In the first complete performance of the work in Taiwan, Taipei Symphony Orchestra (TSO) proudly presents Kaddish, the third symphony by the great American composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein. Combining narrator, soprano, chorus and full orchestra, this large-scale work carries considerable historical significance. Using a highly theatrical structure and deeply probing text, the work confronts humanity’s ultimate questions about God, faith and the meaning of existence.From Chichester Psalms to KaddishAccording to TSO Director Kuo Pey-yu, planning for this ambitious project actually began back in 2020, when Maestro Eliahu Inbal assumed the post of principal conductor. Despite the disruptions caused by the Covid pandemic and the many difficulties coordinating singers’ schedules, the Taiwanese premiere finally came to fruition this year. Following the 2008 performance of Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, TSO has now, eighteen years later, completed Taiwan’s presentation of the composer’s major Jewish-inspired works, demonstrating its ability to master the demanding large-scale repertoire of the twentieth century.A Cross-Generational Bond Between Inbal and BernsteinAt the press conference, Inbal spoke emotionally about his connection with his mentor Bernstein. In 1958, while still serving in a military band, the young Inbal performed despite running a 40°C fever. Bernstein was deeply moved by the performance, took him aside afterwards, told him he was destined for greatness, and wrote him a recommendation letter to support his studies abroad.The maestro also recalled attending several days of the rehearsals of Kaddish in Israel, where Bernstein gave him direct insight into the work’s original and deepest interpretive essence.“Heavy Metal Rock Within Classical Music”Named after the Jewish prayer of mourning, Kaddish is a highly provocative work. Inbal explained that when the narrator questions God about why humanity must endure war and suffering, the music uses twelve-tone techniques to convey intense resistance and radicalism, “like the heavy metal of classical music”.However, once humanity joins hands with God in a dream and reaches reconciliation, the music transforms into passages that are more tonal, lyrical and inspired, ultimately arriving at love and peace. “The philosophical questions raised by this work are real for everyone,” Inbal underlined. “Music teaches us how to love. Even when it expresses darkness, it ultimately leads us back to peace.”International Cast and Cultural CollaborationSoprano Sara Cortolezzis described her role as a “caller for peace”, set in counterpoint to the angry narrator, restoring hope through the beauty of prayer. Narrator Jaye Ladymore described the relationship between the character and God as one of mutual dependence, inviting the listener to consider whether this reflects the illusion of control or a higher form of faith.Ku Yu-chung, director of the Taipei Philharmonic Chorus, noted that in this work the chorus functions as “the masses”, facing major challenges including Hebrew pronunciation and complex “Tower of Babel”-like rhythms, before ultimately bringing forth a hopeful ray of light from the darkness.The performance also received extensive cultural support from the Jewish Taiwan Cultural Association, including guidance in Hebrew diction, as well as presentations and sharing of cultural insights into Jewish traditions. Association spokesperson Alex Su noted that the core of Kaddish lies in “reflection and discussion”, and that the spirit of constantly asking “why?” is central to the way Jewish culture connects art and society.The Taiwanese premiere of Kaddish transcends barriers of religion and nationality, as TSO poses profound questions about love, peace and faith. In a turbulent world, the work uses music to rediscover the power of mutual respect and the mystery of creation. Maestro Inbal stressed that the work can connect people to “a higher power”, regardless of the audience’s religious background. More than half a century after its creation, this cross-cultural musical event is not to be missed in Taiwan. Listeners are warmly invited to experience the performance in person and seek their own resonance and hope within the music.