Taipei, April 15 2026.     The Evergreen Symphony Orchestra (ESO) will launch a Japan tour this summer under the baton of Artist-in-Residence Jaap van Zweden, former Music Director of the New York Philharmonic and the Hong Kong Philharmonic. At the invitation of Daishi Hokuetsu Financial Group, ESO will perform on July 21 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre and on July 22 at the Niigata City Performing Arts Center. Following a June concert in Singapore, this marks the second stop of the orchestra’s 2026 Asia tour, with plans to return to Japan this autumn to perform in the Kansai area, including Osaka.

For this occasion, ESO, a three-time guest at Tokyo’s “La Folle Journée” festival, has curated programs highlighting Mahler’s music, which is beloved by Japanese audiences. Joining the orchestra and Maestro van Zweden will be acclaimed baritone Thomas Hampson, who will perform selections from Des Knaben Wunderhorn in the first half, including “Rheinlegendchen,” “Wo die schönen Trompeten blasen,” “Revelge,” “Der Tamboursg’sell,” and “Urlicht.” Drawn from German folk poetry, these songs blend fairy-tale imagery, military themes, and spiritual reflection, offering a glimpse into Mahler’s interplay between external reality and inner emotion. Hampson, widely regarded as one of the foremost interpreters of Mahler songs, is celebrated for his warm timbre, nuanced phrasing, and profound textual insight, and is recognized as a leading authority in German Lieder.

The second half of the program will feature Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 in D major, “Titan,” conducted by Jaap van Zweden. This early masterpiece combines natural imagery, folk melodies, and introspection, charting a journey from struggle and uncertainty to triumph and affirmation. Maestro Jaap van Zweden’s artistry has elevated orchestras worldwide, from inaugurating the renovated David Geffen Hall with the New York Philharmonic in 2022, to enhancing the international stature of the Hong Kong Philharmonic, and earning national acclaim with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. He currently serves as Music Director of the Seoul Philharmonic (since 2024) and will assume leadership of the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France in autumn 2026.

Adding to the distinctiveness of the Japan tour, ESO will perform with rare instruments sponsored by the Chang Yung-fa Foundation, including violins crafted by Italy’s legendary Stradivari and Guarneri families. It is anticipated that these instruments, in the hands of the ESO’s excellent musicians, will be an asset in enriching the orchestra’s tonal palette.

As part of its Japan tour, the ESO will host two special artist encounters. On July 21 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre, Artist-in-Residence Jaap van Zweden and baritone Thomas Hampson will engage directly with Japan audiences in an open conversation. The following day in Niigata, Jaap van Zweden will lead a symposium featuring Concertmaster Ting-shuo Chang, Principal Cellist Nan-cheng Chen and Chen Shih-lin, with guest principals Erin Hannigan (Rice University, oboe), Megan Sterling (Hong Kong Philharmonic, flute), Bill Williams (independent, trumpet), and Vicente Climent (Bern Symphony, trombone). Together, these distinguished musicians will share insights, field questions, and foster meaningful exchange with local music lovers.

For further information, please visit the Evergreen Symphony Orchetra's official website or follow ESO social media platform for the latest tour updates.