Their mission is to: “Sing our own songs in the name of the tribe; tell our own stories in the name of music.”
Taiwu Ancient Ballads Troupe Photo: Supplied
The Taiwu Ancient Ballads Troupe started with the visionary passion of teacher Camake Valaule and just five students from Taiwu Elementary School aiming to document, perform and hold high the traditional songs of the Paiwan tribal villages of Taiwan.
Now 18-strong and dressed in traditional costumes, the troupe has a repertoire of over 40 traditional songs that deal with themes about love, life, work and ceremonies. They have recorded three albums.
The Paiwan tribe is the second largest indigenous group in Taiwan. While the troupe is known for its members’ passionate renditions of the polyphonic melodies passed down by their ancestors, it has also gained popularity for its harmonic collaborations with professional musicians in crossover music performances.
Taiwu Ancient Ballads Troupe in costume Photo: Supplied
Taiwu Ancient Ballads Troupe has toured in America, Europe, China, Japan, and Korea as well as performing jointly with the Chinese pipa virtuoso, Wu Man and Grammy Award-winning ukulele player, Daniel Ho.
They've been described as making “heavenly music that allows one to see the mountains and hear the breeze”. The TSB Bowl Stage in New Plymouth’s Bowl of Brooklands was the perfect venue to do just that!
The Taiwu Ancient Ballads Troupe from Taiwan delivered an endearing performance that belied their tender age and complemented the perfect weather.
Taiwu Ancient Ballads Troupe Photo: Shengzhi,Han
Songs: 'Uwanaiyui' (Wedding Song), 'Lulimai' (Drizzle on the Mountains), 'Kizeliyulan' (Endless Yearning), 'Sing Vonga' (Dance Full of Memories), 'Wumanas Eounana' (Phony Through and Through), 'Yungai' (Ode To Mothers), 'Qayiyanupi' (Warrior Dance), 'Qunanasi Qunanasi' (Celebration), 'Quniyu' (Commitment), 'LaLayi' (Lets Sing).
The Taiwu Ancient Ballads Troupe from Taiwan performing on the TSB Bowl stage in New Plymouth was recorded live by Graham Kennedy and mixed and produced by William Saunders for RNZ Music.
