Author: Elaine Fong

Macao Orchestra and Suzhou Symphony Orchestra together present the concert “Classical meets Impressionism”

The Macao Orchestra, under the auspices of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, will present the concert “Classical meets Impressionism—Macao Orchestra and Suzhou Symphony Orchestra ” at the Grand Auditorium of the Macao Cultural Centre at 8pm on 15 January 2022. Under the Chinese conductor Xu Zhong, the Macao Orchestra will join hands with Dong Fang, a Chinese singer, to welcome the new year with wonderful classical and impressionist music.

The renowned Chinese conductor Xu Zhong is the first Asian musician in history to serve as the Artistic Director of the Teatro Massimo Bellini in Italy. Apart from conducting, he will also perform Piano Concerto No. 1, an important piece for the young Beethoven, as a soloist in the concert with the Macao Orchestra, to unfold the beautiful timbre of classical music.

Dong Fang, one of the top ten young mezzo-sopranos of “CCTV gloriously bloom” in China, has a rich and fruity voice and a relaxed and flexible tongue. She was regarded as a “very promising mezzo-soprano” by Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung, a German newspaper. She will sing the soprano part in the concert and present the French composer Maurice Ravel’s Trois poèmes de Mallarmé with the Orchestra. The Macao Orchestra will also perform Ravel’s Pavane pour une infante défunte and Le tombeau de Couperin for the audience, revealing the keen sense of aesthetics of impressionist music.

The performance will last approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, including one interval. Tickets will be on sale at the Macau Ticketing Network from 30 December priced at MOP250, MOP200 and MOP150. Early bird discount and various discount packages are available. The public can purchase tickets via the 24-hour ticketing hotline 2855 5555, the ticketing website www.macauticket.com, or at the ticket counters. Buy now while stock lasts.

The Macao Orchestra is much obliged to the fans for their support and will provide the public with high-quality musical performances as always. For details and updates on the concert, please visit the Macao Orchestra’s website www.icm.gov.mo/om, the Facebook page “Macao Orchestra”, or the official WeChat account “MacaoOrchestra”.

Orquestra de Macau apresenta o Concerto de Ano Novo “Estrelas em Viena” para celebrar o Ano Novo com aficionados da música

A Orquestra de Macau (OM), sob a égide do Instituto Cultural, irá apresentar “Estrelas em Viena – Concerto de Ano Novo”, no dia 31 de Dezembro, pelas 20:00 horas, no Grande Auditório do Centro Cultural de Macau. Devido à epidemia e à impossibilidade da soprano Song Yuanming se deslocar a Macau, a OM, sob a batuta da conceituada maestrina do Interior da China Zhang Jiemin, apresenta várias obras neste concerto com a participação da famosa soprano do Interior da China, Zhang Liping, celebrando o Ano Novo com os amantes da música.
Zhang Liping, uma soprano reconhecida internacionalmente, é actualmente professora do Conservatório Central de Música da China, editou vários discos e foi a primeira artista chinesa a actuar na produção de “Madama Butterfly” no Metropolitan Opera de Nova Iorque. Zhang Jiemin, Maestrina Residente na Orquestra Sinfónica de Xangai desde 2010, é uma das regentes femininas mais notáveis da China e a primeira maestrina a reger ópera no Teatro La Fenice e no Teatro San Carlo.
O concerto “Estrelas em Viena – Concerto de Ano Novo” apresenta a Abertura da Opereta “Waldmeister” de Johann Strauss II, o segundo andamento da Sinfonia Fantástica “Um Baile” de Berlioz e Dança das Horas de Ponchielli, dando as boas-vindas ao Ano Novo com música de alto nível.
O concerto tem a duração de cerca de 1 hora e 30 minutos, sem intervalo. Os bilhetes para o concerto encontram-se à venda aos preços de MOP400, MOP350, MOP250 e MOP150 na Bilheteira Online de Macau, estando disponíveis alguns bilhetes para este concerto. Os interessados podem adquirir bilhetes através da Bilheteira Online de Macau. Linha directa de venda de bilhetes 24 horas: 2855 5555; a reserva de bilhetes online está disponível em www.macauticket.com.
A Orquestra de Macau agradece a compreensão e o apoio de todos e continua a apresentar excelentes actuações de música ao público. Para informações e actualizações sobre os concertos, é favor visitar a página electrónica da OM em www.icm.gov.mo/om, da página “Macao Orchestra” no Facebook ou na conta da OM “MacaoOrchestra” no WeChat.

