The so called 20-feet-high Christmas tree
Phtot: Vicky Mo
National Theater and Concert Hall (兩廳院) gave their annual event "Light up the Night" (耶誕點燈) on Saturday, Nov 27, 2004 at 6:30 p.m. in the National Theater's outdoor plaza (戲劇院生活廣場). It's the third time to present this performance since 2002. In the beginning of winter, the smell of coffee accompanying a 20-feet-high Christmas tree, colorful bubbles, waterscape, and a lot of brilliant Christmas songs to warm people in Taipei. You can enjoy all of them for free.
First, Hand bell group of Dan-Jiang Senior High School (淡江中學手鐘團) used 53 different sized hand bells to present the unique sound. The hand bell group was founded in 1911 and had improved music education nearly 100 years; Semibreve Saxophone Quartet (全音符薩克斯風四重奏) following the hand bell group to play. One child came to the stage just to touch the saxophone wanting to see how it was sounded out of curiosity. Finally, Rong-Shing Choir (榮星合唱團), a 47-year-old group, sang some traditional Xmas songs to warm people's heart. Each performance representing the sound we hear during Christmas. For example, the handbell, originated from England, usually appears in church. A Belgian harpist invented the saxophone, belonging to the brass in 1844, which was later used widely by American jazz music.
The hostess asked some questions about Christmas and informed the audience regarding specific instruments. Everyone attending the activity did not only enjoy the Christmas songs, but also knew more information about music.
Students, lovers, families, foreigners, and children running everywhere, all attended this activity. Three girls from Tamkang University (淡江大學) said "The performance was pretty good, and the atmosphere was warm." An opposite opinion came from Miss Zhong "I thought the length of each program is too long. Performers should play more happy songs, otherwise it makes people sleepy." Mrs. Chen, who took care of her little boy and girl expressed "They loved listening to music, but children don't have patience to sit quietly for long."
In the end of the show all the lights of Christmas tree were turned on, and the fireworks appeared at the same time. One guy was a little bit shocked because of the cracking sound. People ran into the waterscape for fun and got wet after the water gushing out. Some audience promised that they would come here next time no matter whatever source they know this event. Mr. Qiu, a student, asked his classmates come with him said "I found Light up the Night from POTS. I might join the National Theater's outdoor plaza event next year."
People went into the waterscape after the show finished
Photo: Vicky Mo
1 comment:
The photos look great. It really helps draw attention to the story.
Basic questions: How long will the Christmas tree stay up? (Other people might want to know whether they can expect to see it or not.)
The reporting on what happened is basically pretty good. But some of your details, like the invetion of the saxaphone, are not necessary.
Overall : Not bad.
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