The Temple of Resonance

The Temple of Resonance draws audiences into an immersive percussive experience that teems with the aural essence of Taiwan’s temple culture.

Inspired by the rhythmic reverberation of gongs and cymbals in musical processions that travel through bustling streets and alleys, and the transcendental prayers and thanksgivings of temple-goers that ring through the seasons, centuries of sounds have been channelled into this immersive fusion of contemporary percussion and experimental music.

Temples are a focal point of Taiwanese life, deeply embedded in the everyday experience of the young and old. Still, for many on the island, there is much in temple culture, with its intricacies and rituals, that remain elusive and unknown. Starting in 2019, Uni Percussion artistic director and percussionist Yung-Chih Hsueh conducted field research to explore the elements of temple culture, resulting in a richly layered music experience that transforms the performance space into a temple courtyard that has existed through the ages. Masterfully utilising a variety of percussive instruments and everyday objects, Hsueh creates unique rhythms and melodies that are familiar yet surreal.

In 2024, The Temple of Resonance was nominated for the prestigious Taishin Arts Award, and was also selected as one of the featured programmes at the Kaohsiung Spring Arts Festival.