Macao Orchestra presents New Year Concert “Starry Vienna” to celebrate New Year with music aficionados

The Macao Orchestra, under the auspices of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, will present the “Starry Vienna – New Year Concert” on 31 December, at 8pm, at the Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium. Due to the impact of the pandemic, and to the fact that soprano Yuanming Song will not be able to visit Macao, the Macao Orchestra, under the baton of renowned Chinese female conductor Zhang Jiemin, will present several works with famous Chinese soprano Zhang Liping, celebrating the New Year with music aficionados.
Internationally recognized soprano Zhang Liping is currently a professor at the Central Conservatory of Music. She has released a number of recordings, and was the first Chinese artist to perform in the production of Madama Butterfly at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York. Zhang Jiemin, Resident Conductor of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra since 2010, is one of the most prominent female conductors in China and the first female conductor to conduct opera at the Teatro La Fenice and the Teatro di San Carlo.
The “Starry Vienna – New Year Concert” features a number of musical pieces, including the Overture to the Operetta “Waldmeister” by Johann Strauss II, the 2nd movement from Symphonie Fantastique by Berlioz and the Dance of the Hours by Ponchielli, announcing the commencement of the new year with a high-quality concert.
The duration of the concert is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes with an interval. Tickets for the concert are available at the Macau Ticketing Network and are priced at MOP400, MOP350, MOP250 and MOP150. Spectators with tickets which purchased before 7 December may contact the Macau Ticketing Network for refund procedures on or before 29 December. Limited tickets are still available for this concert. Interested parties can purchase tickets through the Macau Ticketing Network. 24-hour ticketing hotlines: 2855 5555. Ticketing website: www.macauticket.com.
The Macao Orchestra sincerely thanks music aficionados for their understanding and support, and will continue to provide the public with high-quality music performances. For details and updates of the concert, please visit the Macao Orchestra website at www.icm.gov.mo/om, the “Macao Orchestra” page on Facebook and its official WeChat account “MacaoOrchestra”.

Cultural Affairs Bureau cancels arts and cultural performances including “The Butterfly Lovers” due to epidemic prevention and control

In line with the SAR Government’s epidemic prevention and control measures, the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC, from the Portuguese acronym), will cancel various arts and cultural performances, including “The Butterfly Lovers”. Due to the impact of the pandemic, the performing groups were unable to visit Macao. The “Performance to Celebrate the 72nd Anniversary of the National Day of the People’s Republic of China” – Contemporary Acrobatic Show “The Butterfly Lovers”, scheduled for 1 October, will be cancelled. OM Young Friends Concert “Classical Express – Rhythm of Tango” by Macao Orchestra scheduled for 30 September, and the concert “Chen Sa” Piano Recital, integrated in the Macao International Music Festival – Music October, scheduled for 3 October, will also be cancelled.

IC will arrange refunds for those who have purchased tickets for the shows “Pulsating Morphosis” (scheduled for 25 September) and “The Butterfly Lovers” from 29 September to 30 November. Spectators who purchased tickets through the Macau Ticketing Network may contact the Macau Ticketing Network for refund procedures at different times; while those who purchased tickets for the Contemporary Acrobatic Show “The Butterfly Lovers” through the Cotai Ticketing may contact it for refund process. IC urges members of the public do not have to process the refund instantly.

In addition, the activity “Enigma Box”, integrated in the “Show and Deep Cultural Tour in Tapia”, originally scheduled for 1 October and the outreach activity “Journey in Musical Corners”, integrated in the Macao International Music Festival – Music October, originally scheduled for 2, 3, 9 and 10 October, will be postponed. Concluded registrations will be maintained and registered participants will be contacted by staff.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau will closely monitor the development of the pandemic, follow the relevant guidelines of the Health Bureau and implement appropriate measures in a timely manner, and would like to express its thanks to the members of the public for their understanding and co-operation. For the latest information about the Cultural Affairs Bureau, please visit the Cultural Affairs Bureau’s website at www.icm.gov.mo, “IC Art” page on Facebook and its official WeChat account “IC_Art_Macao”.

Music Experience Day

First-come, first-served

Date: 2018/10/06 Saturday
Time: 09:45 – 13:00
Venue: Lobby of Macao Cultural Centre
Age: 12 – 25 years old
Language: Cantonese

The Assistant Conductor of Macao Orchestra Francis Kan will lead a tour of the 32nd Macao International Music Festival – “Anton Bruckner Symphony No. 8 – Macao Orchestra x Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra” open rehearsal, backstage exploration, music knowledge and etiquette workshops. You can also sign up for the “Little Reporter” programme and take a lead in experiencing the fun of becoming a young friend of the Macao Orchestra!

Details and Registration: https://goo.gl/ji9Yxx

Change of date of the concert “Mesmerising Austro-German Music” by the Macao Orchestra

Due to maintenance of the venue, the concert “Mesmerising Austro-German Music” by the Macao Orchestra, under the auspices of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, originally scheduled to be held on Saturday, 5 January 2019, at 8pm at Dom Pedro V Theatre, has been postponed to Sunday, 27 January 2019, at 8pm. The venue and programme of the performance as well as the ticket prices remain unchanged. Spectators with tickets can enjoy the concert on the new date, 27 January, or may change their tickets at the Macau Ticketing Network outlets from 12 September 2018 to 7 January 2019. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Tickets for this concert will be on sale again from 12 September 2018 and are priced at MOP120 and MOP100. A 40% discount will also be available for purchasers of four or more tickets for any concerts of the “Chamber Voyage” series. For more information and enquiries about the programme, please contact OM through tel. no. 2853 0782 during office hours or visit the Macao Orchestra webpage at www.icm.gov.mo/om. 24-hour ticketing hotline: 2855 5555; online ticket reservation available at www.macauticket.com.

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.

 

About Application

a) What if I miss a deadline?

Your materials will NOT be accepted and will not be returned.

b) How do I get the repertoire list?

The repertoire list is posted to the audition page; please check the Audition Repertoires.

c) Does the orchestra provide copies of the required repertoire?

Copies of music for audition repertoire will be provided; please check the Audition Repertoires.

“Easter Concert” by the Macao Orchestra cancelled

The “Easter Concert” by the Macao Orchestra (OM, from the Portuguese acronym), under the auspices of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, originally scheduled to be held on 31 March and 1 April, at St. Dominic’s Church, was cancelled due to changes in the Orchestra’s season programme. The organiser apologises for any inconvenience caused.

The Macao Orchestra will present the concert “The Nordic Echoes” on 20 April, at 8pm, at St. Dominic’s Church. This concert, under the baton of its Music Director and Principal Conductor, Lu Jia, in collaboration with violinist Clara Jumi Kang, a virtuoso German-born South Korean musician, features two magnificent symphonic poems by Sibelius, Tapiola and the composer’s Violin Concerto in D minor, allowing the audience to fully experience the spectacular and distinctive Nordic spirit of the composer.

Admission to the concert “The Nordic Echoes” is free. Tickets will be distributed at St. Dominic’s Church one hour prior to the performance. Distribution is on a first-come, first-served basis and is limited to a maximum of two tickets per person. For details and enquiries about the programme, please contact OM through tel. no. 2853 0782 during office hours or visit OM’s webpage at www.icm.gov.mo/om.

Macao Orchestra presents prenatal music concert on Saturday

The Macao Orchestra (OM, from the Portuguese acronym), under the auspices of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, presents the concert “Weekend Music Party – The Baby’s First Musical Experience” on Saturday, 17 March, at 4pm, at the Dom Pedro V Theatre, offering all expectant parents a professional prenatal music experience with their babies.

It is widely known that music plays an important role in prenatal education. It can stimulate the foetus auditory nerves and lay a foundation for the development of the unborn interest in music and the cultivation of the baby’s imagination in a later stage of life. When prenatal education becomes a habit in daily life, mothers will spend some time on it despite their busy schedule. Research demonstrated that the foetus in development starts hearing sounds and audio frequencies from the outside world at about five to six months. Listening to light music and singing by parents has a positive impact in the development of the babies’ senses.

The concert features a number of musical pieces with vocation for prenatal education, such as Mozart’s soft and beautiful Serenade in G Major and Haydn’s light divertimento, the Divertimento No. 1 in B-flat Major, among others, suitable for pregnant women to engage in musical interaction with their babies.

In addition, the Macao Orchestra will organize the “Talk: Music and Pregnancy” at 2:30pm on the same day of the concert, at the Multifunction Hall located on the third floor of Sir Robert Ho Tung Library, in which a music therapist will elucidate parents about the concept of prenatal music education. Admission to the talk is free and interested music lovers are welcomed to register by calling 2853 0782 during office hours.

Tickets for the concert “Weekend Music Party – Baby’s First Musical Experience” are priced at MOP120 and MOP100. Ticketing hotline: (853) 2855 5555. Ticketing website: www.macauticket.com. For details and enquiries about the programme, please contact OM through tel. no. (853) 2853 0782 during office hours or visit the Macao Orchestra webpage at www.icm.gov.mo/om.

Macao Orchestra presents concert dedicated to Dvořák

The Macao Orchestra (OM, from the Portuguese acronym), under the auspices of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, presented the concert “The Musical Footprint of Dvořák”, part of the Shining Virtuosos series, on 10 March at the Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium. In the concert, renowned Italian cellist Mario Brunello was invited to perform Dvořák’s Cello Concerto in B minor, the only cello concerto by the composer, followed by Legends, Op. 59, No. 1 and the Symphony No. 8 in G Major. An autograph session by Brunello was held at the same venue after the performance, with the enthusiastic participation of the public.

The concert “The Musical Footprint of Dvořák”, under the baton of Music Director of the Macao Orchestra Lu Jia, was jointly presented by the Macao Orchestra and prominent cellist Mario Brunello, featuring works by Antonín Dvořák, whose music was considered influential in the 19th century international music circles. Dvořák was reputed for his brilliant composition skills and intriguing sensory charm, and he was also skilled at combining the German and Austrian symphonic traditions with the magic of Slovak folk music. In the concert, Brunello offered a perfect rendition of Dvořák’s Cello Concerto in B minor using a precious Maggini cello of the early 19th-century, which was well received by the audience, after which OM performed Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 in G Major, drawing the concert to a successful close.

Before the concert, the Macao Orchestra specially organized the “Cello Master Class with Mario Brunello”, in which the celebrated cellist provided guidance and advice to music students in Macao.

In addition, the Macao Orchestra will present the concert “Weekend Music Party – Baby’s First Musical Experience” on Saturday, 17 March, at 4pm, at the Dom Pedro V Theatre, offering the audience a professional prenatal music experience. Tickets for the concert are priced at MOP120 and MOP100. Ticketing hotline: (853) 2855 5555. Ticketing website: www.macauticket.com. For details and enquiries about the programme, please call (853) 2853 0782 during office hours or visit Macao Orchestra’s website at www.icm.gov.mo/om.

Italian Cellist Mario Brunello performs in Macao this Saturday

The Macao Orchestra (OM, from the Portuguese acronym), under the auspices of the Cultural Affairs Bureau and under the baton of its Music Director and Principal Conductor Lu Jia, joins hands with renowned Italian cellist Mario Brunello to present the concert “The Musical Footprint of Dvořák”, exclusively dedicated to Czech composer Dvořák, to be held on Saturday, 10 March, at 8pm, at the Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium. Tickets are on sale at the Macau Ticketing Network.

Dvořák was the beacon of 19th century nationalist music, and was reputed for his brilliant composition skills and intriguing sensory charms. The composer’s works combine the German and Austrian symphonic traditions with the magic of Slovak folk music. Celebrated Italian cellist Mario Brunello was the first and only Italian musician to win the gold medal at the International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow since 1986.

