Qiu Shixian to Lead Kaohsiung Chinese Orchestra as New Conductor

The Kaohsiung Chinese Orchestra is set to welcome Qiu Shixian as its new resident conductor starting in August. Qiu, who currently leads the Taipei Chinese Orchestra's "TCO Academy Chinese Orchestra," will officially join the Kaohsiung ensemble, marking a new chapter for the renowned musical group.

His debut performance with the Kaohsiung Chinese Orchestra is scheduled for October 24 at the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts. For this inaugural concert, Qiu will collaborate with prominent musicians Hou Guangyu (flute) and Zhuang Xueman (pipa), alongside the orchestra, to present a program titled "Walking, City, Memory."

Qiu Shixian is recognized as a leading conductor of his generation. He began his musical journey studying the flute at Chinese Culture University before pursuing a master's degree in conducting at Fu Jen Catholic University. His career includes roles as a teaching assistant and stage manager for the Chinese Music Department at Chinese Culture University. Currently, he serves as the conductor of the "TCO Academy Chinese Orchestra" and leads the performance group of the Taipei Chinese Orchestra.

The orchestra's foundation, the Kaohsiung Cultural and Arts Foundation, also expressed gratitude to the outgoing conductor, Guo Zechen. Guo will retire at the end of December after more than ten years of dedicated service. During his tenure, he led the Kaohsiung Chinese Orchestra through significant transformations, including performances during the Kaohsiung Spring Arts Festival and other major city events. He also guided the orchestra on a tour to Finland last year, receiving acclaim from international audiences. The foundation lauded his contributions to bridging tradition and modernity, and classical and cross-genre music.