Organized by the Matsu National Scenic Area Headquarters (under the Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications), the "2026 Matsu Glimmer Festival - Chinese Orchestra Feast" took place grandly in Nangan on Saturday, September 19. The event specially invited the Lamigo Chinese Orchestra to travel across the sea to deliver an extraordinary performance with a full orchestra lineup.
Distinguished guests attending the event included Chen Ming-chieh, Secretary-General of the Lienchiang County Government; Chen Shu-chien and Tsao Er-zhang, Members of the Lienchiang County Council; Lin Chih-tung, Mayor of Nangan Township; Kuei Kuo-kuang, Director of the Matsu Investigation Station; Teng Kuo-hsiang, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Matsu Defense Command; Cheng Chung-te, Deputy Director of UNI Air; Wang Shan-chi, Manager of Lamigo Tour; and Li Che-yu, Chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party Lienchiang County Chapter.
From the exclusive sampan flash mob performance inside Beihai Tunnel in the afternoon to the main concert debuting in the evening at the Giant Matsu Statue viewing platform, melodious music echoed across tunnels, waters, mountains, and seas. Matsu’s unique landscapes were transformed into natural stages, drawing tourists and local residents to enjoy a memorable night of Chinese orchestral music steeped in island charm amidst sea breezes and rich melodies.
The festivities kicked off at 2:00 PM inside Beihai Tunnel, where five musicians from the Lamigo Chinese Orchestra boarded a sampan boat for an exclusive flash mob performance. The music reverberated naturally along the granite walls, interweaving with the shimmering water and the unique cavern space to create a listening experience distinct from conventional concert halls. Up close, the audience marveled at the orchestra’s crisp yet far-reaching tones enhanced by the tunnel's natural echo, presenting the former battlefield space in a completely new artistic light and warming up the audience for the evening concert.
At 6:30 PM, the main concert grandly opened at the Giant Matsu Statue viewing platform in Nangan. Under the leadership of Band Leader Chu Wen-bin, the different sections interwoven seamlessly—at times powerful and spirited, at times graceful and delicate. The concert opened with the lively and joyful Golden Snake Dance, followed by familiar, lighthearted melodies such as Joyful Departure, Diu Diu Tong, and Four Seasons Red. The orchestra also offered a grandiose reinterpretation of Pirates of the Caribbean. As the tempo accelerated with New Horse Racing and the rich sonic layers of 100 Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix resonated, the atmosphere reached higher peaks.
Additionally, the orchestra performed a diverse selection of pieces, including Standing on the High Mountain, The Last Train Station, The Firmament, Tea Horse Road, and Pound the Dance Stone Sound. Spanning well-known classics to majestic, rhythmically dynamic compositions, the performance showcased the rich timbres and expressive range of a full Chinese orchestra. As full-bodied music resonated across the outdoor viewing platform and stretched outward with the sea breeze, it harmonized with the Giant Matsu Statue, the ship-shaped platform, and the nocturnal island landscape—allowing visitors to not only "listen to" Chinese orchestra music, but also feel the majestic momentum and delicate emotions of a live performance embraced by mountains and the sea.
In addition to the stellar performances, the event incorporated local Matsu flavors and fun interactive activities. A limited supply of 200 portions of freshly boiled Matsu mussels was served free of charge using eco-friendly tableware to support sustainable tourism. The grand finale raffle drew continuous cheers as winners were announced for 1 mace of gold, Matsu–Taipei round-trip airline tickets, and exquisite gifts, adding to the festive atmosphere of the Chinese Orchestra Feast.
Hong Chih-kuang, Director of the Matsu National Scenic Area Headquarters, stated that the "2026 Matsu Glimmer Festival" series connects Matsu's unique battlefield culture, natural landscapes, and special recreational sites through musical performances. Looking ahead, the Headquarters will continue to integrate Matsu's scenic highlights, cultural heritage, and diverse artistic showcases to revitalize tourism spaces and enrich nighttime recreation, inviting more travelers to step onto the "four townships and five islands" to experience Matsu’s island charm from day to night.
