2023
About the Program
“Why can’t music walk into the crowd?”
This is the question in the mind of Tom, who studies classical music.
This summer, Tom invites three musicians Deely, Mark, and Oliver to bring rich melodies and rhythms to the streets. How will four artists from different cultural backgrounds tell their stories through music?
She is the only woman among the members, always able to show her talent confidently in the music hall. What courage, to step outside and play violin on the streets for the first time!
He is usually a railway manager, but once the strings are struck, the notes are as clear as the beautiful scenery outside the window.
He came to Canada seeking refuge and had to give up his love for music on the way, but he firmly believed that his new home would become a fortress to protect his beloved family.
He inherited the caring and loving spirit from his parents in Taiwan. Under the name “Walking Melodies”, he uses music to soothe the hearts of those who yearn to be accepted.
The gathering of four musicians is like the epitome of our diverse city, how all cultures can thrive together. Music breaks down barriers. As the melody flows into our hearts, let’s live life on the bright side.
Tom immigrated to Canada from Taiwan in 2003 and is currently a violinist of West Coast Symphony and Harmonia String Ensemble in Vancouver. Inspired by the infectious power of music, he often thinks on the question: “Does the audience need to go to the concert hall to enjoy performances?”
A few years ago, he became a volunteer at Burnaby Hospital. He comforts family members and patients with “moving melodies” accompanied by violin. His repertoire is chosen with care, such as songs from the 1940s to the 1970s for nursing home patients, Disney cartoon songs to cheer up children in the Montreal Children’s Hospice, and relevant music in mourning for the victims of Indian Residential Schools. Through these music performances, Tom used the magical power of music to inspire people’s physical and mental healing, and at the same time uplift people’s inner strength and potential for growth.
Studying music as a minor at Wilfrid Laurier University, Mark Jackson currently is the President and principal violist of the Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra, a member of Vancouver Harmonia, and sits on the board and is a member of the West Coast Symphony Orchestra. Mark plays on a 2009 viola made by world renowned luthier Hiroshi Iizuka. For work, Mark is a manager with the rail industry.
Oliver Kabalisa, known by his alias Kablis, is an independent artist whose soulful melodies and intricate guitar-playing create a profound musical experience. Born and raised in Libya, Kablis found solace in music at a young age, channelling his emotions through the strings of his guitar. With a penchant for crafting chill music, Kablis weaves a tapestry of hidden emotions into each composition, inviting listeners on a cathartic journey of self-discovery and introspection.
His music serves as a safe haven for those seeking solace in the depths of their hearts, resonating with individuals who cherish vulnerability and authenticity in art. Drawing inspiration from life’s nuanced moments, Kablis’s heartfelt lyrics and soul-stirring melodies capture the essence of human experiences, transcending language and cultural boundaries. As an independent artist, Kablis takes full creative control, allowing his music to evolve organically, uninhibited by external pressures. He cherishes the freedom to express his deepest thoughts and emotions authentically, creating a genuine and intimate connection with his audience.
In her twenties, Deely embarked on a journey from Taiwan to start a new chapter of her life. She is now happily wedded to a talented cellist/pianist. Together, they contribute their musical prowess as esteemed members of both the West Coast Symphony Orchestra and the Harmonia String Ensemble. Over the past few years, they have become integral participants in the vibrant Vancouver TaiwanFest. Beyond her orchestral commitments, Deely’s deep passion for chamber music shines through, reflecting her profound appreciation for a diverse range of musical genres.
From the Curating Team
Curating community performances at TAIWANfest is like painting a self-portrait, constantly questioning Taiwanese culture's role in a Canadian festival. With these community performances, we aim to foster cross-cultural dialogue and break down ethnic barriers, highlighting Canada’s diverse society.
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TAIWANfest Vancouver is grateful to be held on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish Nation), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). We acknowledge our privilege to be gathered here, and commit to work with and be respectful to the Indigenous peoples of this land while we engage in meaningful conversations of culture and reconciliation.