To further enhance music education in Taiwan and to promote international exchange, the Chang Yung-Fa Foundation and its Evergreen Symphony Orchestra (ESO) are collaborating with the Department of Music at National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) on a series of educational initiatives. These initiatives include expanding music education in rural areas, providing NTNU music students with opportunities to perform with the orchestra in domestic and international concerts, and hosting masterclasses led by ESO’s artist-in-residence, the world-renowned conductor Jaap van Zweden. This collaboration aims to create a more comprehensive learning environment, enabling NTNU students to gain hands-on experience in a professional orchestra setting.

To formalize this partnership, NTNU’s Department of Music, the Evergreen Symphony Orchestra, and Jaap van Zweden officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and Maestro van Zweden conducted a masterclass at NTNU today (March 28). This event highlights their shared commitment to advancing music education. Witnessing this significant moment were NTNU Vice President Yao-Ting Sung, College of Music Dean Hsiao-Fen Chen, Department of Music Chair Ling-Yi Ou Yang, Chang Yung-Fa Foundation Executive Director Demie Chung, and ESO’s Artist-in-Residence Jaap van Zweden. This MOU marks a new platform in Taiwan’s music education, integrating resources from a world-class conductor and a professional orchestra to cultivate musicians with international competitiveness.

Today, Jaap van Zweden also conducted a masterclass with the NTNU Symphony Orchestra, marking his first masterclass in Taiwan and providing students with a rare and valuable learning opportunity. This unique learning opportunity allowed students to gain invaluable insights from an esteemed maestro. Through hands-on rehearsal and meticulous musical guidance, van Zweden provided in-depth analysis of conducting techniques and orchestral ensemble performance. He also shared his vast experience from the global music scene, offering students not only an enriching learning experience but also new inspiration for Taiwan’s music education. The session helped enhance young musicians’ technical skills, musical interpretation, and stage presence, thus equipping NTNU students with the beginning of a solid foundation for their future careers.

The Evergreen Symphony Orchestra also organized an audition on March 8, where Jaap van Zweden personally listened to and handpicked NTNU music students for the ESO internship program. The highly competitive selection process drew many talented students, with 12 ultimately chosen in the first phase to join the orchestra’s new program. These students will rehearse and perform under van Zweden’s baton, gaining firsthand experience in a professional symphonic environment. This collaboration enables students to learn about world-class conducting interpretations and develop stage experience and professional discipline through working with a professional orchestra. Outstanding students may even have the opportunity to join the orchestra on international tours, experiencing global stages firsthand, increasing their competitiveness, and bringing Taiwan’s musical talents to the international arena.

Beyond professional music education, NTNU and the Chang Yung-Fa Foundation have long been working together to promote equal access to educational resources, with a particular focus on rural education programs. Over the years, both parties have provided teacher training and shared educational resources, allowing children from underprivileged areas to receive quality education and bridging the urban-rural education gap. Music education should not be confined to major cities and conservatories but should be accessible to all, giving every child with a passion for music the opportunity to learn and grow. With this new three-party collaboration, the education initiative will expand further, offering more students access to high-quality music education. This effort will spread the power of music to every corner of Taiwan, enriching and inspiring lives through music.