NSO Taiwan marks 40th anniversary with Mahler's 'Symphony of a Thousand'

Taiwan's National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) is set to celebrate its 40th anniversary, marking four decades since its establishment as the "United Experimental Orchestra" in 1986. The upcoming 2026/27 season will revolve around this significant milestone, with a special focus on the music of Gustav Mahler.

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Music is the best gift that the NSO hopes to bring to all music lovers. Although many people have grown old with the orchestra over the past 40 years, the orchestra itself will not grow old.

The season's centerpiece will be a monumental performance of Mahler's Symphony No. 8, famously known as the "Symphony of a Thousand." This ambitious undertaking will involve a collaboration not only with the National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra and the Kaohsiung Symphony Orchestra but also with musicians from the Taipei International Master Music Festival. NSO Music Director Jun Märkl described the project as a "major event for Taiwan," aiming to unite Taiwanese and international artists.

Märkl emphasized the NSO's commitment to honoring its past while embracing the future. "When we look back at this history, we hope to pay tribute to the past," he stated, expressing a desire to invite former music directors to rejoin the orchestra. The NSO seeks to showcase the spirit of a united family and highlight the dynamism and collaborative spirit within Taiwan's music scene.

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When we look back at this history, we hope to pay tribute to the past.

Details of the 2026/27 season, which will also incorporate themes of dance alongside the 40th-anniversary celebrations and Mahler's works, will be announced soon. The orchestra aims to present music as a gift to its audience, reflecting on its journey and looking forward to a vibrant future.

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This brings a series of major concerts, which were completed under Mahler's call. As everyone knows, Mahler's Symphony No. 8, "Symphony of a Thousand," is not just a musical motto, but also includes a grand lineup. We will collaborate with the National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra, the Kaohsiung Symphony Orchestra, and musicians from the Taipei International Master Music Festival. Bringing Taiwanese and international musicians together to perform this work, although extremely challenging, is definitely a major event for Taiwan.