SEATTLE, May 1, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- The Taipei Music Center (TMC) has launched "MUSIC,
ISLAND, STORIES: TAIWAN CALLING!",
its first overseas exhibition, at the University of Washington. The exhibit, which opened
on April 24 and runs through
May 28, chronicles the remarkable
journey of Taiwanese pop music from its influence on
Mandarin-speaking communities worldwide to its emergence in the
global music scene. The exhibition showcases the widely recognized
Taiwanese pop music as the birthplace and crucial hub of Mandarin
pop songs that have captured the hearts of Chinese listeners around
the world, has transcended borders and become a global cultural
niche.
The opening ceremony was led by Kay
Huang, a respected Taiwanese musician, composer, former
Golden Melody Awards jury chairperson, and the current chairperson
of TMC. Huang was joined by the exhibition's curators, renowned
music critic Ma Shih-fang and music
critic Chen Te-cheng, who shared
fascinating stories behind the exhibits and the evolution of
Taiwanese pop music in a thought-provoking panel discussion that
left the audience captivated and eager to explore the exhibition
further.
During the discussion, Ma
Shih-fang shed light on the impact of censorship on
Taiwanese music during the martial law era. The exhibition features
a rare "List of Banned Songs" from the 1970s, highlighting the
importance of freedom of expression. Ma emphasized that the list
serves as a historical record, reminding visitors to cherish the
hard-won freedom of artistic expression in Taiwan, evoking a sense of appreciation and
resonance among the audience.
The panelists also explored the influence of American culture on
Taiwanese pop music, particularly after the Korean War when the
U.S. military was stationed in Taiwan. Chen
Te-cheng shared his personal experience of growing up
listening to American music on the radio and collecting bootleg
records from the U.S. military radio station. The exhibition
showcases how this exposure to American culture shaped the
development of Taiwanese pop music, leading to the rise of rock and
roll and other Western-influenced genres.
Kay Huang expressed her deep
emotions during the opening ceremony, stating, "Although Taiwan is
small, it is rich in culture, and life is difficult to separate
from music. Music has no borders, and after a year of planning,
seeing the exhibition successfully open here is truly moving."
Huang extended her gratitude to the Taiwan Studies Program at the
University of Washington for their
unwavering friendship and support in making this exhibition a
reality.
"MUSIC, ISLAND, STORIES: TAIWAN
CALLING!" will be on display at the University
of Washington Allen Library North Lobby until May 28. With its limited run in Seattle, the exhibition is a must-see for
anyone passionate about music and cultural exploration, as it
offers a unique opportunity to discover the rich tapestry of
Taiwanese pop music and its ongoing transformation. Following its
run in Seattle, TMC plans to bring
the exhibition to more cities worldwide, inviting global audiences
to experience the captivating journey of Taiwanese pop music.
About Taipei Music Center:
Established in 2020, the Taipei Music Center (TMC) is a leading
cultural institution in Taiwan
dedicated to preserving, promoting, and advancing Taiwanese pop
music. As a multifaceted compound in the heart of Taipei City, the TMC hosts exhibitions,
cultivates talents, fosters industry development, and showcases
Taiwanese pop music on a global scale. Through innovative
public-private partnership approaches, the TMC aims to highlight
the diversity and creativity of Taiwanese music while fostering
international cultural exchange. Embodying the philosophy "Music is
life, and life has music," the Taipei Music Center strives to be
the driving force behind Taiwan's
thriving pop music scene.
Media Enquiries:
Christelle Cheng
chris.cheng@tmc.taipei
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SOURCE Taipei Music Center