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The 27th Macau International Music Festival, an annual musical extravaganza organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, will be grandly held from October 2 to November 3. This edition features 22 classic programs. Renowned performers and orchestras from around the world, including the United States, Germany, Russia, Portugal, Spain, Austria, Serbia, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, South Korea, Mainland China, Taiwan, and Macau, will grace the stage, offering a dazzling array of performances. In addition to venues like theatres and concert halls, the festival will continue its long-standing tradition of staging performances at various unique UNESCO World Heritage sites.
To commemorate the 200th anniversary of opera giants Wagner and Verdi, this year's festival spares no effort in presenting classic operas. Wagner's one-act opera Das Rheingold will grandly open the festival. This prelude to Wagner's monumental Der Ring des Nibelungen cycle revolves around the Rhine gold, presenting a spectacular saga of gods vying for power. Following this, the Latvian National Opera, in collaboration with the Macao Orchestra, will passionately present Verdi's four-act opera Aida. This immensely famous grand opera, known for its lavish scenes and mesmerizing exoticism, remains an enduring miracle of the opera world.
Furthermore, Mozart's one-act comic opera Bastien und Bastienne will be performed at the elegant Dom Pedro V Theatre, offering a delightful treat for music lovers. Opera has long been the flagship of the festival, and this edition concludes perfectly with the American Broadway classic musical Miss Saigon. Its poignant scenes, combined with powerful music and chorus, give the work enduring human charm and emotional depth. The Broadway production team is a major highlight.
Internationally acclaimed Korean violinist Kyung-wha Chung, hailed as the "new queen of the modern violin kingdom," will present a solo recital showcasing the sublime art of the violin. The historic Vienna Boys' Choir returns as festival guests, bringing Songs from the Danube with their angelic, elegant voices. The world-renowned Portuguese group Grupo de Música Portuguesa a Gaita-de-foles returns to Macau after many years for its Asian tour. The celebrated German Dresden Philharmonic, with a history spanning over half a century, will perform under maestro Michael Sanderling alongside the gifted German violinist Julia Fischer.
The festival integrates World Heritage sites with musical masters, blending art and music. The St. Dominic's Church is the perfect stage for sacred works. The Latvian National Opera will perform Verdi's monumental Requiem here. The Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra will present Musical Intoxication, and Serbia's Divna Ljubojević & Melodi choir will perform Sacred Chants, illuminating the sacred space. Aria & Ballad will be staged at the Mandarin's House, featuring Portugal's "national treasure," Fado, alongside Macau's national intangible cultural heritage, Cantonese narrative singing (Nanyin).
Taking advantage of the visit of international troupes, the festival will also offer various workshops, master lectures, guided tours, and community outreach activities.
To enhance the festival's artistic standards, an Artistic Advisory Committee has been established this year. Members include the President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the Vice President, the Director of the Cultural Activities Department, the Head of the Special Projects Division, renowned singer Warren Mok, Jasper Parrott (CEO of Harrison Parrott), Yang Yandi (Vice President of Shanghai Conservatory of Music), Cao Yiji (Artistic Administration Consultant of Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra), Lü Jia (Music Director of the Macao Orchestra), and Peng Jiapeng (Music Director of the Macao Chinese Orchestra). The committee will provide suggestions and guidance for the festival's development and programming.
Tourism Office of the Government of Macao SAR, Teledifusão de Macau (TDM), Air Macau, Cotai Strip Resorts. Designated Ferry: Cotai Water Jet.
