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ESO Collaborates with "Broadcast 4 Kids" for an Educational Workshop at Taipei Zhongshan Hall

  • 2026-05-24
Evergreen Symphony Orchestra joined hands with “Broadcast 4 Kids” to host a special children’s activity before the concert on May 23, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere.
Evergreen Symphony Orchestra joined hands with “Broadcast 4 Kids” to host a special children’s activity before the concert on May 23, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere.

Taipei, May 25, 2026.     The Evergreen Symphony Orchestra (ESO) presented the concert 'Jerry Hou, Sophie Shao & ESO' on May 23 at Taipei Zhongshan Hall. Under the baton of Associate Conductor Jerry Hou, the program included the overture to Janáček’s opera From the House of the Dead and Stravinsky’s The Firebird. The concert also marked the Taiwan premiere of Shih-hui Chen’s Our Son Is Not Coming Home To Dinner. Inspired by the poetry of literary master Chun-ming Huang, the performance, integrating literature and orchestral music to create a cohesive artistic presentation, featured cellist Sophie Shao.

In advance of the concert, to further promote music education, ESO partnered with the popular children’s podcast “Broadcast 4 Kids” to host the 'Before the Symphony Starts' educational workshop. The activity began with dancer Chieh-tien Lin guiding an architectural tour by of Taipei Zhongshan Hall, followed by a rhythmic movement workshop. Using themes from Stravinsky’s The Firebird as a creative catalyst, the workshop encouraged students to 'recognize music through the body,' translating abstract orchestral motifs into physical expression through body movement.

Concertmaster Ting-shuo Chang engaged children with an energetic introduction to classical music, guiding them to experience the delicate emotions of the violin.
Concertmaster Ting-shuo Chang engaged children with an energetic introduction to classical music, guiding them to experience the delicate emotions of the violin.
Tuba principal Meng-hsin Tsai revealed the secrets of the instrument’s structure and demonstrated its powerful sound, filling the hall with laughter from the children.
Tuba principal Meng-hsin Tsai revealed the secrets of the instrument’s structure and demonstrated its powerful sound, filling the hall with laughter from the children.

The sessions that followed featured ESO principals. Concertmaster Ting-shuo Chang provided live demonstrations of the violin’s ability to mimic natural sounds and human emotions. Tuba principal Meng-hsin Tsai offered a presentation on the tuba’s resonance and structure, using a humorous approach to engage the young audience. These sessions allowed children to identify specific instrument roles within the orchestral layout and foster a personal connection with the musicians prior to the performance.

The Broadcast 4 Kids team stated: 'We are grateful for this collaboration with ESO, which allows families to engage with music on a personal level. In the age of AI, fostering genuine human connections through the arts is vital. Our goal is to ensure that children experience a close and personal bond with music and not merely view it as an academic pursuit.”

Conductor Jerry Hou made a surprise appearance, personally introducing the magic of the baton to the children and bridging classical music with youthful curiosity.
Conductor Jerry Hou made a surprise appearance, personally introducing the magic of the baton to the children and bridging classical music with youthful curiosity.
Children participating in the activity proudly held concert programs, postcards, and orchestra mascot dolls, taking home cherished memories.
Children participating in the activity proudly held concert programs, postcards, and orchestra mascot dolls, taking home cherished memories.

ESO remains committed to expanding its community outreach and music advocacy projects throughout the year. Upcoming initiatives will include specialized programs for reformatory schools, senior citizen centers, and medical facilities. The orchestra is dedicated to ensuring that the impact of classical music extends beyond the concert hall to reach diverse demographics within the community.