The National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYO Jazz) of the United States joined young musicians from Taichung for a rare cross-border music exchange at the Taichung City Seaport Art Center on the afternoon of August 7. Led by conductor Kris Johnson, outstanding young jazz musicians from across the United States took part in a masterclass, side-by-side rehearsals, and interactive sessions with the Taichung Jazz Festival Big Band. The exchange not only gave Taichung's young musicians the opportunity to learn firsthand from internationally acclaimed performers, but also showcased the talent and creativity of Taichung's emerging jazz artists to their American counterparts, fostering meaningful international friendships through music.

Shih Chun-fu, Deputy Director of the Taichung City Cultural Affairs Bureau, stated that the Taichung Jazz Festival has long been committed to promoting jazz music and cultivating young talent. This year, the festival invited the internationally renowned National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYO Jazz) to Taiwan for a cultural exchange. Among the members of the Taichung Jazz Festival Big Band participating in the side-by-side rehearsals were several young musicians who had previously completed the Bureau's Youth Jazz Orchestra Training Program. Now performing on an international exchange stage, these musicians rehearsed alongside and learned from some of the finest American jazz players of their generation. Their participation not only demonstrates the tangible results of Taichung's long-term investment in jazz education, but also showcases the strength and potential of the city's young musical talent to the world, laying a solid foundation for further international collaboration in the future.

Lee Cheng-yu, conductor of the Taichung Jazz Festival Big Band, noted that the greatest value of the exchange was not merely completing a rehearsal together, but also gaining an up-close understanding of how the United States nurtures world-class young jazz musicians. Observing the orchestra's highly efficient rehearsal methods, collaborative teamwork, musicianship, rehearsal discipline, and communication between the conductor and ensemble provided valuable insights and inspiration for Taichung's own jazz education and performance practices.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau explained that the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYO Jazz) is composed of outstanding American jazz musicians aged 16 to 19 and has long been dedicated to developing the next generation of jazz talent. Its mission closely aligns with the Bureau's Youth Jazz Orchestra Training Program. In addition to a masterclass led by Kris Johnson, covering jazz performance techniques, improvisation, and ensemble collaboration, young musicians from Taiwan and the United States explored different performance styles, musical ideas, and stage experiences through joint rehearsals. The exchange inspired new creative ideas through mutual learning while giving international guests a deeper appreciation of Taichung's vibrant jazz culture, opening up new possibilities for future cross-border musical collaboration.

The Bureau also announced that the 2026 Taichung Jazz Festival series will continue with a variety of events. The Jazz Tour Concerts will take place at 6:00 p.m. on August 29 in the Tunghai Shopping District, and at 4:00 p.m. on September 13 in the Calligraphy Greenway Commercial District. The Jazz Big Band Carnival, curated by the Taipei Jazz Orchestra, will be held on September 5 and 6 at the Taichung City Seaport Art Center, bringing together seven jazz big bands for two days of free outdoor performances. On September 6, the center's auditorium will also present the ticketed concert Old School Party Night, inviting audiences to experience the timeless charm of jazz music. More information is available on the Taichung City Cultural Affairs Bureau website: https://www.culture.taichung.gov.tw.