The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) at 40

Known at home as the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO), Taiwan Philharmonic celebrates its 40th anniversary with a 2026/27 season under Jun Märkl in his sixth year as Music Director.  The season pays tribute to the orchestra’s history to help a new generation of audiences become familiar with the orchestra’s story. Märkl has invited back former Music Directors Shao-Chia Lü (2009-2020), Wen-Pin Chien (2001-2007), and Jahja Ling (1998-2001) to curate special concerts. There will also be a concert to pay respects to the orchestra’s first music director, Tsang-Houei Hsu (1994-1995). 

Professor Hsu assumed the first Music Directorship when the orchestra was reorganised as the National Concert Hall Symphony Orchestra. Prior to that, the orchestra was established as the United Experimental Orchestra in 1986 as part of the preparations for the opening of the National Theater and National Concert Hall in Taipei. French conductor Gérard Akoka served as resident conductor in the initial period. Since its founding, the Taiwan Philharmonic has grown to be hailed as one of the best orchestras in Asia, taking on symphonic and operatic repertoire in the classical tradition as well as contemporary works including those by Taiwanese composers.  

The 40th anniversary season showcases the orchestras strengths in this breadth of repertoire, with a focus on the music from the turn of the 20th century, an artistic turning point in the history of music and the arts. One main theme centres around dance, celebrating the legacy of the Ballets Russes, Sergei Diaghilev’s visionary project, and other influential ballet works. The orchestra continues its multi-season Gustav Mahler cycle, performing his Symphony No. 8 and No. 9 (27–28 Nov and  31 Oct, respectively). The Eighth symphony will see the Philharmonic collaborating with orchestras throughout Taiwan and an extensive roster of renowned singers from around the world. The season finale will feature Ludwig van Beethoven’s opera Fidelio (9 and 11 Jul 2027), a work that reminds us of the values of liberty and justice in an age of uncertainty. The selected concert will also feature a work by a Taiwanese composer as part of the One-Minute Symphony commissioning project.  

The season will also continue the orchestra’s support of chamber music as an art form. In addition to regular chamber music concerts by our own musicians, the orchestra continues its partnership with violinist Paul Huang to curate our annual chamber music festival (7-10 Jan 2027), dedicated to exploring the depth of chamber classics and championing modern works with international guests playing alongside musicians of the orchestra.

Our 40th-anniversary celebration extends beyond Taiwan’s borders. The orchestra embarks on an international tour in Germany and the UK over two weeks in March and April 2027, presenting seven concerts in six cities. The orchestra will perform works that showcase traditional Taiwanese elements, the technical finesse of our musicians, and the excitement of modern symphonic compositions. Just as the orchestra did on its first tour in 1997, it continues its role as a cultural ambassador for Taiwan. Titled ‘From Formosa’, the tour reaches out to Europe and the United Kingdom to demonstrate the creativity, friendliness, and pursuit of excellence that characterise Taiwan. 

We invite members of AAPPAC to celebrate our 40th anniversary with us and join the Taiwan Philharmonic (NSO) as it continues its journey to the future. 

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Events, shows, or festivals in the months of OCT – DEC 2026: 

1. Wen-Pin Chien, Viviane Hagner & NSO 

Date: 2026/10/22 (Thu) 19:30 

Venue: National Concert Hall 

 

2. Mahler Symphony No. 9, Jun Märkl & NSO 

2026/10/31 (Sat) 19:30 

National Concert Hall 

 

3. Jun Märkl, Stefan Jackiw & NSO 

2026/11/05 (Thu) 19:30 

National Concert Hall 

 

4. Chen-Yung Music Feast: Mahler Symphony No. 8, Jun Märkl & NSO 

2026/11/27 (Fri) 19:30 

2026/11/28 (Sat) 19:30 

National Concert Hall 

 

5. Mario Venzago, Pascal Rogé & NSO 

2026/12/10 (Thu) 19:30 

National Concert Hall 

 

6. Tracing the Voice of Taiwan – Hsu Tsang-houei 25th Anniversary Memorial Concert 

2026/12/19 (Sat) 14:30 

National Concert Hall 

 

7. Fubon Century Music Feast: NSO New Year’s Eve Concert 1 

2026/12/30 (Wed) 19:30 

National Concert Hall 

 

8. Fubon Century Music Feast: NSO New Year’s Eve Concert 2 

2026/12/31 (Thu) 19:30 

National Concert Hall