Audition FAQs

About Macao

a) What is the history of the orchestra?

Briefly, the Macao Orchestra was founded in 1983 by Father Áureo de Castro of the St. Pious X Academy of Music. The following year it was incorporated into the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao Cultural Institute. In 2003, under the baton of maestro En Shao, the role changed to a professional orchestra, and we are expanded to a standard sized orchestra. It is truly an international orchestra because musicians from many different countries from all over the world are represented in Macao Orchestra, including (but not limited to): Australia, Belgium, Canada, China (about 1/2 the orchestra is Chinese), Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Macao, Romania, Russia, South Korea, Spain and United States.

b) Where is Macao?

Macao is located on the Southeast coast of China, bordering the South China Sea and the west part of the Pearl River Delta. Macao is centrally located within Southeast Asia; it is only one hour by speedboat ferry from Hong Kong, and is accessible by a relatively short plane ride to most all other Asian countries. Macao is logistically south of the Tropic of Cancer, and the average temperature is about 28.9 °C (84.0 °F) in Summer and is about 14.5 °C (58.1 °F) in Winter.

c) What about the Government: Is Macao ruled by China?

Technically, Macao falls under the Special Administration Region Government, with a unique agreement with the Chinese government to enjoy high autonomy (“two systems, one country”), similar to that of Hong Kong. Macao was originally a Portuguese colony that dates back to 1513. In December 1999, Macao was officially handed over to China and is currently on a 50-year lease to retain its unique status with the China government. It is a bi-cultural community with about 95% Chinese and 5% Portuguese/other. The Macao Orchestra receives 100% government funding.

d) What is the cost of living like in Macao?

The cost of living in Macao is comparably low. Most local meals cost approximately $5-10 USD, a very nice dinner (at a European restaurant with wine, etc.) runs approximately $40USD or above. Monthly rent (2 BR) fluctuates from $1,000-$2,000+USD, depending on the location within Macao peninsula , Taipa, or Coloane. The ferry to Hong Kong maximum cost is $25USD (one-way).

e) What is special about Macao?

Macao was the first Chinese port to be occupied by “Western power”, and the last to be returned (Handover in 1999). During the summer 2005, the United Nations (UNESCO) awarded Macao the prestigious honor by adding the country to the World Heritage List (one country chosen per year). This is largely due to the fact that Macao has some of the oldest relics in all of China (including the first European opera house in China, the oldest lighthouse in China and many historic temples). The United Nations honored Macao in order to protect the unique heritage from the potential damages that could be caused to the relics by the rapid growth of the area’s infamous casinos. Macao’s primary industries are casino, tourism and event. The Macao International Music Festival, Macao Arts Festival and Macao International Parade take place every year as major cultural events. It is also well known among racing enthusiasts because of the annual Grand Prix competition. Cantonese is the main language with Mandarin and English are widely spoken.