A tribute to love, loss and imagination as Agong begins solo tour

Agong, or Kung Yu Chi, the keyboardist and songwriter from Taiwan's popular band Sodagreen, is stepping into the spotlight as a solo pianist on The Moonlight Zoo tour.

Kicking off in Beijing on Nov 7, this new tour, inspired by his deep affection for his late pets, is set to be a unique blend of classical and contemporary elements, reflecting his personal journey of love, loss and creativity. Besides Beijing, the tour will also take him to other cities, such as Guangzhou in Guangdong province, Chengdu in Sichuan province, and Shanghai.

On Thursday, he held an event in Beijing, offering a glimpse of his new album, titled Kung's vol 2 The Moonlight Zoo, a day before the new album was released online. The new album features 12 tracks composed by Agong, including The Moonlight Zoo, A Place for All Lost Animals and Twinkle Twinkle.

The tour's name, The Moonlight Zoo, which is supporting the new album, captures the essence of Agong's imaginative tribute to his beloved dogs, who were an integral part of his life.

"The theme came from my longing for my pets," Agong says. "It's an imagined space — a zoo where not only my dogs but also other animals live. Through this concept, I hope to connect with those who have experienced loss and create a space for reflection and healing."

The tour will bring a multidimensional experience. While the music remains the core focus, Agong has incorporated visual elements such as static stage props to evoke the imagery of animals. The stage will feature soft, charming animal motifs, including representations of his own dogs, but not through complex animation — rather, through simple, imaginative designs that blend seamlessly with the music.

A standout feature of this tour is Agong's collaboration with the German conductor Bernd Ruf, who has worked with Sodagreen for years. The concert will include Agong's new compositions alongside selected tracks from his previous album, enhanced by Ruf's saxophone performance.

Unlike his work with Sodagreen, where his compositions often merge classical and pop influences, Agong's solo project leans more into instrumental storytelling, with a distinct classical undercurrent. "The beauty of purely instrumental music is that it leaves room for imagination," he says. "While working with lyrics, emotions are directly conveyed. But with instrumental music, listeners are free to find their own interpretations."

In terms of his approach to the concert itself, Agong notes that performing solo with piano and strings feels markedly different from being part of a band. "There's certain freedom in playing solo, but also a responsibility. With Sodagreen, I rely on the band; now, it's just me and the music," he says. "It's a new challenge, but it's exciting. I get to share something personal and intimate with the audience."

Reflecting on his musical roots, Agong's journey began at the age of 4 when he first learned to play the piano. His love for music grew as he discovered classical composers, but he also developed a deep appreciation for nonclassical genres.

In 2020, he released his first solo instrumental album, titled Kung's vol 1.

When it comes to blending classical and pop, Agong has never been overly concerned with sticking to one genre. His ability to mix complex classical elements with pop melodies is something he has refined over the years, especially during his time with Sodagreen. "It's about reducing complexity to make the music more accessible, but still keeping that depth," he says. "I think that's what makes this solo project so special — it allows me to explore this fusion in a more personal way."