| (Sept. 10, 2008, Taipei) On September 6, The "SinoPac Young Artist Showcase", the most renowned music competition in Taiwan, held its 2008 final contest at the National Concert Hall in Taipei. Amid the cheers and applause given by full-house of audience, Ms. Shih Yi-chao, mezzo-soprano, won the first prize of the vocal category. Mr. Lin Wei-yi, tenor, who also entered the final round, took home the SinoPac Award. Two male pianists vied for the title by demonstrating the ultra-romantic and opulent music of Sergei Rachmaninov. After fierce competition, Chen Wei grasped the first prize, whilst Chu Da-yuan received the SinoPac award. Taiwan's new "stars" to debut in Hong Kong
This marks the first time for the "SinoPac Young Artist Showcase" to poise its influence abroad through overseas performances. In December, the two top winners, Ms. Shih Yi-chao and Mr. Chen Wei, together with two other winners from pervious showcases, violinist, Ms. Chang Chin-ting, and flutist, Ms. Gao Tze, will arrive in Hong Kong to performance on stage with the famous violinist Mr. Leung Kin Fung and the Hong Kong Pure Strings, a string ensemble of top musicians from Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. President and CEO of SinoPac Holdings, Mr. McKinney Y.T. Tsai said, "This marks the first voyage for the "SinoPac Young Artist Showcase" to walk out of Taiwan and to make its debut in Hong Kong; such move reflects the overseas strategic proposition and international strengths of SinoPac Holdings." Create a Platform for the Youngsters
The Showcase is a classical music competition which is open to young musicians in Taiwan aged 15 to 28, hosted by Bank SinoPac and Taipei Philharmonic Radio Station for the past 7 years. Categories of the competition held by rotation include piano, vocal, strings, and woodwinds. In 2008, contest in piano and vocal took place, with 46 contenders competed in the vocal category, the number of participants broke a record high. Participants need to compete in a 4-round selection process for the grand honor. The final round of competition involves on-stage performance at the National Concert Hall with a seating capacity of 2000 audiences. It also comes with the opportunity to perform with the National Symphony Orchestra lead by Conductor Mr. Chien Wen-pin. For contenders that are still studying music in schools with no on-stage performing experience, the Showcase provides a challenging yet rewarding opportunity. Hence, the "SinoPac Young Artist Showcase" has been recognized as a major mile stones completion by young music talents in Taiwan. The Showcase has entered its 7th year, and has nourished 28 winners. Among those previous winners, some have become professional musicians, others have continued with further education overseas. Bank SinoPac also sponsors music winners to organize their recitals and concerts. The "SinoPac Young Artist Showcase" made a long term commitment in developing local Taiwan music talents, and thus was granted the "Best Talent Development Award" by the Council for Cultural Affairs, Taiwan. |
