Dear Friends of Music,

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Thank you for your enthusiastic support, which made the inaugural "Taiwan International Cello Festival" a great success. Now, with great excitement, we officially announce the arrival of the second edition of the festival, continuing our exploration of the multiverse of the cello! We look forward to sharing these extraordinary musical experiences with you once again!

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In 2025, we will shine a special spotlight on the contributions of women in music. For a long time, women in the classical music world—whether as composers or performers—have not received the recognition they deserve. Particularly in the realm of cello performance, it was once deemed inappropriate for women due to outdated notions about the seated posture and the contact between the cello and the body. Thankfully, such prejudices have long been dispelled.

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This year, we are honored to welcome some of the world's leading female cellists to Taiwan for the first time, including Anne Gastinel (France), Raphaela Gromes (Germany), Natalie Clein (UK), and Kristin von der Goltz (Germany). They will share the stage with renowned Taiwanese cellists Ouyang Ling-Yi, Dai Leewen, and Cheng Yi-Ching, bringing audiences a series of breathtaking cello performances.

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The festival's concerts will take place in both Taipei and Kaohsiung, showcasing a rich variety of formats—from solo cello, to cello quartets, to cello octets and cello & piano recital—featuring not only well-known masterpieces but also unique and rarely-heard gems. This year, we also honor several composers with milestone anniversaries: Fanny Mendelssohn (220th anniversary), Rita Strohl (160th), Henriëtte Bosmans (130th), Jean Sibelius (160th).

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We also pay tribute to Taiwanese composer Ma Shui-Long, marking ten years since his passing. To mark its 50th anniversary, we will also present a selection from the 12 Hommages à Paul Sacher for Violoncello solo this year and next—works commissioned by Mstislav Rostropovich for Swiss music-patron Paul Sacher's 70th birthday, composed by twelve of the greatest composers of the 20th century. A special highlight this year: a fusion of Baroque music and jazz improvisation, featuring works by Joseph-Marie-Clément Dall'Abaco, promises a bold new listening experience.

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Also, don't miss our exciting world premieres!

These include a groundbreaking new work based on music by medieval mystic composer Hildegard von Bingen, performed with voice and eight cellos. And for our grand finale: the world premiere of an eight-cello arrangement of Dvořák's Symphony No. 8—a truly unmissable moment.

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Once again, we will provide young musicians with valuable learning opportunities. Our masterclasses will feature personal instruction from internationally renowned cellists. A special focus will be on historical performance practice, with Baroque specialist Kristin von der Goltz leading a workshop exploring the music of this era. Additionally, the award-winning luthier duo Qiling Chen & Emilio Kusi Crabbé will share their expertise in cello making, offering rare insights into the craft.

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A matter close to our hearts is to establish Moments of Resonance, which we introduced last year, as a lasting tradition. We warmly invite amateur players, beginners, children and adults alike to join international cello stars for a grand cello happening sharing the joy of music.

 

Save the dates!

We warmly welcome you to explore the 2025 Taiwan International Cello Festival with us!

 

Pi-Chin Chien
Founder & Artistic Director & Team