Taipei Symphony Orchestra (TSO) is set to embark on a tour of Japan and South Korea in October 2025, marking its first international engagement since the 2019 U.S. tour and its triumphant return to the global stage following the pandemic. Under the baton of internationally acclaimed Mahler specialist and Conductor Laureate Eliahu Inbal, TSO will perform in six cities: Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Hofu in Japan; and Bucheon, Tongyeong, and Daegu in South Korea. The tour will highlight TSO’s artistic excellence and herald a renewed commitment to the strengthening of cultural ties between Taipei and the cities of Asia.Expanding Horizons: Strengthening Taiwan’s Musical Presence Across AsiaSince 1985, the TSO has performed in 40 cities across 13 countries under the leadership of distinguished conductors, building a formidable presence on the international stage. Through appearances at world-renowned music festivals and concert halls, TSO has continued to cultivate cross-cultural exchange, and its growing international reputation has further reinforced Taipei’s image as a city rich in cultural depth and sophistication.Six Cities, One Shared Vision: Celebrating Cross-Border Friendship Through MusicTSO’s longstanding ties with Japan have led to previous tours to Okinawa (1993) , Kanazawa, Toyama and Tokyo (2012), Yokohama and Sapporo (2014). In October 2025, at the invitation of ASPEN Chairman Masami Shigeta, the TSO will open its tour with performances at three of the most culturally significant regional venues in Japan: Fukuoka Civic Hall, Kumamoto Prefectural Theater, and Hofu Kokaido Sanyu Salvia Hall.Following the performances in Japan, TSO will continue to South Korea from 17 to 21 October, marking its first-ever tour of the country. Concerts will be held at the Bucheon Art Center, Tongyeong Concert Hall, and Daegu Concert House. Bucheon is a major centre for creative industries in South Korea and has collaborated with Taipei on events such as the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival. Meanwhile, Tongyeong, home to the prestigious Tongyeong International Music Festival, has connections to TSO’s incoming Chief Conductor Alexander Liebreich, a former Artistic Director of the festival.Daegu has been Taipei’s sister city since 2010, and our two cities maintain a deep and enduring relationship through cultural and tourism exchanges, including the Taipei Lantern Festival. In celebration of the 15th anniversary of our sister-city relationship, TSO has been invited to perform at Daegu’s World Orchestra Series, writing a new chapter of friendship and cultural exchange in the universal language of music.According to Maestro Inbal, in recent years TSO has made remarkable progress and evolved into an increasingly outstanding ensemble. International tours allow audiences in other countries to witness TSO’s growth firsthand. TSO is also eager to bring the very best performances to music lovers overseeas, which is why this tour is so important. Inbal himself has extensive experience performing in venues in Japan and South Korea, but in a departure from the Beethoven and Tchaikovsky programmes typically featured in previous tours, this time Inbal has specially prepared Mahler’s Symphony No. 5.TSO was first invited to perform in Japan in 2014, says ASPEN chairman Masami Shigeta, which marked an important step in the musical exchange between Taiwan and Japan. In 2016, to express gratitude for Taiwan’s support following the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake, Mr. Shigeta extended a special invitation to the NHK Symphony Orchestra to return to Taiwan for the first time in 45 years to perform the “Thank You, Taiwan” concert. ASPEN is delighted to once again welcome Maestro Inbal and the TSO to Japan this October. Mahler’s music could not be more fitting for this occasion. Mr. Shigeta expressed the hope that this meaningful and exhilarating cultural event will further the deep friendship between Taiwan and Japan through the power of music and cultural connection. Mahler and Chopin Interwoven in the TSO’s Asia TourUnder the baton of Conductor Laureate Eliahu Inbal, the Japan performances will feature Mahler’s Symphony No. 5. In Korea, the programme will continue to highlight Mahler’s symphonic brilliance while also welcoming Korean piano maestro Kun-Woo Paik to the tour in a special collaboration, as he performs Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2. Through this musical odyssey, TSO hopes to resonate with audiences throughout Asia and to establish enduring partnerships with the region’s concert halls.Linking Asia’s Cultural Capitals: A Vision for the Future Through Music TSO General Director Pey-Yu Kuo noted that this tour reflects years of dedicated international outreach, culminating in TSO being invited to appear as a featured programme at leading concert venues. Marking the 15th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Taipei and Daegu, discussions are currently underway to deepen collaboration through future exchanges of chief conductors and concertmasters, thus strengthening the bond between our two cities and cultivating a broader network of musical alliances throughout Asia.Beyond this tour, TSO’s 2025 season will feature an impressive array of internationally renowned Asian musicians, including Jaemin Han, Eric Lu, Christian Li, Li-Wei Qin, and Inmo Yang. In bringing together the finest talents from across the region, TSO is seeking to expand its network of partnerships and position Taipei as a rising centre of musical excellence on the international stage. This tour not only marks a return to the international stage but also opens a bold new chapter in TSO’s mission to connect cities, cultures, and communities through artistic excellence. To celebrate the tour, TSO will present a Pre-Tour Concert on 3 October at the National Concert Hall in Taipei. Tickets purchased before 27 April will enjoy a 21% early bird discount.