Taipei Symphony Orchestra

Based in Taiwan’s culturally vibrant capital, Taipei Symphony Orchestra (TSO) stands as a prominent force in the classical music landscape of Asia. Founded in 1969, the orchestra draws on a deep musical heritage and has earned widespread acclaim at home and abroad for its forward-looking, wide-ranging programming, and an unwavering spirit of innovation. 

TSO collaborates with leading international soloists and conductors, bringing world-class performances to audiences in the Asia-Pacific region. Renowned artists have included Yo-Yo Ma, Jonas Kaufmann, Maxim Vengerov, Gautier Capuçon, Antoine Tamestit and Hayato Sumino. 

As a vehicle of cultural diplomacy, TSO is a vital artistic ambassador for Taipei on the global stage. The orchestra tours internationally, having performed across the US and most recently, in 2025, to Japan and South Korea. Japan’s music magazine Ongaku no Tomo described it as delivering ‘an almost ferociously dramatic intensity, creating an overwhelming impact as if staking all of life itself on every note.’  

Operatic productions have been key in the orchestra building Taipei’s reputation as a city of opera, with 48 full productions to date, including Pagliacci, The Magic Flute, La Traviata, Carmen, Turandot, Madama Butterfly and Eugene Onegin.  

The orchestra is committed to promoting classical music and a love of the arts among the public. It offers tailored programmes such as TSO Youth, ‘Culture in the Street’ and the Campus Music Initiative, supporting music education in schools. With these community-rooted projects, open-air and concert formats weaving music quietly into the fabric of everyday life, the orchestra invites its public to encounter music, building the foundation of its future audiences. 

Former Principal Conductors include Gilbert Varga and Eliahu Inbal, who continues to serve as Conductor Laureate. In 2026, Alexander Liebreich takes the helm as Chief Conductor. Known for his cross-cultural dialogue and interpretation of contemporary music, he will guide the TSO into a new era, strengthening its ties with the global music community.