Taipei, Taiwan – The 2025 Taipei Music Academy and Festival (TMAF), under the artistic direction of David Chan, will take place from July 27 to August 10, 2025. Now a cornerstone of the global classical music scene, TMAF brings together leading musicians and teachers from top orchestras and conservatories with exceptional young talent from around the world. Tickets for all events will be available on Opentix starting May 20, 2025.
Distinguished Faculty of Global Renown
TMAF 2025 boasts Taiwan’s most comprehensive teaching roster and one of Asia’s finest, featuring 18 internationally acclaimed musicians. This year’s faculty includes:
-David Chan, Concertmaster, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
-Alexander Kerr, Concertmaster, Dallas Symphony Orchestra
-Timothy Cobb, Principal Double Bass, New York Philharmonic
-Joshua Smith, Principal Flute, Cleveland Orchestra
-Boris Allakhverdyan, Principal Clarinet, Los Angeles Philharmonic
-Ben Hong, Associate Principal Cello, Los Angeles Philharmonic
-Mihaela Martin, Violin Professor, Cologne University of Music and Kronberg Academy
-Hsin-Yun Huang, Viola Professor, Curtis Institute of Music and Juilliard School
This unparalleled lineup of orchestral leaders, chamber music virtuosos, and educators ensures an exceptional learning and performance experience.
Record-Breaking Applications Reflect Global Appeal
Since its inception in 2019, TMAF has grown into one of Asia’s premier classical music festivals, fueled by alumni achievements, including international competition prizes and professional orchestra appointments. The festival’s reputation for offering students the chance to perform alongside mentors under world-renowned conductors has driven its success.
This year, TMAF received over 350 applications—a 60% increase from 2024—from countries including Taiwan, the United States, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, Italy, Slovenia, Portugal, Spain, Denmark, Norway, and Venezuela.
“The record number of applications signals our strongest student cohort yet,” said Artistic Director David Chan. “After six successful years, TMAF’s seventh edition is poised to be our most exciting.”
TMAF Chief Executive Officer Che-Yen Chen added, “Our founding vision is to unite the world’s finest musicians and young artists in Taiwan for an immersive experience where music becomes a way of life. This deep engagement creates lasting impact.”
Chief Operating Officer Shih-Kai Lin emphasized TMAF’s role in cultural diplomacy: “Visiting maestros and students are consistently impressed by Taiwan’s warmth and the festival’s dynamic atmosphere, fostering a collaborative spirit that resonates globally.”
Intensive Training for Exceptional Performances
TMAF’s ability to deliver world-class performances in just two weeks stems from a rigorous, multi-layered approach. “We start with individual instruction, progress to chamber music for small-ensemble skills, and culminate with the full orchestra,” explained Chan. “The environment itself has a unique magic—a spiritual quality that elevates every performance.”
Chen likened TMAF to an “Olympic Dream Team” of classical music: “Like elite athletes, our musicians bring mutual respect and a shared commitment to excellence. Audiences feel that passion in live performances, which is an experience unlike any other. We invite everyone to witness this rare classical music Dream Team in Taiwan.”
Maestro Fabio Luisi to Conduct Romantic Masterpieces
The 2025 TMAF Orchestra will be led by Maestro Fabio Luisi, Music Director of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Chief Conductor of the Danish National Symphony Orchestra, and NHK Symphony Orchestra. Under his baton, the orchestra will perform Wagner’s Rienzi Overture, Richard Strauss’s Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6, “Pathétique.”
“Fabio Luisi is one of today’s most outstanding conductors,” said Chan. “Having worked with him at the Metropolitan Opera and benefited from his mentorship in my own conducting career, I’m thrilled by his participation. His presence is a gift to TMAF, and I eagerly anticipate the inspiring performances he will lead.”
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.taipeimaf.com/festival/
(Photo by Monika Rittershaus Klein)
2025 Taipei Music Academy & Festival: Programme Overview
TMAF ChamberFest: Chamber Music Concerts
Thursday, July 31 at 7 pm National Theater and Concert Hall, Recital Hall
Friday, August 1 at 7 pm National Theater and Concert Hall, Recital Hall
TMAF All-Star Concert
Thursday, August 7 at 7:30 pm National Concert Hall
TMAF Orchestra Concert
Friday, August 8 at 7:30 pm National Taichung Theater, Grand Theater
Saturday, August 9 at 3 pm National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
Sunday, August 10 at 7:30 pm National Concert Hall
Pre-concert Talks: “Powerchip Arts Salon” with speaker Yung-Kai Tsai
Thursday, August 7, 6:30–7:10 pm National Concert Hall, 1F Lobby
Friday, August 8, 6:30–7:10 pm National Taichung Theater, Serenity Corner, 1F
Saturday, August 9, 2–2:40 pm National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts, 3F Lobby
Sunday, August 10, 6:30–7:10 pm National Concert Hall, 1F Lobby
Presenter: Taipei Music Academy & Festival
Venue Support: National Theater & Concert Hall, National Taichung Theater, National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts, TNUA Department of Music
Main Sponsor: Powerchip Cultural Foundation, Chen-Yung Foundation
Government Grant: Ministry of Culture
Sponsor: Fubon Financial Holding Co., Ltd. , Sinyi Realty Inc. , Rong Wu Foundation, WT Microelectronics Co., Ltd. , EY Transaction Advisory Services Inc.
Airline: Eva Airways Corporation
Accommodation: Regent Taipei
Branding and Marketing: THE PARTNER