Kaohsiung Honors 13 Performing Arts Troupes; Mayor Chen Chi-mai Aims to Build an Asian Performing Arts City

(Central News Agency, reporter Lin Chiao-lien, Kaohsiung, 9th) Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai today honored 13 performing arts troupes selected for subsidy programs by the Ministry of Culture and other central agencies. Among them, the Kaohsiung Wind Ensemble, Counterpoint Chamber Orchestra, Hong Dance Production, and Sing Song Musical Theater were also selected as the 2025 (114th year of the Republic of China) 'Taiwan Top Annual Best Troupes.'

Mayor Chen recognized the outstanding troupes at a municipal meeting, stating that their receipt of significant subsidies demonstrates Kaohsiung's long-term achievements in fostering arts and culture, cultivating talent, and supporting troupes. He added that it also showcases the deep creative energy and artistic strength of Kaohsiung's performing arts. Being selected among many excellent troupes nationwide represents years of accumulated professional expertise and creative output.

Mayor Chen emphasized that culture is a crucial foundation for a city's competitiveness. He noted that Kaohsiung has continuously promoted arts education, supported local troupes, and improved performance venues, making cultural creation a vital force for showcasing the city's character and enhancing its international visibility. Kaohsiung's troupes are deeply rooted in the local community while also reaching international audiences, actively engaging in professional creation, arts promotion, and performances on domestic and international stages.

The Kaohsiung City Cultural Affairs Bureau stated that the honored troupes span diverse fields including music, dance, theater, Taiwanese opera, puppet theater, and musical theater, reflecting Kaohsiung's rich and complete performing arts ecosystem. The Kaohsiung Wind Ensemble has long promoted wind music and education. The Counterpoint Chamber Orchestra combines classical music with theater and cross-disciplinary creation. The Baroque Soloists Orchestra focuses on promoting early music and cross-domain collaboration, continuously expanding its artistic influence.

In the dance field, Hong Dance Production, Cheng Dance Production, and Hsu Cheng-wei Dance Theater continue to deepen contemporary dance creation, actively performing on domestic and international stages with distinctive styles. In traditional opera, Ming Hwa Yuan Tianzi Troupe, Chun Mei Opera Troupe, Shang Ho Taiwanese Opera Troupe, and Ming Hwa Yuan Rizi Troupe persistently seek breakthroughs between heritage and innovation, demonstrating the contemporary vitality of Taiwanese opera art.

Furthermore, the Golden Eagle Television Puppet Theater incorporates technology and theatrical language to inject new vitality into glove puppetry. Sing Song Musical Theater focuses on original musicals, blending local themes with diverse musical styles. Liang Liang Production Group has gained attention for its baby theater and cross-disciplinary creations, expanding the possibilities of performing arts. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150609