Artistic Leadership

指揮 張如菁

張如菁音樂的旅程始於國小時期的一次啟蒙，在師長的推薦之下加入台中兒童少年合唱團，並自九歲起學習鋼琴，逐步累積對音樂的理解與表達能力。自高中音樂班一路到考入國立臺灣師範大學音樂系，主修聲樂，副修鋼琴，奠定了紮實的專業基礎。大學畢業後除了參與音樂會演出，也擔任中學音樂教師，之後赴美進修，於紐約曼哈頓音樂院取得聲樂演唱碩士學位。在專業發展的過程中，多次於聲樂比賽中獲獎，並在多部歌劇中擔任要角，亦舉辦個人獨唱會及參與室內樂演出，持續在舞台上學習並累積經驗。

自2014年起擔任明德合唱團指揮至今，始終以嚴謹的專業訓練為基礎，結合清晰而具感染力的教學方式，引導團員穩定成長，也鼓勵團員勇於突破自我，讓音樂不只是技巧的展現，更是情感與能量的交流。身為指揮，如菁特別感謝明德合唱團的團員們開放的胸襟與認真不懈的學習精神，雖然團員們是來自各行各業的翹楚，或正處於享受放鬆的退休生活，但面對指揮給予的各項挑戰--無論是陌生的語言或是節奏音程具有難度的歌曲--他們總是全力以赴。這份信任與努力，讓她感受到鼓舞與教學的樂趣。希望今天來聆聽我們演出的觀眾也能感受到我們用音樂與歌聲傳達的歡 樂與美好。

Conductor: Rujing Chang

Rujing’s musical journey began with an early awakening in elementary school. Encouraged by her teachers, she joined the Taichung Children’s Choir and started piano studies at the age of nine, gradually developing her musical understanding and expressive abilities. From her studies in a music-focused high school program to her admission to the Department of Music at National Taiwan Normal University—where she majored in voice and minored in piano—she built a solid professional foundation. After graduating, she remained active as a performer while also serving as a secondary school music teacher. She later pursued advanced studies in the United States, earning a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the Manhattan School of Music in New York. Throughout her professional development, she has received multiple awards in vocal competitions, performed leading roles in various operas, presented solo recitals, and participated in chamber music performances—continuously learning and growing on stage. Since 2014, Rujing has served as the conductor of the Mingde Chorus. Grounded in rigorous professional training, she combines clarity with an engaging and expressive teaching approach, guiding the choir’s steady growth while encouraging singers to challenge themselves. For her, music is not merely a display of technique, but a powerful exchange of emotion and energy. 

As a conductor, Rujing is especially grateful for the openness and dedication of the Mingde Chorus members. Though they come from diverse professional backgrounds or are enjoying fulfilling retirement lives, they consistently rise to every challenge she presents—whether unfamiliar languages or musically intricate works involving complex rhythms and intervals. Their trust and commitment continue to inspire her and bring joy to her teaching. She hopes that today’s audience will also feel the joy and beauty that the choir strives to share through their music and voices.