Brunello has captivated many audiences worldwide with his special talent for concertos and chamber music, as well as though the numerous creative programmes he has conceived. He was praised by the British Gramophone company as a “great spirit” for his poetic artistic talent, and his performance was described as “intense and passionate” by the The Strad magazine. In this concert, Brunello and the Macao Orchestra will perform the exceptional Cello Concerto by Dvořák and the composer’s Bohemian-inspired Symphony No. 8, exploring the musical footprints of this great Czech composer with music aficionados.

Tickets for the concert “The Musical Footprint of Dvořák” are priced at MOP250, MOP200 and MOP150, and various discount packages are available. Ticketing hotline: 2855 5555. Ticketing website: www.macauticket.com. For details and enquiries about the programme, please visit OM’s webpage at www.icm.gov.mo/om or contact OM through tel. no. 2853 0782 during office hours.

Macao Orchestra presents works by great composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein

The Macao Orchestra (OM, from the Portuguese acronym), under the auspices of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, presents the concert “Leonard Bernstein’s 100th Anniversary by Lio Kuokman and Macao Orchestra” on Saturday, 24 February, at 8pm, at the Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium, to pay tribute to Leonard Bernstein, the great virtuoso who has made a crucial contribution to the popularization and promotion of music.

2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Leonard Bernstein, a versatile composer of the 20th century. To celebrate his centenary, numerous concerts will be held by great orchestras around the world. The concert held by OM will be conducted by Lio Kuokman, a young Macao conductor who has been emerging in the international music circles in recent years, who will perform various works by Bernstein, namely Overture to Candide, excerpts from the musical Three Dance Episodes from On the Town, excerpts from the Fancy Free Ballet and from Bernstein’s most celebrated musical, West Side Story. Lio will also perform and conduct Rhapsody in Blue, a large single-movement composition written for solo piano and jazz band by George Gershwin, an active musician in the pop music circles of the early 20th century. Featuring highly acclaimed works performed by a huge ensemble of over 80 musicians, the concert will bring classical music and jazz together, offering a true musical feast to music aficionados.

In conjunction with the theme of this concert season “Along with the musical joy”, the Orchestra specially organizes the sharing session “Music Hour with Lio Kuokman” on 23 February, at 7pm, at the Macao Cultural Centre Conference Room. Admission is free and reservations are available through tel. no.2853 0782 during office hours.

Tickets for the concert “Leonard Bernstein’s 100th Anniversary by Lio Kuokman and Macao Orchestra” are priced at MOP250, MOP200 and MOP150, with various discount packages available. Ticketing hotline: 2855 5555. For details and enquiries about the programme, please visit OM’s webpage at www.icm.gov.mo/om.

Macao music aficionados stunned by Maestro Stefan Vladar

The Macao Orchestra (OM, from the Portuguese acronym), under the auspices of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, presented the concert “Piano Giant”, part of the Shining Virtuosos series, on 20 January, at the Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium. Renowned Austrian pianist Stefan Vladar, who was the youngest winner in the history of the International Beethoven Piano Competition in Vienna and a widely-acclaimed interpreter of Beethoven’s masterpieces, gave a magnificent performance of Beethoven’s signature piece, the Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major, followed by OM’s performance of Bruckner’s Study Symphony, among other works. Under the baton of OM’s Music Director Lu Jia, the Orchestra brilliantly presented the distinctive and intense German and Austrian classical music, and was well-received by the audience. An autograph session by Vladar was held at the same venue after the performance, in which the pianist received an overwhelming support from music aficionados.

Remarkable Austrian pianist Stefan Vladar faultlessly rendered Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major, a masterpiece rarely brought to stage, in the “Piano Giant” concert with his sophisticated technique and musicianship. OM then presented Austrian composer Anton Bruckner’s Study Symphony, which has kept the lowest profile among the composer’s symphonies so far in terms of its frequency of performance and first edition of the score. It was indeed a precious chance to see this symphony on stage.

On the day before the concert was held, the Macao Orchestra specially organized the “Piano Master Class with Stefan Vladar”, in which pianist Stefan Vladar coached and exchanged views with Macao music aficionados, expanding their horizons and enriching their performing experience.

In addition, the Macao Orchestra will present the chamber music concert “Listen to Winds” on Friday, 26 January, at 8pm, at the Dom Pedro V Theatre. The sharing session “Music Hour with Musicians” will be held specially before the concert starts, featuring OM’s Principal Oboe Kai Sai and Principal Flute Weng Sibei, who will perform some musical pieces to participants. All music aficionados are welcome to share and exchange views with the musicians.

