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A TRIP AROUND THE WORLD – A JOURNEY OF MUSIC AND MEDICINE 

After a whirlwind early departure from Durham due to the snow [we moved the concert with the Durham Medical Orchestra up from Sunday to Saturday and still had a huge audience, followed by “The Forest Unfolding” concert at the Rubenstein Arts center where I conducted two world premieres by Duke graduate composers James Budinich and Ryan Harrison. Tony then drove us to DC where we caught a flight to JFK after a delicious breakfast with Nichola and Joe] we made it to Taiwan on Tuesday, Dec. 11. 

TUESDAY: arrival in Taipei, check-in at the hotel followed by a delicious lunch and first Music and Medicine presentation at the Landseed hospital.

 

 

 

I had to leave the presentation early so I could make it back to Taipei in time for my rehearsal with the Fu Jen Catholic University Symphony Orchestra of Stravinksy’s 1919 Firebird. After the rehearsal we were treated to a delicious dinner with an incredible view of Taipei 101. 

WEDNESDAY: 

 After some sight seeing at the National Palace Museum with my classmate Yi-Chen Chen from MSU and a delicious dumpling lunch at the iconic Din Tai Fung we had the dress rehearsal for the Firebird performance, which happened that evening. The students were incredible to work with and the performance was on FIRE. After the concert we were treated to another incredible meal. 

 

THURSDAY: 

A morning packed with Music and Medicine presentations at Fu Jen University, another incredible meal, this time Sushi, followed by another presentation for the Music Department. That evening we got to enjoy some local specialties at the Raohe Night Market. We tried Stinky Tofu: well, it was quite stinky!

 

FRIDAY: 

Early morning train to Tainan City. We did a little bit of sight seeing that morning and tried some authentic dishes and tea for lunch. Then we got a special tour of the CHIMEI MUSEUM. What an incredible collection, and inspiring, educational way to present music and instruments. 

That evening I rehearsed Thunder and Lightning with the NCKU (National Cheng Kung University) Symphony Orchestra. 

 

SATURDAY: 

Final Music and Medicine Presentation for Medical students at faculty at NCKU, followed by a dress rehearsal that afternoon and performance in the evening. 

This has been an incredible journey so far. We are now on the way to Taitung for some sight-seeing. 

Thank you so much to Dr. Tony Huang for organizing this incredible trip. The hospitality here has been incredible and we are so thankful for this opportunity. 

More impressions: