Pingtung Hakka Arts Exhibition Showcases Traditional Music and Cultural Revival

In recent years, the Pingtung County Government has continued to cultivate local cultural assets and actively promoted Hakka arts and culture study programs. These initiatives aim to cultivate outstanding local Hakka arts and performance troupes through systematic course arrangements, allowing traditional music and art to take root at the grassroots level and be passed down from generation to generation. This year's program attracted a total of six classes and teams spanning music and performance. After a full year of intensive training and solid practice under the guidance of professional instructors, the trainees delved into classic repertoires with distinct characteristics from the Liudui region, such as traditional mountain folk songs and Hakka Bayin. To showcase a year of fruitful learning outcomes to the general public, the Pingtung County Government specially held a grand achievement exhibition and performance event themed "Melodies Conveying Affection, Bayin Resonating Together" on the 18th, providing trainees with a professional stage to showcase themselves and exchange experiences.

One of the highlights of this exhibition was the live performance of traditional Hakka Bayin. As the core of Taiwanese Hakka musical culture, Hakka Bayin is not only an indispensable traditional musical form in folk celebrations, rituals, weddings, and funerals, but it also carries profound ethnic historical memory and aesthetic value. Impacted by the waves of modernization and popular music, traditional Bayin faces severe challenges, including an aging group of artists and difficulties in transmission. However, under the policy guidance and financial support of the Pingtung County Government, the trainees participating in the study program demonstrated a high level of learning enthusiasm. From suona blowing techniques and percussion rhythm control to the perfect ensemble among various instruments, the trainees displayed momentum and tacit understanding on stage that rivaled professional orchestras, allowing the audience on-site to re-listen to and deeply experience the lively, solemn, and vibrant resonance of traditional Bayin.

In addition to instrumental ensembles, the singing of Liudui mountain folk songs was the most emotionally engaging part of the exhibition. As one of the important birthplaces of Taiwanese Hakka culture, the Liudui region has nurtured a unique style of mountain songs. Most of these folk songs originated from the daily labor, farming scenes, and emotional expressions of early pioneers, featuring melodious tunes with high improvisational and singable qualities. Under the meticulous guidance of their teachers, the trainees not only learned proper vocal placement and Hakka pronunciation, but also gained a deep appreciation for the cultural heritage and the wisdom of their ancestors hidden behind the lyrics. Through a combination of a cappella and choral performances, the trainees gracefully delivered one earthy Hakka mountain song after another. Their singing revealed a deep affection for the land and a strong sense of ethnic cultural identity, moving the audience in the audience with such sincere artistic expression.

The deeper significance of promoting the Hakka arts and culture study program lies in establishing a sustainable cultural transmission and learning ecosystem. The preservation of cultural assets is far from sufficient if it relies solely on one-way government subsidies or museum-style archiving; it must return to people's daily lives through "lifestyle-oriented" and "community-oriented" approaches. By opening various arts and cultural study classes and teams, the Pingtung County Government has successfully united local cohesion toward Hakka culture. The trainees participating in the program span a wide range of ages, from retired seniors to middle-aged individuals curious about Hakka culture. This cross-generational joint learning not only promoted emotional exchanges among community residents, but also invisibly built a grassroots spontaneous transmission force, ensuring that precious Hakka musical assets will not experience a generational gap in modern society.

With the successful conclusion of the "Melodies Conveying Affection, Bayin Resonating Together" achievement exhibition, this year's Hakka arts and culture study program has temporarily drawn a perfect close, while simultaneously marking the beginning of the next phase of transmission. The Pingtung County Government stated that it will continue to review and optimize various arts and cultural training programs in the future, hoping to attract more people to join the ranks of Hakka culture learning and find more performance opportunities for these local arts troupes to enhance their visibility and sense of honor. Through the transmission of music and singing, Pingtung's Hakka culture is presenting itself to the world with a confident and vibrant posture, not only enriching the appearance of Taiwan's diverse culture, but also allowing precious Hakka Bayin and mountain songs to continue resounding across the land of southern Taiwan and thrive endlessly.

(Source: Central News Agency)