Tickets for the concert “Listen to Winds” are now available through the Macao Ticketing Network and are priced at MOP120 and MOP100. Ticketing hotlines: (853) 2855 5555. Ticketing website: www.macauticket.com. For details and enquiries about the programme, please call (853) 2853 0782 during office hours or visit Macao Orchestra’s website at www.icm.gov.mo/om.

Macao Orchestra concluded tour to Nanjing Grand Original Opera – The Diaries of John Rabe highly acclaimed

The Macao Orchestra (OM), under the auspices of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, was invited to participate in the performance of the Grand Original Opera – The Diaries of John Rabe in Nanjing from 13 to 15 December, in order to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Nanjing Massacre victims. Under the baton of OM’s Musical Director Lu Jia, the Macao Orchestra joined hands with the Jiangsu Performing Arts Group (JPAG) Symphony Orchestra, the Opera and Dance Drama Theatre of the JPAG, the Student Choir Group of the School of Music of the Nanjing Normal University to present three concerts which won high acclaim and an enthusiastic applause from the audience.

On the occasion of the National Memorial Day for the Nanjing Massacre victims, the Grand Original Opera – The Diaries of John Rabe premiered at the Jiangsu Centre for Performing Arts on 13 December. The opera depicted the atrocities committed in Nanjing in the year of the massacre, as well as the fearlessness of people from various countries who, despite the violence, remained in Nanjing to help local citizens.

Eighteen OM elite musicians, including Section Principals, participated in the performance of the Grand Original Opera – The Diaries of John Rabe. Many musicians expressed that the opera had a great significance and allowed them to learn more about China’s history.

Upon its return to Macao, the Macao Orchestra will hold the concert “Starry Vienna – New Year Concert” at the Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium on 30 December. Tickets are already sold out. For details and enquiries about the programme, please visit OM’s website at www.icm.gov.mo/om.

Macao Orchestra’s concert “Weekend Music Party – Travel with Music” takes music aficionados on a wonderful musical journey

The Macao Orchestra (OM, from the Portuguese acronym), under the auspices of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, presents the concert “Weekend Music Party – Travel with Music” on Saturday, 6 January 2018, at 4pm, at Dom Pedro V Theatre, taking music aficionados on a wonderful musical journey. Tickets are now available at the Macau Ticketing Network.

Nowadays, people bring cameras or video recorders with them when travelling. In bygone eras before high-tech, musicians wrote notes to record what they saw and heard. This concert features a number of musical pieces, namely the Quintet for Brass (1967) (2nd mov.) by Gregson, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice by Dukas and Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral by Wagner, among others, taking the audience on an aural exploration journey through German romanticism, solemn British nobility, and the flamboyant French art world.

Tickets for the concert “Weekend Music Party – Travel with Music” are priced at MOP120 and MOP100. Ticketing hotline: 2855 5555. For details and enquiries about the programme, please contact OM through tel. no. 2853 0782 or visit Macao Orchestra’s webpage at www.icm.gov.mo/om.

2017/9 Zhuhai Tour – 2nd Zhuhai international Mozart competition for young musicians Opening concert

Zhuhai
2017/9/12

Venue： Zhuhai Huafa & CPAA Grand Theatre
Conductor／Lu Jia
Violin／ He Ziyu
Piano／Mao Fujita

Programme:
Violin／ He Ziyu
W. A. Mozart: Violin Concerto No.5 in A major KV 219 (Turkish)

Piano／Mao Fujita
W. A. Mozart: Piano Concerto No.24 in c minor KV 491

Ye Xiaogang：The Macau Bride Suite No.2
Return to Sea
First Encounter
The First Glance

Ye Xiaogang：The Macau Bride Suite No.1
Barra Docks

Ye Xiaogang：The Macau Bride Suite No.3
Fatima ‘Additional excerpt’

Ye Xiaogang：The Macau Bride Suite No.2
Gentle Moments
The Captains Mansion

“Early Bird” Discounts

Enjoy Early Bird 40% Discounts

Purchasers meeting the criteria below will receive a discount of 40% upon purchasing tickets between 18 July and 31 August

