Taoyuan: Taoyuan Metro has increased the number of stations on the Taoyuan Airport MRT line that play music upon train arrivals from two to seven. The expansion features newly arranged melodies inspired by Hakka, Indigenous, and classic Taiwanese music.
According to Focus Taiwan, Taoyuan Deputy Mayor Su Chun-pin stated that this initiative, supported by the Ministry of Culture, builds on a collaboration that began three years ago between the Taoyuan City government and the Long Tan Philharmonic Orchestra. Originally, the orchestra introduced an arrangement of the classic Taiwanese folk song "Longing for the Spring Breeze," which was played at the Airport Terminal 1 and Airport Terminal 2 stations upon train arrivals.
This year, the project involved contributions from the Long Tan Philharmonic Orchestra and local musicians, including composer Chang Yen-che. Chang crafted seven distinct 30-second arrival melodies, providing each station with its unique "audio business card," as described by Su.
Yeh Yu-cheng, director of the National Hsinchu Living Arts Center, highlighted that the project integrates classical music, jazz, and local melodies to connect the seven metro stations. It also showcases Indigenous and Hakka cultures, sports, and the city's history.
The initiative added arrival music at four stations in Taoyuan beyond the Taoyuan International Airport stops and at one station between the airport and Taipei. The arrival music at the two airport MRT stations was also updated.
For instance, Huanbei Station and Laojie River Station feature melodies adapted from "Climbing a Mountain" and "Images of Longtan," respectively, reflecting Hakka culture in southern Taoyuan. Taoyuan Sports Park Station's music is an adaptation of "Team Taiwan," highlighting the city's identity as a baseball hub, while Linghang Station's melody reflects Taoyuan's Indigenous culture with a traditional Atayal tune.
The melodies at Airport Terminal 1 Station and Airport Terminal 2 Station were adapted from "Rainy Night Flower" and "Moonlight Sorrow," respectively, both composed by Teng Yu-shien, emphasizing the appeal of classic Taiwanese music. Lastly, the theme at Xinzhuang Fuduxin Station was adapted from "Old Dreams, New Attire," blending the cultural history of Xinzhuang Old Street with the vision of the area's modern development.