Foreign musicians are nothing unusual in Taiwan, having made a significant contribution to the rock and folk scene, but as far as musicians in classical music go, the presence of foreigners tends to be of the kind imported from abroad for a limited number of performances. As Taiwan internationalizes, this situation is gradually changing, and foreign residents of Taiwan are gradually becoming part of the artistic mainstream. The Philharmonia Moment Musical group (樂興之時), based at Novel Hall, in opening applications to foreign residents, is making one further step in this direction.
Founded in 1988, Philharmonia was the creation of Chiang Po-po (江波波), currently Concert Master of Academy Taiwan Strings (台灣絃樂團), First Violinist of the Gestalt String Quartet and Concert Master of the Philharmonic Radio Taipei Orchestra. He is also the producer and host of the Classical Music Program "Music Utopia" (音樂理想國) aired on Broadcasting Collaboration China (中廣音樂網). Chiang said the orchestra hopes to attract foreigners working in Taiwan who want to "keep their hands warm" by performing and rehearsing with Philharmonia. The group is primarily seeking violin, viola and double bass players. Auditions will be held from 6pm on March 7 in the B1 rehearsal room of the Novel Hall. For more information visit Philharmonia's Web site at http://momentmusical.com.tw or call (02) 2708-5064.
PHOTO COURTESY OF PMM
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