In the storied city of Harbin, home to the century-old Harbin Symphony Orchestra, the echoes of grand performances linger in the air. After the breathtaking Songhua River Suite Symphony Concert at the National Centre for the Performing Arts and the closing concert of the 2025 Beijing Modern Music Festival at the concert hall of the Central Conservatory of Music, the Orchestra now embarks on the intense preparations for the illustrious 37th Harbin Summer Music Concert. Lee Tien-hsuan, the principal violinist from Taiwan, and his colleagues have long embraced such demanding rhythm of artistic life.
Having dwelt in Harbin for six years, Lee says, "I adore the distinct seasons, comfortable cadence of life, and in particular the rich musical heritage that crowns this city as a global hub for music." In this city, he has not only encountered his life partner but also fervently pursued his musical aspirations. He shares the stage with his idol, collaborates with kindred spirits, and revels in the warm applause of enthusiastic audiences, which fulfills him in both career and personal life. This deep sense of satisfaction reinforces his belief that Harbin is indeed his blessed land, a place where his dream and reality intertwine seamlessly.
A musical family, a musical life
"I grew up surrounded by music." Lee is now 43 years old, hails from a scholarly family in Taipei. His grandmother graduated from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, mastering both vocal and piano skills, while his father enjoyed playing the piano in his free time.
Immersed in such an authentic musical environment, he began learning the piano at the age of four. It wasn't until a teacher suggested he try the violin in elementary school that his artistic path took a new direction. "The moment I picked up the violin, I fell in love with it."
From 2001 to 2005, he pursued his violin studies at a local university in Taiwan, and in 2009, he earned a master's degree from the Berklee College of Music in the United States. At the age of 27, he returned to Taipei as a freelance musician, engaging in performances, teaching, and recording.
Impression of mainland's thriving music market & bond with legendary orchestra
"Actually, I had the idea of developing my career in the mainland when I was in the United States." He says. As a child, his impression of the mainland was shaped by Taiwan television programs, particularly the images of thousands of bicycles in front of Tiananmen Square. It wasn't until he entered university and explored the Internet that he discovered the remarkable transformations in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.
He notes that many of his younger peers were more proactive in the pursuit of their careers in the mainland. Through their exchanges, he realizes that they enjoy significant opportunities for growth and lead fulfilling lives here.
Nevertheless, professional symphony orchestras in Taiwan were scarce and saturated, offering limited chances for musicians. In comparison, orchestras in the mainland have already undergone market-oriented reforms, brimming with vitality and opportunities. "I therefore began to collect recruitment information from mainland orchestras, hoping to transition from a freelance musician to a professional one," Lee says.
At the end of 2018, Lee learned that the Harbin Symphony Orchestra was recruiting musicians globally. With a century-long history, a high-level conservatory of music, frequent international performances, and unique venues—especially with his idol, Master Tang Muhai, serving as the orchestra's music director—he immediately applied. He ultimately stood out among the candidates and joined the Orchestra in June 2019.
Embarking on a new chapter: a transcendent dialogue with maestros
"Many people ask me why I chose Harbin without hesitation despite so many opportunities available elsewhere." Apart from the chance to be a professional violinist in the excellent symphony orchestra and to learn from his idol, Lee has a deep appreciation for the history of Northeast China. "Harbin was once the largest international metropolis in East Asia during the 1920s. Many world-class musicians have lived here. A century later, living in this city makes me feel that I can establish a unique connection with them in spite of time and space, which is really amazing."
Lee also expresses his fondness for snowy places and the distinct seasons. Despite enduring temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius during his first winter there, he notes that Harbin also boasts abundant sunshine and clear blue skies. "I love northeastern dishes like Guobaorou (sweet and sour pork), Liurouduan (crispy pork with sauce), and stir-fried dry tofu with green peppers, and I can also find authentic Taiwanese food in Harbin." He hopes that more young people from Taiwan will come to Harbin to develop their careers.
(Reporter & Camerapeople: Wang Xinxin, Yu Haijiang; Editor: Frank, Yu Haijiang; Translator: Anson; English Editor: Darius)
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