Taiwan couple renews music dream in Suzhou
(english.jsjyt.edu.cn) Updated：2019-12-02
A traditional Chinese music duo from Taiwan, consisting of husband and wife, recently played for the first time Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu province, local media reported recently.
The duo began their story when Chen Han-jui finished his doctoral degree in the United States and decided to return to Taiwan. Though a talented musician, Chen's expertise in contrabass was not in popular demand and there were few working opportunities available on the island.
A job listing by Soochow University in Suzhou for music teachers from across the globe raised Chen's hopes. After fierce competition and careful screening, Chen was finally admitted to the school as a music teacher.
His wife Wang Yu-chen, also a contrabass performer, followed in Chen's footsteps and started a master's degree in musical composition at the same school. In 2017, Wang's talent in folk music was recognized by the Suzhou national orchestra. Out of the 80 performers in the troupe, one fourth are from Taiwan.
As their careers blossomed, the couple welcomed two daughters. Wang's parents also moved to Suzhou later on.
"We love Suzhou – the food, the climate, everything," Wang said.
Last year, Chen was recruited by the Central Conservatory of Music. Despite having to shuttle between Beijing and Suzhou every week, Chen said his affection for the eastern Chinese city has motivated him to keep moving forward.
