Following the success of its 2020 Reading Music project, the Taichung Chamber Choir returns with Reading Music II: Shakespeare in Me, a new production that explores the enduring dialogue between literature and choral music. Inspired by the timeless works of William Shakespeare, the program celebrates how his poetry, characters, and profound understanding of the human condition have inspired generations of composers across centuries and cultures.

Rather than presenting Shakespeare as literature alone, this concert invites audiences to experience his words transformed into sound. Themes of love, longing, dreams, mystery, nature, and imagination unfold through a carefully curated selection of contemporary and twentieth-century choral works, revealing the many musical voices that have interpreted Shakespeare's texts. From intimate a cappella textures to richly layered sonorities accompanied by piano and marimba, each work offers a distinct perspective on Shakespeare's poetic universe.

Continuing the successful format of the original Reading Music series, music commentator Tai-Wei Lü returns as guest lecturer, providing insightful introductions that illuminate the literary origins and musical craftsmanship behind each composition. His commentary enriches the listening experience, allowing audiences to appreciate not only the beauty of the music but also the enduring relevance of Shakespeare's writing.

This production also marks another cross-disciplinary collaboration for the Taichung Chamber Choir. After partnering with recorder virtuoso Hsing-An Lee in Christmas Through the Arts (2025), the choir continues to expand the expressive possibilities of choral performance by collaborating with percussionist Yu-Chen Hsiao, recipient of the Konzertexamen from the Hochschule für Musik Freiburg, together with pianist Yu-Ching Liu. Their artistry adds new colours and textures to the choral soundscape while creating fresh connections with audiences beyond the traditional choral community.

At the heart of Reading Music II: Shakespeare in Me is the belief that great literature continues to resonate through new artistic forms. As voices, poetry, piano, and marimba intertwine, audiences are invited to rediscover Shakespeare through music—not as words preserved on a page, but as living emotions expressed through the human voice. The performance becomes a journey where literature is heard, music is read, and timeless stories continue to find new life in the present.