The Taiwan Philharmonic, also known as the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO), is a classical music ensemble based in Taipei, Taiwan. Founded in 1986, the orchestra has become one of the most prominent and respected orchestras in Asia, known for its high-quality performances and innovative programming. The NSO was founded by the Ministry of Culture in Taiwan with the goal of promoting classical music and fostering cultural exchange between Taiwan and the rest of the world. The orchestra's first conductor was Henry Mazer, an American conductor who had previously led the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Under Mazer's leadership, the NSO quickly gained a reputation for excellence, and began to attract top musicians from around the world. Over the years, the NSO has had several notable conductors, including Apo Hsu, who served as the orchestra's music director from 1998 to 2018. Hsu was the first Taiwanese conductor to lead the NSO, and during his tenure, he helped to establish the orchestra as a major cultural institution in Taiwan. He also worked to expand the orchestra's repertoire, commissioning new works from Taiwanese composers and collaborating with international soloists and conductors. Today, the NSO is led by conductor Shao-Chia Lü, who took over as music director in 2018. Lü is a highly respected conductor who has worked with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. He is known for his dynamic and expressive conducting style, and has been praised for his ability to bring out the best in the NSO's musicians. The NSO is made up of around 90 musicians, many of whom are Taiwanese but also includes musicians from around the world. The orchestra's members are highly skilled and experienced, and many have won awards and accolades for their performances. The NSO also has a strong commitment to education and outreach, and regularly works with young musicians and students to promote classical music in Taiwan. Over the years, the NSO has performed at many of the world's most prestigious concert halls and festivals, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Berlin Philharmonic Hall, and the Salzburg Festival. The orchestra has also collaborated with many of the world's leading soloists and conductors, including Yo-Yo Ma, Lang Lang, and Zubin Mehta. One of the NSO's most notable performances was its debut at the BBC Proms in 2011. The orchestra performed a program of works by Taiwanese composers, including Tyzen Hsiao's "The Angel from Formosa" and Gordon Shi-Wen Chin's "Formosa Seasons." The performance was widely praised for its innovative programming and high-quality musicianship, and helped to raise the profile of Taiwanese classical music on the international stage. In addition to its performances, the NSO has also won many awards and accolades over the years. In 2018, the orchestra was awarded the prestigious Gramophone Orchestra of the Year award, becoming the first Asian orchestra to receive the honor. The award recognized the NSO's commitment to innovation and excellence, as well as its contributions to the cultural life of Taiwan and the wider world. Overall, the Taiwan Philharmonic is a world-class classical music ensemble that has made significant contributions to the cultural life of Taiwan and the wider world.

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