Asian Youth Orchestra returns to Chiayi for 10th visit, hosted by 49 local families

The Asian Youth Orchestra (AYO) will perform in Chiayi City, Taiwan, on 16 August, marking its tenth visit since the first appearance in 2014. The orchestra, which selects 97 top young musicians from more than ten Asian regions, includes 24 Taiwanese players, three of whom are from Chiayi.

Chiayi Mayor Huang Min‑hui chaired a briefing on 2 August, announcing that 49 local families will host the musicians for a four‑day, three‑night cultural exchange. The event aims to deepen international friendship, showcase Chiayi as a “band‑music capital,” and give local children the chance to interact with visiting artists. The concert will be conducted by Swiss‑French maestro Joseph Bastian and feature pianist Anna Tsybuleva.

The program highlights Chiayi’s ongoing commitment to cultural diplomacy and provides a platform for young talent from across Asia to experience Taiwanese life and heritage.