The highly anticipated Weiwuying Organ Festival returns this year with a stellar lineup, supported by the Chen Chi Chuan Cultural Foundation and Radiant Opto-Electronics Corporation. Taking the spotlight is acclaimed British organist Wayne Marshall, who will serve as the festival’s Music Director. Under the thematic title “Phases of the Moon”, Marshall curates three concerts exploring the sonic spectrum of the organ—from the whispering interplay of voices and keys, to the powerful fusion with orchestra, and ultimately, the master’s own solo brilliance. Audiences will be immersed in the kaleidoscopic colors of sound offered by Asia’s largest pipe organ.

Housed in the Weiwuying Concert Hall, part of the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Weiwuying), the monumental pipe organ was built by the renowned German manufacturer Johannes Klais Orgelbau. With state-of-the-art acoustics and visionary architecture, the venue has established itself as Taiwan’s leading stage for organ music. Each year, the festival invites world-class artists and produces exclusive recordings, many of which have earned nominations at the Golden Melody Awards for Traditional Arts and Music.Wen-Pin Chien, Artistic Director of Weiwuying, emphasized that the pipe organ is one of the most influential instruments in the history of Western music. “Through programming led by contemporary masters,” he said, “the festival bridges the classical and the modern, allowing audiences to experience the full force of this majestic instrument.” He highlighted Wayne Marshall’s unique versatility—not only a virtuoso organist, but also an accomplished conductor and pianist—bringing energy and depth to this year’s event. “With Marshall’s multifaceted perspective,” Chien added, “audiences can expect a cosmic journey, woven through the dialogue between organ, voice, and orchestra.”

Visiting Weiwuying for the first time, Wayne Marshall expressed his amazement at the venue and its instrument. “I never imagined such an exceptional organ would be found here,” he said. “The hall is breathtaking—something I’ve never encountered even in the UK. I almost wish I could bring it back to London with me,” he joked. Marshall, celebrated for his expressive range spanning classical to jazz, is especially known for his improvisational brilliance and mastery of tone color. The three concerts, united by the theme of the moon, will be held between October 1 and 4, at both the Pingtung Performing Arts Center Concert Hall and the Weiwuying Concert Hall. In addition, Marshall will record a special album featuring the Weiwuying organ during his visit, preserving the momentous meeting between maestro and instrument. The album is slated for release next year. With the convergence of a global master and a world-class instrument, the 2025 Weiwuying Organ Festival promises more than just performances—it offers a transcendent auditory journey through the ever-shifting phases of the moon, inviting audiences to explore the infinite soundscapes of time and space.

NEWS Reference: https://udn.com/news/story/7266/9038790?from=udn-ch1_breaknews-1-cate9-news