．Along with the musical joy – Purchasing 2 or more tickets for two different performances

．OM Friends ( no limit on the number of tickets)

 

OM Friends can redeem 2 tickets of “Along with the musical joy – Annual gala and gathering” by presenting OM Friends’ Card and tickets of “Piano Giant”, “The Musical Footprint of Dvořák” or “2017-18 Season Closing Concert – Beethoven Symphony No. 9” within the Early Bird Period, at the reception of Cultural Affairs Bureau during office hours. Tickets are limited and on a first come, first served basis.

The above discounts are not applicable to the Macao Orchestra’s performances in the Macao International Music Festival and Macao Arts Festival.

Keep Your Time with Music

Collect stamps with any purchased OM concert tickets and redeem your stamps for gifts

Date: From now on until 31st July, 2018

How to participate:
．Tear off the “Music Lovers Card” from the 2017-18 season booklet, or obtain the Card at the concert reception or at the office of Macao Orchestra.

．Collect stamps with any purchased OM concert tickets: with a ticket, you can get one stamp, and can redeem your stamps (in required quantity) for gifts.

．Audience can redeem gifts at concert reception or at the office of Macao Orchestra.

Gifts

OM Pen

2 Stamps

Mini music box

5 Stamps

Full package of tickets for chamber concerts
in 2018-19 Season

8 Stamps

Music-themed
USB

10 Stamps

Music course /
Vouchers

15 Stamps

Full package of tickets for concerts in 2018-19 Season

20 Stamps

Terms and conditions:

1. The activity is not applicable to OM free concerts and the programmes in Macao International Music Festival and Macao Arts Festival.

2. Stamps cannot be combined; once redemption is done, the audience has to collect stamps anew.

3. All photos of the gifts are for reference only.

4. Each person can only redeem one gift each time, subject to availability.

5. All redemptions are non-exchangeable for cash, and are non-returnable.

6. Macao Orchestra reserves the right to amend redemption of gifts without prior notice.

7. Macao Orchestra reserves the right to amend the terms and conditions of this redemption programme. In case of any disputes, the Orchestra reserves the right of final decision.

Download Keep Your Time With Music Card

澳門「玫瑰堂」聆樂記

藝評：澳門「玫瑰堂」聆樂記

文：默泉

在古老教堂聽音樂會，令人回味的往往不是音樂本身，而是獨一無二的聆樂經驗。記得多年前曾在愛丁堡一小教堂聽「馬勒四」現場演出，我坐在第一排右側位置，跟低音大提琴手相距僅一個身位。於是整場演出，我都聽到走了調的低音大提琴在耳畔隆隆作響，比正常音量放大好幾倍。但這扭曲了的馬勒四，卻成了我早年的馬勒音樂記憶，當時仿若「被捲進音樂旋渦」的震撼，至今難忘。

澳門文化局近年積極開拓另類場地（或因太缺正規音樂廳吧），「教堂音樂會」、「大炮台音樂會」等特色音樂會已成澳門音樂節賣點。玫瑰堂是最常舉行音樂會的澳門教堂。12 月初，我在此聽了澳門樂團的「拉丁隨想曲」音樂會，擔任獨奏小提琴的，是澳門樂團首席保羅‧莫連拿（Paolo Morena），指揮是羅伯特‧賈諾拉（Roberto Gianola）。雖然是免費音樂會，但節目內容毫不馬虎，約一小時的曲目包括：巴卡羅夫（Bacalov）「小提琴協奏曲」、柴可夫斯基「意大利隨想曲」（Capriccio Italien），和林姆斯基‧高沙可夫「西班牙隨想曲」（Capriccio espagnol）。

玫瑰堂有著鮮黃色漂亮立面，位於議事亭和大三巴之間，路過旅人如過江之鯽，是理想另類演出場地。旅客們逛累了，可隨興取票走進此文化遺產（門票通常在開場前一小時派發），聽聽音樂，同時觀賞聖壇和雕像。如此精彩的免費活動，怎愁沒捧場客？實在欣賞澳門當局懂得將古典音樂置於城市裡最煩囂處，讓一般人與它不期而遇——因為這正是普及古典樂的不二法門。

