A TNUA delegation departed for Hawaii on February 23 to showcase traditional art at the 19th Honolulu Festival at the invitation of the Hawaiian government.

During their two-week stay at the festival, the 30-member delegation staged concerts, conducted workshops, and took part in exchange activities with the Chinese community in Hawaii, as well as the Star of the Sea School and the University of Hawaii Music Department.

The delegation also got a surprise invitation to perform on board the USS Missouri, the battleship where Japan surrendered and ended World War II. It is the first time that such a performance has ever taken place on the deck of the ship.

The TNUA performers, delighted by the chance to showcase their art on board such a historically significant ship, entertained the audience with a lion dance and a traditional Taiwanese musical rendition of the famous song "Aloha Oe," among various other numbers. 

The visit to Hawaii was part of a course on traditional opera and music offered by the Center for Traditional Arts, giving students a chance to practice what they learn in the classroom.

The delegation was formed by: Prof. Liu Hwei-Jin, dean of the School of Music; Prof. Chen Wan-Lee, chief director of the Center for Traditional Arts; Prof. Lee Ching-Huei and Prof.Tsai Ling-Huei from the Department of Traditional Music; Prof. James Yeh from the Department of Dance; and 23 students from various departments.

To prepare for the trip, the 23 students received intensive training for 15 days during the winter break.