The Taipei Symphony Orchestra (TSO) successfully concluded its Japan–Korea tour this October, marking a significant milestone in its international journey. The tour covered Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Hofu, Bucheon, and Tongyeong, completing a cross-border musical voyage that resonated with audiences across Asia. Led by Laureate Conductor Eliahu Inbal, the orchestra presented Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 as the central piece of the program. In Korea, TSO also collaborated with distinguished pianist Kun Woo Paik to perform Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2, creating an unforgettable musical experience to Asian audiences. “This is the Mahler realm that only Inbal, at 89, can reach. Without hearing this concert, one cannot truly speak of Mahler.” The performances across the five cities were highly anticipated, adding a memorable new chapter to TSO’s artistic journey. Mahler Resonates Across Japan — Thunderous applause in Three Cities From October 10 to 12, TSO performed in Fukuoka Civic Hall, Kumamoto Prefectural Theatre, and Hofu City Public Hall in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Under Inbal’s baton, the orchestra opened each concert with Mahler’s grand and powerful symphony, captivating audiences with its depth and precision. Tickets for the Hofu performance were nearly sold out even before the concert, with organizers mentioned that a “strategy meeting” had to be held beforehand due to the overwhelming interest. The enthusiastic applause and cheers that followed each concert spoke for themselves. One audience member shared, “The sound and emotions I remembered from childhood came vividly back to me.” Another expressed, “It is deeply moving to finally welcome the TSO and Maestro Inbal to perform Mahler’s Fifth Symphony in my city.” The atmosphere in each hall was heartfelt, and the music rekindled a timeless emotional connection between performers and listeners. Magnificent Debut in Korea — Cultural Exchange Through Music On October 17 and October 19, TSO made its debut in Korea, performing at the Bucheon Art Center and Tongyeong Concert Hall. Both cities are recognized by UNESCO as Creative Cities—Bucheon for culture Tongyeong for music, the latter also hosting the renowned Tongyeong International Music Festival. The concerts, conducted by Mahler expert Eliahu Inbal and featuring Korea’s leading pianist Kun Woo Paik, were met with great anticipation. Tickets sold out before the performances, reflecting the excitement surrounding TSO’s first appearance in Korea. According to the General Manager of the Bucheon Art Center, few Asian orchestras have ever performed in Korea, making the TSO’s visit a milestone event for Bucheon. The CEO of Tongyeong Concert Hall noted that Tongyeong has long maintained positive exchanges with Taiwan and was delighted to host this collaboration between two masters and the TSO. As the final notes faded, the audience’s applause filled the hall, with Inbal and Paik returning to the stage for multiple curtain calls. Coincidentally, the Federation for Asian Cultural Promotion (FACP) annual meeting was being held at the Bucheon Art Center at the same time. Many Taiwanese and international arts professionals attended the concert and offered their congratulations to both the organizers and the orchestra for their outstanding performance. Representatives from Taiwan’s diplomatic missions in Korea—Deputy Representative Kuo Chiu-Wen from the Taipei Mission and Director Kuo Cheng-Kai from the Taipei Office in Busan—also attended, adding symbolic significance to this first TSO tour in Korea as a highlight of bilateral cultural exchange. Connecting Asian Cities Through Music And A Step Forward for Taipei’s Cultural Presence in Asia Since 1985, the Taipei Symphony Orchestra has performed in 13 countries and 40 cities, continuously expanding its international network. The 2025 Japan–Korea tour not only showcased the orchestra’s artistic maturity but also served as a cultural bridge linking Asian cities through music. The experience at the Bucheon Art Center provided valuable inspiration for the future development of Taipei’s own concert hall, further demonstrating how Taiwan’s cultural vitality continues to connect and align with the international stage. Inbal said, “The TSO has grown remarkably in recent years. Through this tour, I hoped to let audiences in different countries experience the true spirit of the TSO, and to deliver our most sincere and dedicated performances.” Having extensive experience performing in Japan and Korea, Inbal chose Mahler’s Symphony No. 5—departing from his Beethoven or Tchaikovsky repertoire—to offer something profound and powerful to audiences. The sincere and enthusiastic responses of audiences deeply moved him. The 2025 Japan–Korea tour reaffirmed TSO’s artistic excellence. It also built new cultural bridges for Taipei City within the Asian classical music landscape. Moving forward, TSO will continue to use music as a shared language to promote exchange and collaboration between cities, embracing an ever-wider international stage.