說回音樂會。古典樂迷或會對阿根廷出生的意大利作曲家巴卡羅夫感到陌生，因他主要活躍於電影配樂界，作品包括 The Gospel According to St. Matthew（柏索里尼執導）和 The Postman（Michael Radford 執導），後者曾獲奧斯卡最佳原創配樂獎。巴卡羅夫風格多樣化，尤愛在作品中融進阿根廷探戈音樂，是次演出的「小提琴協奏曲」亦不例外。據場刊介紹，此曲是他專為莫連拿所寫。第一樂章由帶點詭異感的獨特短促節奏展開，獨奏小提琴隨後加入，旋律並非悅耳一類，卻自有一股魔力。最初的短促節奏多番浮現，串起整個樂章，而近尾聲時單簧管與小提琴唱和，則甚為動聽。

莫連拿的琴音溫暖渾厚，高音純如清泉，我最喜歡他一流的音樂感；就算只是數個音符，亦能奏出豐沛情感，確把此曲拉得生氣盎然。美中不足是他的琴聲略為單薄，無法投射得太遠（我坐在第五排，亦覺聲音太細），後排觀眾恐怕聽得不太清楚。

澳門樂團於「教堂音樂會」選奏此曲，實在相當進取，因此曲的旋律多屬片段式，著重氣氛渲染，並非易「入口」之作。坐在我旁邊的兩位中年街坊便不太受落，一曲既畢頻頻交換意見。幸好接著是人見人愛的柴可夫斯基「意大利隨想曲」。

樂曲甫開始，小號吹起嘹亮簡潔的軍樂旋律——這是作曲家在意大利旅行時，每早於旅館聽到的軍樂聲。澳門樂團的銅管部向來不錯，今年 5 月聽呂嘉指揮的蕭斯塔科維奇第五交響曲，已印象極佳。清脆小號先聲奪人後，其他銅管便陸續加入，吹得金光燦然，滿室生輝，觀眾的精神亦為之抖擻起來。有趣的是，恢宏的銅管聲，跟教堂本有的靜穆兩相碰撞，頗有魔幻現實之感。樂團在演奏前一首樂曲時一直拘謹抑壓著的音量（估計是為免掩蓋獨奏小提琴家的琴音），於此時的「fortissimo」（ff）終於全面爆發，氣場銳不可擋。以前我常以為教堂的聲效太過「離散」，演奏大音量樂段效果或許欠佳，但原來並不一定。

銅器之後隱身於低音域三連音節奏中，由弦樂部奏出內斂旋律，主題逐漸發展，最後活潑輕快的意大利舞曲「塔蘭泰拉」上場，將氣氛推至高潮。指揮賈諾拉的肢體動作平實，但有效地控制各聲部平衡，應記一功。縱然寫此曲時柴可夫斯基跟妻子關係搞得並不愉快，但「旋律大師」於旅途中仍不忘發掘好聽的民謠和街頭音樂，並有技巧地融入作品中，使「意大利隨想曲」聽得人輕快愉悅，甚欲狂歌起舞。

隨後的「西班牙隨想曲」，歡快熱鬧如嘉年華的舞曲，在毫無預兆下傾瀉而出，妙不可言。單簧管與小提琴獨奏部分，與豐富的樂團音色構成強烈對比。第二樂章是變奏曲，吹奏主題旋律的圓號有點朦朧，但由不同樂器聲部擔當主角的五段變奏卻相當吸引。事實上，一邊聽著結構簡明的變奏曲，一邊欣賞擁有 400 多年歷史的教堂古蹟，是一大樂事。至第三樂章，客席樂團首席梁大南獨挑大樑，奏出兩段跳躍輕快旋律，可惜拉得拘謹，節奏亦不夠穩健，影響了樂章的灑脫美感。幸好最後兩樂章，吉卜賽的狂歡節奏感染力非凡，為音樂會劃上美好句號。一個小時轉瞬即逝，走出教堂，議事亭前地的聖誕燈飾閃爍，如在延續熱血沸騰的音樂氣氛。