Tainan City Traditional Orchestra

Established in August 2000, the Tainan City Traditional Orchestra is Taiwan's first professional traditional orchestra founded by a local government. In addition to staging regular subscription concerts and school tours, the Orchestra is dedicated to collecting and preserving traditional music and rare ancient scores. Since its inception, it has actively participated in National Arts Festivals, local cultural initiatives, and international city exchange events, bringing performances to audiences across Taiwan. Through diverse outreach efforts—including community tours, military morale events, overseas diplomatic showcases, performances for underserved groups, and local temple festival collaborations—the Orchestra has delivered nearly a thousand performances over 16 years, securing its role as a key cultural ambassador for Tainan.

As Tainan’s sole public traditional orchestra, its founding mission remains unwavering. From the start, the Orchestra charted a new course for Chinese traditional orchestral music in Taiwan through mid-to-small ensemble configurations, versatile performance styles, and a strong focus on local culture. Serving as a crucial driver for preserving local heritage, innovating performing arts, and promoting traditional music in Tainan, it has successfully energized the national traditional music scene. Through meticulously curated album releases—such as Leisurely Journey in Traditional Music, Anping Memories, Green Mountains and Waters to the Oar’s Creak, New Melodies from Classic Chants, and Gazing at the Southern Breeze—the Orchestra has elevated the presentation of Taiwan’s musical heritage.

Rooted in Tainan’s rich cultural soil and thriving artistic climate, the Orchestra expanded its reach following the city’s merger and elevation to a special municipality in December 2010. To support its long-term growth, the Orchestra recruited fresh talent through standardized auditions, moving steadily toward a medium-sized orchestral model while producing acclaimed cross-disciplinary productions. Notable works include Whirling Heavens (2015), a fusion of ballet and traditional Chinese music; Art Troupe Legends (2016), a collaborative music and dance showcase of folk arts; and First Street: Episode I, inspired by Tainan literature.

Looking forward, the Orchestra aims to enhance the city’s cultural identity and deepen the roots of Taiwanese music through expansive artistic horizons. In today’s globalized and digital era, it bridges traditional music with world cultures, breaking down boundaries between local and international traditions. By integrating Western and Eastern musical forms, building a distinctive regional style, and engaging in multi-genre artistic collaborations, the Tainan City Traditional Orchestra continues to offer audiences high-quality, culturally resonant musical experiences.