By Patrick B. McGuigan

Published: 15-Aug-2010

The 30th anniversary of the “sister state” relationship between Taiwan and Oklahoma will be recognized this week. Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry will meet with the Governor of the Province of Taiwan, Lin Jung-tzer, as part of the recognition, to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the ties between the State of Oklahoma and the Province of Taiwan.

The governor from Taiwan, also a cabinet member without portfolio, will join the governor of Oklahoma at a Signing Ceremony scheduled at the State Capital Blue Room on Thursday August 19th from 3:30-4:30 p.m,

A reception will follow at the Oklahoma History Center from 5 to 7 p.m. That event will include presentations of various documentaries and a photo exhibition highlighting Taiwan. The reception at the History Center will showcase live performances by a renowned traditional Taiwanese music ensemble, known the Chai Found Music Workshop.

The Workshop performs traditional Chinese and Taiwanese music at home and around the world. While rooted in traditional styles, performances include what the Council of Cultural Affairs of Taiwan calls “contemporary extensions.” Instruments in the ensemble include six that are representative of the Sizhu tradition of Chinese instruments, that is: erhu (two-stringed violin), di (bamboo flute), pipa (lute), guzheng (zither), yangqin (dulcimer), ruanxian (banjo or guitar).

The Chai Found Music Workshop frequently tours Taiwan itself, and is engaged in a variety of stage productions and, most recently, in performances and recordings of original music. The latter has included engagements with contemporary music groups around the world. The ensemble has performed throughout Europe, Asia and the U.S.

Other events have marked the anniversary of special ties between Oklahom and Taiwan, including a Taiwanese Dance troupe visiting Oklahoma City in May 2010 and the “Taiwan Sublime”  photography  exhibit in the north hall gallery of the state Capitol in July.

Note: McGuigan was presented the International Communication Award from the government of Taiwan (Republic of China) in 1997. He visited the island and the capital city of Taipei most recently  as part of a delegation of journalists from around the world honoring the “double 10” revolution of October 10.