The University is well-represented in Taiwan this week as a special collaboration between the University and the Chi Mei Culture Foundation has led to the world premiere of a new musical composition to be played on some of the world’s oldest and most valuable string instruments.
Professor Michael Finnissy’s Chi Mei Ricercari – written especially for historic cellos from the Foundation’s world famous collection of stringed instruments – will be heard in full for the first time on Tuesday, 10 December at Taiwan’s National Cheng Kung University in Tainan. Two further concerts will follow, at National Chiao Tung University in HsinChu on 11 December and at National Taiwan University in Taipei for the celebration of their 85th anniversary on 12 December.
The visit involves the Vice-Chancellor Professor Don Nutbeam, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International) Professor Mark Spearing and colleagues from Humanities, Electronics & Computer Science and Development & Alumni Relations. On behalf of the University, the Vice-Chancellor will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with NCKU and a Student Exchange Agreement with NCTU. In addition to visiting the Chi Mei Culture Federation, delegates will also meet with important contacts at the Ministry of Education, the Academia Sinica (Taiwan’s version of the Royal Society) and the Industrial Technology Research Institute.
“The University of Southampton is a popular destination for students from Taiwan, and we are developing important partnerships with Taiwan’s most prestigious universities. These events celebrate the special relationship between the University of Southampton and the Chi Mei Cultural Foundation,” said Professor Don Nutbeam. “We are very proud of our partnership with three of Taiwan’s leading universities and look forward to many more years working together. It promises to be a very memorable tour.”
Professor Dame Wendy Hall is part of the delegation and will give a lecture at the Academia Sinica on Friday, 13 December. Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt is also visiting Taiwan and will lead an Open Data Forum in Taipei on Wednesday, 11 December, hosted by the British Trade and Cultural Office.
Professor Finnissy’s seven Ricercari will be played by cellist Nicola Heinrich, of Winchester College, on cellos from the extensive Chi Mei collection. including a priceless Stradivarius and an Andrea Amati made for the King of France in 1566 – probably the world’s oldest surviving cello. Professor Finnissy, world renowned as a contemporary music pianist as well as a composer, will accompany at the piano. The Ricercari–Professor Finnissy says the title can easily be translated as ‘research’ – are unusual because they are meant to played on more than one instrument. Throughout each concert, the cellist will be asked to switch between the cellos.