is a distinguished Taiwanese conductor and composer recognized for his dynamic leadership and innovative programming in the orchestral world. He is the founder, music director, and principal conductor of the Taiwan Artists Symphony Orchestra (TASO), which he established in 2009. Under his direction, TASO has become known for its broad repertoire and cross-disciplinary productions, collaborating with artists in painting, dance, calligraphy, multimedia, and theater. The orchestra has performed over 500 concerts and was invited as the resident orchestra for the renowned “Festival Musique en Ré” in France in 2012, collaborating with prominent soloists such as Laurent Korcia and Régis Pasquier.
Ching-Ming Lu received his postgraduate diploma in orchestral conducting from the Royal Music Academy in Stockholm, studying under Jorma Panula in 2005.
He earned his first and second diplomas in orchestral conducting, both with distinction, from the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, where he also studied opera coaching and composition.
Lu furthered his studies at the Lithuanian Music Academy and the Sibelius Academy in Finland, working with Juozas Domarkas and Leif Segerstam.
Professional Experience
Lu was appointed assistant conductor of the Budapest Festival Orchestra for the 2004–2005 season and was a candidate for Associate Conductor of the France Radio Symphony Orchestra in 2005.
He served as music director of the Chimei Philharmonic Orchestra from 2006 to 2008, leading the orchestra on several tours in China and Taiwan.
As a guest conductor, Lu has worked with major orchestras including the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra, and many others, performing across Europe, Asia, America, and Africa.
His concert recordings have been broadcast in Austria, France, Mexico, China, South Korea, and Taiwan.
Awards and Recognition
Winner of the Eduard Mata International Conducting Competition.
Recipient of the Würdigungspreis (Acknowledgement Award) from the Austrian Federal Ministry for Education, Arts and Culture in 2003, honoring his achievements in musical art.
Compositional Work
Lu’s compositions have been performed internationally, with notable premieres such as “Zerstörung und Erlösung” at the European Union Art Symposium and at Teatro La Fenice in Italy.
His recent works blend Western musical language with Taiwanese elements, including “2 Sketches of Fu-Cheng” (2018), “Fantasia Mount Ali,” and “Distance to Love” (2020), premiered by TASO.
