker took over its leadership.

Various concert tours brought the choir to top musical cities in Germany and into all parts of the world. The choir won first prizes in many national and international competitions. It has also been on concert trips to Japan, China, Australia and the USA for several weeks.

Together with the Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra, they have performed several works like Mahler’s 3rd and 8th Symphony, Brittens “War Requiem”, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, the opera “Hänsel und Gretel” by Engelbert Humperdinck, “St Luke Passion” by Krzysztof Penderecki and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy. The children sang for Warner Bros. in the film “Laura’s Star”, and in 2009 they appeared in the film “The Reader”.

Various radio, television and CD productions have made the choir famous to a large audience. Numerous contemporary works were premiered by the choir. The Dresden Philharmonic Children’s Choir has appeared on the international music scene with several important conductors, including Kurt Masur – at his suggestion the choir was founded in 1967 –, Leonard Bernstein, Sir Colin Davis, Giuseppe Sinopoli, Michel Plasson, Juri Temirkanow, Günther Herbig, Marek Janowski, Gustav Kuhn, Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos, Sebastian Weigle, and Krysztof Penderecki.

Conducted by its director Prof. Jürgen Becker, the children will be giving concerts in China , Korea, and Taiwan (Taipei) during a threeweek tour in the summer of 2011. the opera “Hänsel und Gretel” by Engelbert Humperdinck, “St Luke Passion” by Krzysztof Penderecki and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy.

Jürgen Becker, conductor

From 1965 to 1969, Jürgen Becker studied music at the „Franz Liszt“ College of Music in Weimar. His teachers in conducting were Günther Fredrich and Gert Frischmuth.

From 1969 to 1989, he worked as a music teacher, technical adviser and choir conductor in Grossenhain, Saxony. At numerous conducting courses, he coached music teachers and choral conductors.

In 1989, he founded the Dresden Philharmonic Youth Choir as the third choir of the Dresden Philharmonic; in 1990 he was appointed to take over the direction of the Philharmonic Children’s Choir. With both – the Philharmonic Children’s and the Philharmonic Youth Choir – he won first prizes in international contests and he conducted them on concert tours in Europe, the USA, Japan, China, and Australia as well as for radio, television, and CD productions.

Since 1995, he is a professor of conducting at the department of music education at the Dresden College of Music.

		Concert／ 2011/07/28 Thur. 19:30　National Concert Hall

OMMM, France

Ommm is an a cappella group consisting of five members: Mayon, Manon, Melow, Mathis and Sam. Their fresh, effervescent
sound comes from their sense of groove, improvisation and humor. Taking their inspiration from musical styles ranging from jazz to reggae to trip hop, Ommm incorporates French songs, World music, beatboxing, dance and comedy into their act.

No two concerts are alike for Ommm because vocally, they create what they call "boxes." In this improvisational technique, the group uses motions to indicate changes in tonality and tempo. The idea is partially based on "sound painting," the live composing sign language created during the 1970s, as well as Bobby McFerrin's Circle Songs.

The title of their album, Echo System, sums up how they work. "An ecosystem is made up of many interdependent elements that together create life," they explain. "We use each echo to give life to our songs. When one person throws out an idea, everyone will respond and interact with it. In the end, that all forms a coherent system that creates music."

Ommm has performed in a variety of venues. Having won 1st place at the International A Cappella Contest Leipzig in Germany, they also received acclaim in Berlin at the International Human Beatbox Festival. On one occasion, the group sang in a stairwell with a member standing on each floor. Now, Taipei will have the opportunity to enjoy the unique sound of this one-of-a-kind vocal quintet.

