Nantun Old Street, often referred to as the “First Street of Taichung,” bears witness to the developmental history of Taichung City. Originally a settlement of the Babuza people, it gradually saw the arrival of Han Chinese settlers during the Qing Dynasty, engaging in the production and sale of agricultural tools, hence earning the name “Plowhead Street.” Strolling along this street lined with well-preserved red-brick buildings from the Japanese colonial era feels like a journey through time, transporting you back to the past. At the end of the old street stands the Wanhe Temple, a centuries-old temple dedicated to the Meizhou Mazu, also known as the Big Old Mother. Here, you can immerse yourself in the ancient and traditional ambiance while listening to the stories of bygone eras.
- Work Title: Old Street Impressions
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Creative Concept:
At Nantun Station, the historic aura of Taichung's Wanhe Temple and the vivid old street scenes and scents kindle the spirit of "Old Street Impressions." This lively Chinese orchestral theme leverages the bangdi, a traditional Chinese flute, to stir a sense of nostalgia and connect the listeners with the area's cherished memories. Infusing Beiguan percussion, emblematic of temple fairs, the composition vividly brings out the unique Taiwanese essence, echoing the lively, soulful heartbeat of the local streets.
- Composer: Chi-Jou Cho
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Composer Profile:
An esteemed artist from Taichung, this musician's educational journey is as impressive as their creative output. Holding a Master's degree in Film Scoring from the Seattle Film Institute, USA, under the guidance of two-time Emmy Award winner Hummie Mann, and dual Bachelor's degrees in Composition and New Media Arts from the National Taipei University of the Arts, they demonstrate a rich, multifaceted talent.
Their foray into music scoring has been marked with notable accolades: their composition for the student animation "Do It Again" clinched the Outstanding Student Work Award at the 42nd Golden Harvest Awardsand garnered multiple international festival nominations. They achieved finalist status at the 2020 Guandu International Animation Festival with "Good Luck to You" and won "Best Student Film” at the West Sound Film Festival for "Kill Your Darlings." Their choral masterpiece, "The Big Tree," not only triumphed in the mixed choir category at the 2nd Sing for Love Choral Composition but was also published by Pana Musica. Additionally, their Chinese orchestra piece "Aunt Tiger" secured the Gold Award in composition at the 2023 World Classical Music Awards.
Currently, they are an accomplished, versatile music creator, weaving their magic in animations, films, games, pop, and contemporary classical music. Their portfolio boasts of editing for Rayark Games' titles like "Sdorica," "Deemo - Reborn," and "Deemo II"; contributing as assistant music producer and additional composer for Netflix's "Futmalls.com"; engaging as a music designer for Taipei Chinese Orchestra's "My Aside-Like Life" and "Who's More Pop ", and for Diabolo Dance Theatre's "The Watcher". They also composed for the film "Day Off" and co-founded the YouTube channel 'SLSMusic', attracting over 470,000 subscribers and showcasing their talents in arrangement, sheet music production, and art editing.
- Work Title: Nantun Notes
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Creavite Concept:
Nantun Station is aptly situated in the culturally rich Nantun District of Taichung City, home to historical treasures like the third-class monument Wanhe Temple. Reflecting the area's blend of historical depth and modern development, the music creation process for this station embraced modern synthesizers and electric pianos paired with melodies from early folk instruments. A string section enhances the composition, while the percussion cleverly incorporates samples of wooden clogs hitting the ground, infusing the piece with a theme of old-meets-new.
- Composer: Eric Lin
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Composer Profile:
For this individual, music, art, and film constitute essential elements of life. They find joy in enhancing daily experiences with music, savoring diverse art forms, and delving into the narratives of cinema. Eager to engage with others who share these passions, they are excited about collaborative explorations into the expansive and vibrant cultural landscape.