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肇風中樂團 Chao Feng Chinese Orchestra
肇風中樂團，1982年在墨爾本成立，為澳洲第一個歷史最悠久、最具規模而非牟利的註冊中樂團，旨在澳洲這片大地弘揚中國優良傳統文化和音樂，成為墨爾本多元文化活動極有代表性的單位，曾多次被墨爾本藝術中心和維多利亞國家美術館邀請參與活動，為多元文化社群增添不少色彩。演奏樂曲除了中國傳統音樂之外，還演奏現代作品，包括從新編曲配器的世界名曲和運用嶄新手法演繹的澳洲民謠。樂團的活動並不局限於墨爾本，也曾多次應邀遠赴香港、新加坡、馬來西亞，參與當地的著名中樂團的文化交流活動。2008年肇風應邀參加香港國際中樂節，2012年參加由上海民族樂團舉辦的海內外民樂家音樂會。2019參加了加拿大庇詩中樂協會主辦的《四海樂聚賀新春》音樂會，和由加拿大愛城民樂團舉辦的第三屆愛民頓中樂節《樂聚加拿大》。自開團以來，肇風中樂團不斷追求進步，每年除了週年音樂會之外，還舉辦免費的中國樂器講座和示範的小型音樂會，並經常在各大、中、小學校、圖書館和社區多元文化活動演奏。除了本團週年音樂會錄音、錄影、和特別用中國傳統樂器演奏澳洲國歌Advance Australia Fair的鐳射光碟外，肇風更從音樂會現場錄音中，選出有代表性樂曲製成精裝鐳射光碟。在新冠大流行這幾年間，該團製作了: 《Waltzing Matilda》、《賀新年》和《冬獵》三個網上演出, 極受好評。肇風中樂團全體團委和工作人員都是為樂團義務工作。40多年來，樂團在宏揚中華音樂文化的成就獲得了澳洲政府的認許，2015年獲稅務局批准為《稅項回扣捐贈接受者》。 2021年底，肇風在澳大利亞慈善機構和非營利委員會(ACNC)成功註册為慈善機構，讓肇風能持續地把中樂發揚光大，為社會，為澳洲服務。
Chao Feng Chinese Orchestra was established in Melbourne in 1982. It is the first and oldest non-profit registered Chinese orchestra in Australia. The orchestra aims to promote Chinese traditional culture and music on Australian soil and has become a prominent representative of multicultural activities in Melbourne. They have been invited to participate in events by the Melbourne Arts Centre and the National Gallery of Victoria, adding vibrant colors to the multicultural community. In addition to performing traditional Chinese music, the orchestra also plays modern works, including world-renowned compositions with newly arranged orchestrations and innovative interpretations of Australian folk songs.
The orchestra’s activities extend beyond Melbourne, as they have been invited to participate in cultural exchange events with renowned Chinese orchestras in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia. They participated in the Hong Kong International Chinese Music Festival in 2008 and the international musicians’ concert hosted by the Shanghai Chinese Orchestra in 2012. In 2019, they performed in the “Four Seas Music Celebration of the Chinese New Year” concert organized by the Canadian Pipa Association and the 3rd Edmonton Chinese Music Festival “Music Gathering in Canada” organized by the Edmonton Chinese Philharmonica.
Since its inception, the Chao Feng Chinese Orchestra has continuously pursued progress. In addition to their annual concert, they organize free Chinese instrument workshops and demonstration concerts. They frequently perform at various schools, libraries, and community multicultural events. The orchestra has released recordings and laser discs of their annual concerts, including a special performance of the Australian national anthem, “Advance Australia Fair”, using traditional Chinese instruments. They have also produced deluxe laser discs featuring representative musical pieces selected from live concert recordings.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in recent years, the orchestra produced three online performances: “Waltzing Matilda”, “New Year Celebration”, and “Winter Hunt”, which received high praise. All committee members and staff of the Chao Feng Chinese Orchestra work on a voluntary basis. Over the past 40 years, the orchestra’s achievements in promoting Chinese music and culture have been recognized by the Australian government. In 2015, they were approved by the Australian Taxation Office as a “Deductible Gift Recipient”. In late 2021, the orchestra successfully registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), allowing them to continue promoting Chinese music and serving the community in Australia.