The ensemble Ommm from Fontainebleau, composed by five French young people, makes his straight way to the audience’s heart by their singing, their variety of styles and their impressive, unbelievable presence on stage.
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　--The 10th International A Cappella Festival

"One of the biggest surprise, this year, was undoubtedly Ommm"
"these young singers experiment vibrations in every possible way……Ommm uses all resonant ingredients within their reach to make a vocal setting that often sounds like a big musical machine. An a’capella laboratory. "
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　--10th “A Capella week” in Hanover (Germany)

		Sebastjan Vrhovnik, conductor Concerts／ 2011/07/27 Wed. 14:00   National Taiwan Museum 2011/07/28 Thur. 19:30   Caotun Town Activity Center for Youth 2011/07/29 Fri.. 19:30   Jong-Jeng Gallery and Music Hall, Ping-Tung 2011/07/30 Sat. 19:30   National Concert Hall 2011/07/23 Sun. 19:30   National Concert Hall

APZ Tone Tomšič, Slovenia

APZ Tone Tomšič continues the tradition of the Academic Choir of the University of Ljubljana founded in 1926. Since its beginnings APZ Tone Tomšič has been one of those　 directing Slovenian choral singing. The choir’s repertoire includes works from all musical periods, while special attention is given to modern choral music. APZ encourages both young and already acknowledged Slovenian composers to create new pieces and with first
performances of their works at home and abroad. For its achievements and merit on the state level APZ Tone Tomšič received the highest national award “ZLATI ČASTNI ZNAK SVOBODE REPUBLIKE SLOVENIJE”.

The latest achievements of the choir are two gold medals won at the international choir competition held in Olomouc, Czech Republic in April 2009 in two categories - mixed and female choirs, and most recently (October 2010) won two golden medals in categories of mixed sacral music and mixed folk music, and a title of the winner of Grand Prix of Rimini 2010, at the international competition in the Italian city of Rimini. And what makes them more eminent is that APZ Tone Tomšič won Grand Prix of Europe twice.

The choir continues the tradition of the male choir founded in 1926 by France Marolt. After the Second World War, the choir began its activity again, this time as a mixed choir under a new name, Akademski pevski zbor Tone Tomšič. The choir has always been led by recognized conductors. From 2002 to 2009, it was led by conductor Urša Lah. Since October 2009 it is led by conductor Sebastjan Vrhovnik.

The choir performs all over Slovenia, participates in vocal-instrumental projects (C. Orff: Carmina Burana,
G. Verdi: Requiem, G. Puccini: Messa di Gloria, J. Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem, A. Nordheim: Wirklicher
Wald, L. Lebič: Zgodbe/Fables), records pieces for Slovenian National Radio (RTV Slovenija) archives and
organises educational seminars for choral conductors

Sebastjan Vrhovnik, conductor

Sebastjan Vrhovnik was born in 1978 in Ljubljana. In 1986 he started learning the piano with Marija Holcar at the music school in Kamnik. Now he is finishing his master’s degree at the University of Music and Performing arts in the Austrian city of Graz, studying choral conducting with Johannes Prinz. Currently, he is the
choirmaster of the Mixed Choir of the Academy of Music, the Obala Koper Chamber Choir, and since 2009
the Tone Tomšič Academic Choir. As a guest conductor, he has collaborated with the Chamber Choir of RTV Slovenia, the choir of the Maribor Opera House.

As a singer, accompanist and pianist, Sebastjan Vrhovnik collaborated with numerous vocal ensembles,
including the Chamber Choir of RTV Slovenia, the Slovenicum Chamber Choir, the European Youth Choir
(from 1998 until 2000), and the Ecce Vocal Group. Additionally, he took part in choral courses in Slovenia and abroad. In 2004, he assisted the internationally acclaimed conductor Gary Graden in the International Singing Week.

Conducting the Tone Tomšič Academic Choir, they won the second prizes in the category of sacred music and in the category of traditional music in the international choral festival in the Catalonian town of Cantonigròs. From 7 until 10 October 2010, the choir attended the international choral competition in Rimini (Italy), and won first prizes in two categories, the golden prize and the city of Rimini Grand Prix.

		Opening Concert／ 2011/07/23 Sun. 19:30　National Concert Hall Lars-Erik Larsson: A God Disguised Fred Sjöberg, conductor Grace Lin, soprano Yin-Jen Yao, baritone Taipei Philharmonic Chorus Taipei Philharmonic Youth Orchestra

Taipei Philharmonic Chorus

Taipei Philharmonic Chorus was founded in 1972 and, through the efforts of its previous conductors, has established an extensive repertoire and a reputation as one of the most prestigious choruses in Taiwan.  Members of the chorus are music lovers from all walks of life.  Their love of music, combined with the vision of the conductors, has allowed the Taipei Philharmonic Chorus to greatly increase the number of performances it gives each year.  Since it is one of the leading performing groups in Taiwan, the Taipei Philharmonic Chorus was sponsored by the Council for Cultural Affairs from 1994 to 1996 under a program of “Support for International Artistic Groups” and again from 1997 to 2006 as an “Outstanding Performing Groups”.

