Strings Attached: NTNU-MDW Exchange Event Strengthens Musical Academic Ties
The NTNU College of Music recently organized an international music exchange event, significantly enhancing collaboration efforts with its partner institution, the Vienna University of Music and Performing Arts (MDW). Visiting Taipei for the first time, the MDW delegation included Johannes Meissl, MDW's Vice President and a professor of chamber music, international affairs, and arts; along with the Europe-based Motus Quartet. The comprehensive five-day program of academic and performance exchanges strengthened the partnership between the NTNU and MDW.
Taking place from February 26 to March 2, the event included two master classes and a concert exchange. Professor Meissl, an internationally acclaimed chamber music educator, shared his extensive teaching experience and expertise, providing insightful guidance and advice to NTNU students and enriching their learning experience.
A highlight of the exchange was a joint concert held on February 29 at NTNU’s historic NTNU Assembly Hall auditorium, presented by College of Music Dean Chia-Hong Drapal Liao. The concert featured performances by the College of Music String Quartet and the visiting Motus Quartet, offering a carefully curated program that included Haydn's String Quartet in G major and String Quartet in D minor, Brahms' String Quartet in A minor, and the first movement of Mendelssohn's Octet in E flat major. The concert showcased both the rich tradition of the MDW and the talent of the Motus Quartet, as well as the virtuosity of NTNU’s String Quartet. It emphasized the importance of collaborative and exchange initiatives that facilitate intercollegiate learning and sparking new musical inspirations.
Distinguished guests at the well-attended performance included President Cheng-Chih Wu from the National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU), Director Roland Rudorfer of the Austrian Office Taipei, Dean Wen-Yea Lu from the Taipei National University of the Arts School of Music, Dean Eric K.Y. Chen of the University of Taipei's Department of Music, Dean Yi-Tsao Wang from the Fu Jen Catholic University Music Department, Chair Chun-Zen Huang of the NTNU Graduate Institute of Ethnomusicology, and Professor Chinn-Horng Chen along with Visiting Professor Sigmund Thorp, both from the NTNU Department of Music. The evening of exquisite music underscored the importance of such exchange activities in promoting cultural and artistic interactions that contribute to the vibrancy and development of Taiwan's musical landscape.
Looking forward, the NTNU College of Music is committed to organizing similar international exchange that expand cooperation with music schools globally and provide students a wider range of learning opportunities and platforms for international exchange. These initiatives not only enhance the academic and global standing of the NTNU’s College of Music but also contribute to the advancement of music education in Taiwan.