Conductor Andris Nelsons and Gewandhausorchester Leipzig Arrive in Taiwan

Central News Agency, Taipei, May 22. The world-renowned Gewandhausorchester Leipzig has arrived in Taiwan for two concerts in Taipei and Tainan. Conductor Andris Nelsons stated at a press conference today that classical music is food for the soul and that he cherishes the opportunity to share it with Taiwanese music fans. Nelsons spoke passionately about the repertoire. For the May 23 concert at the National Concert Hall in Taipei, he will present Shostakovich's Symphony No. 10, noting that it was the first time the composer used musical techniques to deceive the authorities, embedding satire and criticism of Stalin into the music. Yulianna Avdeeva, winner of the 2010 Chopin Piano Competition, will perform Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 with the orchestra. Tainan Deputy Mayor Yeh Tse-shan stated that as Tainan celebrates its 400th anniversary, the visit of the world's oldest orchestra is a beautiful gift. For the May 24 concert at the Tainan Cultural Center, the orchestra will perform Act 1 of Wagner's opera 'Die Walküre'. Nelsons praised Wagner as a 'flawed genius' whose works prompt reflection on forgiveness and love. Administrative Director Andreas Schulz added that these performances represent the essence of the orchestra and they hope to bring the Leipzig musical experience to Taiwanese audiences.