 

From the 140-voice chorus, a smaller 40-voice choir is selected to tour and to perform more select musical works.  This group, known as “Taipei Philharmonic Chamber Choir” has an impressive history of overseas performances.  The chorus and the chamber choir together have been collaborated or invited to perform with famous conductors and orchestras in many different festivals and countries, such as Mahler’s Symphony No.2 with Russian State Orchestra and conductor Gilbert Kaplan, Brahms’ Requiem with Maestro Helmuth Rilling, Mendelssohn’s Midsummer Nights’ Dreams with Macao Orchestra and Conductor En Shao and Bach’ Christmas Oratorio with Macao Orchestra and conductor Phillip Pickett, to name a few.

The “Image China” album received the 8th Golden Melody Award for the “Best Performance”, “Best Record Producing” and “Best Classical Record” categories.  The “Maiden of Malan” album received the 9th Golden Melody Award for the “Best Composer”.  The “Snows in June” album was nominated the 11th Golden Melody Award for the “Best Composer” and “Best Classical Record”; The “I Am Flying” album was nominated the 12th Golden Melody Award for the “Best Composer”, “Best Record Producing” and “Best Classical Record” The “Buddhist Requiem” album received the 13th Golden Melody Award for the “Best Composer” and “Best Religious Music”  The album ”Zero-Classical Choral works of Taiwan” received the 14th Golden Melody Award for “Best Classical Album”, “Best Performer” and “Best Composer.”

Taipei Philharmonic Youth Orchestra

台北愛樂青年管弦樂團首次組成於1989年，當時是為搭配台北愛樂合唱團大型音樂會所採的任務編組樂 團。2004年春季，樂團重新改組及擴編為常設樂團，由藝術總監杜黑與指揮鄭立彬共同促成。

改組後的台北愛樂青年管弦樂團可說是目前匯集國內最多優秀青年演奏家的樂團，團員皆為各級學校管弦 樂團最優秀的演奏精英，在指揮鄭立彬嚴格的訓練下，近年來樂團的演奏已初具職業樂團水平，亦兼具青 年音樂家的熱情及活力，往往音樂會後都能得到各界極大的迴響及讚嘆!

台北愛樂青年管弦樂團以培育青年音樂家為一貫的理念，希望提供更多的演出舞台予國內優秀的青年指揮 家、獨奏家、以及各級學校優秀的樂團團員，並且讓國內年輕作曲家有發表新創作品的管道，未來亦將與 國外同性質之優秀青年樂團及組織擴大國際交流及合作。本團由杜黑擔任藝術總監，鄭立彬擔任常任指 揮，邱君強擔任首席客座指揮，並邀請鄧皓敦、陳瑾平…等國內優秀演奏家擔任駐團音樂家協助訓練。

		Final Concert／ 2011/07/31 Sun. 19:30　National Concert Hall David Fanshawe: African Sanctus Gábor Hollerung, conductor Mei-Lin Chen, soprano Anni Chen, soprano Festival Choir Taipei Philharmonic Chorus Taipei Philharmonic Youth Orchestra

Festival Choir

The members of Festival Choir, each year, consist of the attendants of Taipei International Choral Workshop. Since 1994, Festival Choir had been rehearse and performed many masterpieces, such as “Carmina Burana” by Carl Orff, “Elijah” by Mendelssohn, Symphony No. 9 “Choral” by Ludwig Van Beethoven, “Taiwaness aboriginal folk suit -The Maiden of Ma-Lan” by Taiwanese composer Nan-Chang Chien, “Gospel Mass” by Robert Ray , “African Sanctus” by David Fanshawe, “Gloria” by John Rutter,”Chichester Psalma” by Leonard Bernstein, "Te Deum"Ryan by Philippine contemporary composer Cayabayb, Requiem of Mozart, and “Beatu Vir” by Hungarian contemporary composer Roland Szentapli.