Taiwan’s all-female band and dancers get standing ovation at one-night performance
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The performance at Sir Cecil Jacobs Auditorium at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank on Sunday night (Photos by Erasmus Williams) |
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, NOVEMBER 1ST 2011 (CUOPM) – The performance by an all-female band and dancers to St. Kitts and Nevis from the Republic of China (Taiwan) received a standing ovation described as a cultural boom to both friendly nations.
Taiwan’s Resident Ambassador to the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, His Excellency Miguel Tsao in brief remarks at the start of the one-night well received performance at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) Auditorium on Sunday said this year marks a very important milestone for both the Republic of China which celebrates its Centennial Anniversary and 28 years of diplomatic relations with St. Kitts and Nevis.
Alluding to what he described as a cultural boom, Ambassador Tsao said the exchange is gaining momentum with hard work and dedication throughout the years
He noted that in May, thirty-two (32) students from the Keelung Junior High School showcased two colorful, mesmerizing and fantastic performances in St. Kitts.
“In July, six Youth Ambassador Corps agreed to an invitation by the Government to present their wide range of talents to our many friends in the Federation’s summer camps. The Youth Ambassador Corps returned to Taiwan with the masquerade and clown dance skills and made performances to my countrymen,” said Ambassador Tsao.
He also noted that in August, the Federation’s Carnival Pageant Queen, Ms. Iantavian Queeley was invited by the Ministry of Culture in Taiwan to participate in that country’s Centennial Homestay programme to showcase the beautiful and exuberant culture of St. Kitts and Nevis to the people of Taiwan.
“Minister Hon. Marcella Liburd and her Permanent Secretary Ms. Rattan also traveled to Taiwan on a fact-finding trip and one of their most tangible returns was bringing the Musou Band here to the Federation tonight,” said the Taiwan diplomat.
He said that although the Musou ladies are pretty and shy, they need encouragement in order to play encore.
“So if you enjoy their performances, please don’t forget: put your hands together and shower them with thunderous applause. Now it is time to enjoy the splendid performance in store for all of us,” concluded Ambassador Tsao.
The Musou Band is composed of fifteen (15) professional musicians and dancers. St. Kitts and Nevis is the only Caribbean country that the Band will visit on their tour.
“This demonstrates that the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) attaches more importance on St. Kitts and Nevis. For that, I wish to thank the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis for their sponsorship,” said the Taiwan diplomat.
The group played several pieces including “The Moon too shy to show up,” “Night Jasmine,” “Rose, Rose, I love You,” “Flight of the Bumblebee,” “The Umbrella and the Orchid,” “A Beautiful Lady,” “La Bamba” “Come if you dare” “I only have you on my heart” and “A State Beauty,” to the loud applause from a packed auditorium.
Among the audience were Deputy Governor General of Nevis, His Honour Mr. Eustace John and Mrs. John; Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Sam Condor and Mrs. Condor; His Lordship, the Resident Judge Mr. Justice Errol Thomas Minister of Culture, the Hon. Marcella Liburd; Senior Minister Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris; Speaker of the National Assembly, the Hon. Curtis Martin and Members of Parliament; Chief Secretary Mr. Joseph Edmeade and Mrs. Edmeade, senior government officials, private sector representatives and the reigning Miss St. Kitts and Nevis Iantavian Queeley and the reigning Miss Teen, Siobhan Phipps, along with the contestants for the 2011 National Queen Pageant and 2011 Miss Teen as part of the upcoming National Carnival celebrations.