Taiwanese Indigenous musicians make Moscow debut

Moscow, Aug. 30 (CNA) A group of Taiwanese Indigenous artists gave their first performance in Moscow, Russia recently, showcasing traditional music and dance.

At a Taiwan-themed concert hosted by the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory on Aug. 24, Amis and Atayal musicians performed ancient polyphonic songs, mouth harp melodies, warrior dances, and more.

The event was part of an international music festival organized by the conservatory and marked the 100th anniversary of former Republic of China President Chiang Ching-kuo's (蔣經國) arrival in Russia, where he spent 12 years.

"We want to let the world hear Taiwan," said Yang Meng-che (楊孟哲), a professor at National Taipei University of Education, who organized the concert.

Over 200 people packed the Conservatory's Rachmaninoff Hall, including Russian officials, business leaders, academics, and members of the Taiwanese community.

"This concert enhances our understanding of Taiwan, and also promotes mutual exchanges," said Sergey Khorolskiy, a businessman who trades between Taiwan and Russia.

One performing group, the Amis tribe's Chu-Yin Culture and Arts Troupe, aims to preserve Taiwan's Indigenous music as part of the wider Austronesian heritage, founder Panay (高淑娟) said, adding they are committed to passing their traditions on to the next generation.

Asked about the event's impact, Grace Lo (羅靜如), Taiwan's representative in Russia, said the exchange "went beyond languages and boundaries" and offered hope for closer Taiwan-Russia relations.