The National Theater and Concert Hall: the Eyes of Taiwan

Located in the Boai District in central Taipei, the National Theater and Concert Hall (NTCH) features a traditional Chinese palace-like structure. The gold roofs, overturned edges, Chinese red colonnades and colorful arches demonstrate an elegant and imposing manner. The two buildings and the four adjacent plazas create an interesting and artistic living landscape, becoming one of the most significant landmarks in Taipei. The architectural streamline drawn by the overturned edges of these majestic and classic national art sanctuaries inspires people to imagine the future on the basis of classicism.

1987 is an unforgettable year for Taiwanese people. A bullish stock market advanced the economic development to the climax; the lift of Martial Law guided political reforms towards the path of democracy; and the birth of the NTCH realized the long-term expectations of artists and the people, and proclaimed the inception of the country’s Renaissance. It is not only the best performing arts center in Taiwan, but heralds the internationalization of Taiwan’s performing arts.

When NTCH was first established, it aimed to enhance the national art level by introducing world-famous artists and organizations such as the New York Philharmonic, the Martha Graham Dance Company and the Three Tenors. Gradually, NTCH started to present local art groups such as the Cloud Gate Dance Theater, the Legend Lin Dance Theater, the U Theatre, the Han Tang Yuefu and the NSO (or Philharmonia Taiwan). These locally-nourished groups first gained a footing in Taiwan and shared what they accomplished in terms of art production with the local people. They later got connected with the international community to show the beauty of Taiwan’s art.

It is often said that eyes are the window to the soul. The National Theater and Concert Hall are just like the eyes of Taiwan which fully express the national spirit and culture, encourage creativity internally, and represent Taiwan internationally. The NTCH has attracted many local and international figures to enjoy its excellent performances, helped Taiwanese groups to pursue their international careers, and promoted foreign exchange and communication, raising the visibility of Taiwan’s beauty.

In 1975, the NTCH was designed by Ho-Mou Architect Firm with a total cost of NT$7 billion (US$250 million); a “German and Dutch Team” composed of Germany-based GNH and Holland-based Philips was in charge of hardware facilities such as stereos, stages and lighting. The entire project was completed in 1987, and the managing organization was named the National Chang Kai Shek Cultural Center (or generally known as the National Theater and Concert Hall). During the ten years of construction, the agricultural and commercial society of Taiwan was transformed into an industrial and commercial one and martial law was lifted. The completion of the NTCH proclaimed the inception of a new era of art and culture.

The NTCH features a traditional Chinese-like palace structure with gold glazed roof tiles and Chinese red colonnades. Its appearance is in harmony with that of the CKS Memorial Hall, and its advanced facilities and quality materials conform to the international standard. Among them, the Concert Hall’s organ is claimed to be the largest organ in Asia. The sumptuous and gallant NTCH has attracted many heads of state and foreign dignitaries including former Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Kuan Yew, former President of Costa Rica Rafael Calderon, former first lady of the United States Betty Ford, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Margaret Thatcher, and former President of the USSR Mikhail Gorbachev, all of which have contributed to Taiwan’s diplomacy.

As Taiwan’s most significant world-class performance venue, the NTCH has invited, produced, leased and co-organized countless programs. Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras from the Three Tenors, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma are some of the frequent performers; large performance groups such as the New York Philharmonic, the San Francisco Symphony, the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, the 12 cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic, the Australian Ballet Company and the Nederlands Dans Theater have performed at the NTCH repeatedly. The late French pantomime Marcel Marceau, dance master Martha Graham, maestros Sergiu Celibidache and Giuseppe Sinopoli, violinist Issac Stern, and pianist Tatiana Nikolayeva have also left with us their precious images in the NTCH’s history.

In 2007, the name of the CKS Memorial Park, which had a political implication, was changed to the National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Park, and the CKS Memorial Hall was renamed the National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall. Along with the fall of the authoritative rule, the NTCH has become more accessible to the public by improving its route connecting the MRT station and facilities. Throughout the journey, the development of Taiwan’s performing arts took off in the 1980s and keeps pace with the world in the 21st century. At its prime of life, the NTCH continues to work hard towards enriching Taiwan’s creativity with a keen and forward-looking vision.

When the NTCH was first established, it was operated as an official agency. With strong advice from the art and culture circles, the center was restructured as the “National CKS Cultural Center on March 1, 2004, and the Executive Juridical Body became the first executive juridical body in Taiwan. Thereafter, the NTCH, possessing both financial protection and autonomous operation, is capable of developing along with international trends and demonstrates Taiwan’s image and power through art and culture.