Founded in 1969, Taipei Symphony Orchestra has been evolving with great artistry for over half a century. Our mission is to share the beauty of music and to represent the most beautiful sound of Taipei. We want to use music to create dialogue and bring the sounds of Taiwan to the rest of the world.
TSO has always worked with prominent artists from around the world, including sopranos Angela Gheorghiu, violinist Maxim Vengerov, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, conductor Yuri Khatuevich Temirkanov and composer Tan Dun. Over the years, TSO has been conducted by renowned maestros such as Felix Chiu-Sen Chen, Andras Ligeti and Gilbert Varga, who have led TSO to the pinnacle of musical art. Between 2019 and 2022, TSO performed all of Mahler’s symphonies with Maestro Eliahu Inbal serving as Principal Conductor. These performances received critical acclaim. In 2023, Maestro Inbal, one of the best-known conductors in the world for his interpretations of Mahler, Shostakovich and Bruckner’s compositions, was invited to take on the role of Conductor Laureate. Under his guidance, TSO is starting a new chapter.
In 1979, TSO launched the Taipei Music Festival. Since then, the TSO repertoire has accumulated over forty-five opera productions, which have received great attention, and it has become a must-see event for opera-lovers, while also playing a vital role in the development of Western opera in Taiwan. In addition to domestic performances, TSO regularly tours worldwide across more than 20 countries and cities. The orchestra has taken on a role of musical ambassador, representing Taipei City to promote cultural diplomacy, and is committed to cultivating younger generations of musicians and enhancing public appreciation of music. Three affiliated groups—TSO Youth Chamber, TSO Wind Orchestra and TSO Chorus—were founded with the mission of promoting music and holding high-quality musical education activities on campus and in communities. “As Music, as Life” (School Concerts) and “Culture in the Street” are two major events that are well loved by Taipei students and citizens. In addition, TSO has launched the yearly Young Talent Audition, which encourages young musicians to collaborate with the orchestra as a way to launch a global music career.
TSO has gathered together brilliant and virtuosi musicians who work hard to fulfill our vision. Recent TSO album releases include live recordings of Beethoven Symphonies Nos 6 & 7 conducted by Maestro Inbal in November 2021. In 2023, TSO continued to work with Maestro Inbal to record symphonies by Bruckner and Brahms to boost our visibility on the international music scene.
The Taipei City Concert Hall and Library, which is currently under construction, will be TSO’s future home. With our depth of experience and musical accomplishment for over half a century, we believe TSO can bring the audience the greatest listening experiences by combining virtuosity in musical performance with digital technology, together with innovative and forward-looking thinking.