The enchanting power of an orchestra lies in its ability to create a symphony of sound that resonates across cultures and languages. When musicians come together on stage, each contributing their unique voice, they craft an experience that elevates the collective performance beyond individual notes.
This harmonious blend brings to life emotions that words alone cannot express, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the beauty of music that knows no boundaries.
Whether through a soaring melody or a gentle harmony, the orchestra captures the essence of unity, reminding us of our shared humanity.
Recently, the LongTan Philharmonic Orchestra, a collective of 42 musicians from Taiwan, graced the stages of the Sultanate, bringing their extraordinary sound to the fore.
Traditionally seen in opulent concert halls filled with elegantly dressed patrons, the LongTan Philharmonic Orchestra broke away from this norm, choosing instead to perform in more accessible venues.
Their mission was clear: to share the enchanting power of music with everyone, ensuring that its beauty and emotion reach far beyond the confines of formal settings. By doing so, they invite audiences from all walks of life to experience the magic of orchestral music, making it a part of everyday life.
During their visit to Brunei Darussalam, the LongTan Philharmonic Orchestra mesmerised audiences with a series of charity performances at venues such as Jerudong International School (JIS) and Pusat Insani in Seria.
I had the opportunity to experience the orchestra firsthand and engage with the delegation leaders during their time in the Belait District.
At the helm of this group was the orchestra’s leader John Wu who shared their three primary objectives for the performances in Brunei. These goals reflected a commitment not just to entertain, but to educate and enrich the cultural landscape they encountered.
John Wu articulated the trio of objectives guiding their performances: “One of them is education purposes, as we had an educational exchange with JIS during our visit.
“The second one is cultural, where we were able to showcase and promote Hakka culture.
Lastly, as the name suggests, this charity performance is also an opportunity to give back to the communities that we visit.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Head of the delegation and John Wu’s wife Stephenie Hung shared the orchestra’s remarkable journey.
She explained that the LongTan Philharmonic Orchestra began as a youth string ensemble and has since evolved into a professional symphony orchestra, illustrating their ongoing commitment to artistic excellence.
“It (the LongTan Philharmonic Orchestra) is a true recognition of our dedication and impact on rural community development and cultural enrichment over the past 15 years.
“By integrating classical music into daily life and promoting Hakka culture, the orchestra has played a vital role in cherishing local spirits, warming hearts, and cultivating sentiments,” she noted.
Stephenie emphasised that their dedication to blending traditional folk elements with contemporary performance styles enriches the cultural experience for the community, allowing them to appreciate the essence of Hakka culture in new and exciting ways.
Since its inception, the LongTan Philharmonic Orchestra has garnered significant acclaim, recently being honoured as the “Taiwan Top Performing Arts Group” by the National Cultural and Arts Foundation (NCAF) for both 2023 and 2024.
With a repertoire that encompasses nearly 90 performances – ranging from intimate chamber music to dynamic percussion ensembles and grand full orchestra concerts – the orchestra is dedicated to making classical music accessible to all, fostering connections between their art and the wider community.
Serving as a cultural inspiration for Taoyuan city, the LongTan Philharmonic Orchestra also stands as a radiant symbol of Taiwan’s artistic prowess on the international stage.
Many of the musicians gracing the stage in Brunei were making their debut visit, adding an extra layer of excitement to the occasion.
“During the one-and-a-half-hour performance, we showcased several musical pieces related to Hakka culture, along with a well-loved Malay traditional folk song, Rasa Sayang, which was particularly well received,” she shared, highlighting the cultural exchange that their performances facilitate.
The programme was brimming with highlights, including captivating renditions of classical works such as the enchanting Waltz No 2 from Jazz Suite No 2 and the poignant Cavalleria Intermezzo.
The audience was treated to a show-stopping tenor performance of O Sole Mio from Les Misérables by Chung-Yi Chen, and a delightful soprano rendition of I Could Have Danced All Night from My Fair Lady by Hui-Ju Chen.
Their collaboration on the stunning duet All I Ask of You from Phantom of the Opera left a permanent mark on the audience.
As the final notes reverberated through the venue, the audience erupted in enthusiastic applause, showering the performers with standing ovations.
“I think people loved the music [played during the orchestra]; we certainly left a positive impression of what an orchestra is all about in the first half.
“The second half was even more thrilling as we had the passionate crowd participating, happily clapping along to the music, which is what makes an orchestra so memorable and enjoyable,” she reflected, embodying the spirit of unity that the LongTan Philharmonic Orchestra strives to promote.
Ultimately, these charity performances hold immense significance, as they not only make music accessible but also nurture a profound sense of inclusion.
The LongTan Philharmonic Orchestra exemplifies how orchestral music can resonate beyond the privileged few, inviting everyone to partake in its beauty.
By hosting events in places like the Belait District, they dismantle barriers to the arts, fostering community engagement and cultural enrichment. These concerts remind us that orchestral music is not an elite pursuit but a vibrant expression of community and humanity, inspiring individuals from all walks of life to connect through the universal language of music. – Daniel Lim
