The Office of Student Affairs at National Taipei University of Technology (Taipei Tech) recently hosted the international music exchange event “Woven in the Quiet・息未盡，歌已起” at the university’s Shih-Hsiung Thanksgiving Performance Hall. Continuing the long-standing friendship between Taipei Tech and Harvard University’s a cappella groups, The Radcliffe Pitches, Harvard University’s premier soprano a cappella ensemble, returned to Taipei Tech for another performance. Through captivating vocal performances and engaging interactions with faculty and students, the group presented a cultural experience that blended music, the humanities, and global perspectives while further strengthening the enduring friendship between the two universities.

“The Song Begins Before the Breath Ends”: Interpreting the Spirit of A Cappella Through Breath and Unspoken Harmony

The event explored the distinctive spirit of a cappella through its English theme, “Woven in the Quiet,” and its Chinese theme, “息未盡，歌已起.” Rather than serving as direct translations of one another, the two themes evoke the same imagery: before the first note is sung, breath, anticipation, and attentive listening have already been quietly woven together. This captures the essence of a cappella music, in which performances rely solely on the human voice, breath, and unspoken harmony, without instrumental accompaniment, making these qualities the most compelling aspect of this musical exchange.

Taipei Tech Strengthens International Partnerships and Expands Global Engagement

The friendship between Taipei Tech and Harvard University’s The Radcliffe Pitches dates back to May 2024, when the Pulou Technology, Culture, and Arts Foundation, established by Taipei Tech alumni, facilitated the inaugural “Bridging Voices” A Cappella Music Evening at the university’s Shih-Hsiung Thanksgiving Performance Hall. Co-hosted by both parties, the event marked the beginning of a cross-border cultural exchange between Taipei Tech and Harvard University.

Founded in 1975, The Radcliffe Pitches is Harvard University’s oldest soprano/alto a cappella group and has toured extensively throughout Asia and Europe. Their return to Taipei Tech one year later not only reflects the continued growth of the friendship between the two institutions but also provides Taipei Tech students with valuable opportunities to experience firsthand the performance culture and organizational practices of a student ensemble from a world-renowned university. Building on this foundation, Taipei Tech looks forward to further strengthening its collaboration and exchanges with Harvard University, creating more opportunities for students to engage with the international community and broaden their global perspectives.

More Than a Performance: A Celebration of Cross-Cultural Understanding and Resonance

In his welcome remarks at the dinner reception, Taipei Tech Vice President Tun-Wen Pai stated, “From Harvard University to Taipei, we have crossed not only geographical distance but also cultures, languages, educational experiences, and cherished memories of youth. Tonight, we hope that through music, voices from diverse backgrounds will be heard, understood, and resonate with one another in the same space.” Vice President Pai further noted that meaningful international exchange extends beyond formal courses and academic collaboration, flourishing through the natural interactions of young people engaged in art and music. He added that Taipei Tech and Harvard University’s a cappella groups have maintained a long-standing friendship, and that the return of The Radcliffe Pitches reflects the continued strengthening of the partnership between the two institutions.

Dinner Reception and Performance Foster Meaningful Student Exchange

Taipei Tech has long placed strong emphasis on student club development and the cultivation of a global perspective. In addition to the performance, the event provided students and student organization members with a valuable opportunity for international exchange. Through both the dinner reception and the formal performance, students from the two universities shared their campus experiences, extracurricular activities, and musical traditions. These relaxed and engaging interactions deepened mutual understanding, strengthened cross-cultural communication skills, and established a solid foundation for future student exchanges and collaborative initiatives.

Looking Ahead to Continued Exchange: Creating Lasting Memories Through Music

Taipei Tech has long supported the diverse development of student clubs and actively created opportunities for engagement with international student groups, encouraging students to cultivate interpersonal skills and global competence through the arts, cultural exchange, and public engagement. The return visit by Harvard University’s The Radcliffe Pitches not only continues the valued friendship and collaboration between the two institutions but also reflects Taipei Tech’s sustained commitment to building an international campus and expanding students’ global engagement. Looking ahead, Taipei Tech hopes to further deepen this partnership, enabling more students to broaden their horizons, gain meaningful cross-cultural experience, and create lasting shared memories through music.

Related news:
https://money.udn.com/money/story/5723/9554692
https://udn.com/news/story/6885/9554772
https://today.line.me/tw/v3/article/eLKNgRn
https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/life/breakingnews/5465929