Disabled artists shine with music

Eleven-year-old Chang Ching-wei, blind from birth, plays the violin in the final of the National Music Contest for the Physically and Mentally Disabled at Chungshan Hall in Taipei yesterday. PHOTO: GEORGE TSORNG, TAIPEI TIMES

Despite thunderstorms in Taipei, the final round of the 2003 Nationwide Music Competition for the Disabled took place yesterday at the Chungshan Hall, showcasing the talent of 17 contestants.

Sponsored by the Po Chung Foundation and the Taiwan Music and Arts Association, children and adults struggling with the challenges presented by various disabilities performed instrumental music ranging from Mozart to Disney's Mulan.

"What I saw on stage today was more than just music. It was determination without complaint," said Wu Po-hsiung (吳伯雄), director of the Po Chung Foundation and KMT deputy chairman. He said that none of the performances could have been possible without the support of encouraging parents.

The competition actually began in May with nearly 200 contestants in nine different districts. There were three preliminary rounds before yesterday's final, one of which was a nationwide event. The contestants who performed at the final round came from all over Taiwan to participate, some traveling from as far as Tainan.

While the contestants came from different cities, they all shared a common love for music and a willingness to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges to perform.

Many of the contestants were blind or deaf. Others suffered from cerebral palsy and autism, among other conditions.

Eighteen-year-old Shih Ying-yen (施映延), the winner in the flute performance category, admitted that he was a little nervous on stage. Having lost most of his hearing, Shih still manages to play both the piano and the flute. His father said that Shih also had a good voice and hoped to pursue vocal training.

Another contestant, Huang Ch'eng-pin (黃承斌), said he had not felt nervous performing. His performance of Friedrich Seitz' Fifth Violin Concerto won him the top prize in his age group, but he said that he hoped to one day play the music of Vivaldi. Huang is an albino who suffers from debilitated eyesight.

The Tai Chung Ch'i Ming Choir, Taiwan's first choir for the blind, also performed at the event. The evening was concluded with the awards ceremony during which the judges' decisions were announced. Wu joined the choir, singing into a microphone on stage.

"After today's performances, I don't see why we ever have reason to complain about hardship," Wu said. He also said that he found the event very touching.

Huang's mother said that watching her son perform was a truly moving experience.