To promote the public’s interest and appreciation in classical music, the Evergreen Symphony Orchestra (ESO) launched a special initiative in 2024 - combining its seasonal concerts with outreach activities. ESO invited both local and international musicians to visit schools and communities, offering in-depth explanations about the history of classical music and the insights into its appreciation.

Recently, ESO collaborated with Ross Jamie Collins, a young Finnish-British conductor, while visiting Kaohsiung High School. Collins, who was in Taiwan to perform the Concert “ESO x Ross Jamie Collins x Alexei Volodin,” interacted with music students and classical music enthusiasts from southern Taiwan.

Collins is currently a Dudamel fellow with Los Angeles Philharmonic and Conductor-in-Residence of Iceland Symphony Orchestra for the 2023/24 season. On the day of the event, he not only conducted the Kaohsiung High School Orchestra but also offered the students some valuable guidance and technical advice. The students found his candid teaching immensely beneficial, and they cherished the rare opportunity to learn from an internationally acclaimed conductor up close. Additionally, Collins shared insights into his musical journey, allowing the audience – including teachers, students, and music enthusiasts - to engage with his passion and dedication to music.

    Demie Chung, Chief Executive of the Chang Yung-fa Foundation who oversees the Evergreen Symphony Orchestra, said: “This year, the Evergreen Symphony Orchestra launched its exclusive ‘Music Fan Club’, and we are excited to make our first-ever visit to the Kaohsiung area. We hope this initiative will encourage local residents to experience the beauty of classical music. In the future, we will continue inviting musicians to collaborate with the Music Fan Club, and further promote classical music appreciation whenever suitable opportunities arise.”