The National Chinese Orchestra, Taiwan (NCO; ) is a Chinese orchestra

Chinese orchestra

The term Chinese Orchestra can refer to either:* The ancient Chinese Orchestra, or* The modern Chinese Orchestra-The ancient Chinese Orchestra:...

 based in Taipei

Taipei

Taipei City is the capital of the Republic of China and the central city of the largest metropolitan area of Taiwan. Situated at the northern tip of the island, Taipei is located on the Tamsui River, and is about 25 km southwest of Keelung, its port on the Pacific Ocean...

, Taiwan

Taiwan

Taiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following...

, Republic of China

Republic of China

The Republic of China , commonly known as Taiwan , is a unitary sovereign state located in East Asia. Originally based in mainland China, the Republic of China currently governs the island of Taiwan , which forms over 99% of its current territory, as well as Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu and other minor...

. The ensemble was founded in 1984 as the National Art Academy Experimental Chinese Orchestra. Due to administrative changes, the orchestra is renamed National Experimental Chinese Orchestra in 1990, and 2006 National Chinese Orchestra. It comprises 93 musicians and take responsibility of collecting, researching, performing, recording, and publishing the traditional music in Taiwan.

Before 2008, the orchestra is run by the Ministry of Education and administrated by the National Taiwan University of Arts

National Taiwan University of Arts

National Taiwan University of Arts , established in 1955, is the oldest art university residing in Banqiao District, New Taipei, Republic of China .-External links:* *...

. The orchestra is now administrated by the new Taiwan Center for Traditional Arts under the Council for Cultural Affairs

Council for Cultural Affairs

The Council for Cultural Affairs is a cabinet-level unit under the Executive Yuan of the government of the Republic of China . It is to design the culture policy within Free Area of the Republic of China.-External links:*...

.

Li Shi-Min is the first principal conductor of the orchestra. In 1999, the orchestra appointed famous conductor and composer Chu Chuen-Chuan from Mainland China

Mainland China

Mainland China, the Chinese mainland or simply the mainland, is a geopolitical term that refers to the area under the jurisdiction of the People's Republic of China . According to the Taipei-based Mainland Affairs Council, the term excludes the PRC Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and...

 as principal conductor. After 10 years of direction under Chu, Wen Yi-jen

Wen Yi-Jen

Wen Yi-jen is a Taiwanese classical conductor. He is currently the Principal Guest Conductor of the National Theatre Belgrade.- Early studies :...

 is appointed music director for the 08/09 season, also the first season of the ensemble. The position of music director is currently on call, and conductor Wen Yi-jen

Wen Yi-Jen

Wen Yi-jen is a Taiwanese classical conductor. He is currently the Principal Guest Conductor of the National Theatre Belgrade.- Early studies :...

 is now serving as the principal guest conductor of the orchestra.

Conductors

• Li Shi-Min, principal conductor 1988 - 1999
• Chu Chuen-Chuan, principal conductor 1999 - 2008
• Wen Yi-jen
  Wen Yi-Jen
  Wen Yi-jen is a Taiwanese classical conductor. He is currently the Principal Guest Conductor of the National Theatre Belgrade.- Early studies :...
  
  , music director 2008 - 2009