2020 Kinmen Tunnel Music Festival was held in Zhaishan Tunnel November 7-8. Many people traveled across the sea to appreciate this concert with battleground characteristics. Six sessions were held over two days, each attended by around 200 people, giving a total audience of around 1200 people, with around 70% from Taiwan, bringing tourism benefit to Kinmen. The festival has become Kinmen’s most representative music festival.
The themes of the two days of the festival were “hope” and “blessing”, praying for Taiwan and giving the world hope through music! Artistic director cellist Chang Cheng-chieh believes what the world needs most in 2020 is hope and that music is most able to bring positive energy. For this reason, for the festival, renowned vocalist Ilhun Jung of South Korea, Soprano Jiang Qi-zhen (Jeannie Chiang), and harmonica world champion Li Rang (Jang Li) were invited to lead a respected Taiwanese chamber orchestra featuring renowned violinists Lin Tian-ji, Chen Yi-ting and viola player Kang Yu-li.
In the natural concert hall of Zhaishan Tunnel the rich voice of the baritone echoed through the air accompanied by the heavenly voice of the soprano, filling the tunnel with layers of sound. This time, vocalist Ilhun Jung of South Korea was invited to perform the Matador’s Song, the magnificent march thrilling the audience. Soprano Jiang Qi-zhen (Jeannie Chiang) has a warm and clear voice and a broad range. She sang Sì. Mi chiamano Mimì, full of natural emotion, sincere and pure.
On the second day, harmonica with pop and folk character was accompanied by a string quartet, the unique charm and changing style enriching the festival. The piece Finlandia by Sibelius had a peaceful rhythm and calming effect, giving the audience an audial feast. The two days of singing and harmonica accompaniment, respectively, gave the audience a different flavor. Different to the past, the stage was designed by a young designer Rong Xiao-yang from Leon Florist, decorating the limited space of the stage with flower art, giving the audience a sense of vitality and hope.
With the entire world under the shadow of COVID-19 this year, the central theme of the festival this time was “hope” and “blessing”. Artistic director celloist Chang Cheng-chieh hoped to give a thing of beauty to the world with graceful music and, in doing so, arouse hope. Hosting a tunnel built for war as the venue symbolized the prayer that our world can move towards peace and happiness amidst chaos.