The 32nd Macao International Music Festival (MIMF), organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau(IC), kicked off with the opera in two acts L’Elisir d’Amore by Gaetano Donizetti. The opening ceremony was held on 28 September, at 7:40pm, at the lobby of the Macao Cultural Centre.
The opening ceremony was officiated by the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao S.A.R. Government, Alexis Tam Chon Weng; the Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao S.A.R., Wang Dong; the Director of the Department of Publicity and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao S.A.R., Wan Sucheng; the President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao S.A.R. Government, Mok Ian Ian; the Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office of the Macao S.A.R. Government, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes; the Chairman of the Executive Committee of Teledifusão de Macau, S.A.R., Manuel Gonçalves Pires Júnior; the Senior Vice President of Convention and Venetian Operations of Sands China Ltd., Gene Capuano; the Deputy General Manager of Bank of China (Macau Branch), Chan Hio Peng; and the Assistant Vice President of Ferry Operations of Cotai Water Jet, Alex Wong. The ceremony was held under a lively atmosphere.
This edition of the MIMF is themed “Enjoy – The Moment in music” and offers 16 programmes in a total of 22 performances, as well as a total of 13 activities in six categories, inviting the audience to enjoy the moment and feel the joy and fulfilment music brings to the soul. The opening performance, the opera L’Elisir d’Amore, to be held on 28 and 30 September, is a masterpiece by composer Gaetano Donizetti that still remains in the international opera repertoire. This production by the Zurich Opera House, directed by internationally renowned German director Grischa Asagaroff, enlightens the audience about the magical power of love amidst magnificent music. On 29 September, the concert Bravo Macao! brings to the stage and reveals the talent and artistic accomplishments of two young local percussionists, Hoi Lei Lei and Raymond Vong. On 6 October, the Macao Orchestra and the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra jointly present the 1890 version of Anton Bruckner’s magnum opus, Symphony No. 8 in C Minor, allowing the audience to have the best artistic enjoyment.
In order to promote the development of the cultural and creative industries in Macao, this edition of the MIMF invited local illustrator Wakka Cheang to design two exquisite souvenirs about the theme of this year’s Festival, and these include “Music Ambassadors” folders and a set of “Good Music X Good Mood” magnets and stickers. The souvenirs are available for sale at discounted prices, subject to availability, during the performance period at the Macao Cultural Centre, Dom Pedro V Theatre, Mandarin's House and Navy Yard No. 2. In addition, the Cultural Affairs Bureau has launched a prize game on the MIMF website. All are welcome to participate and stand a chance to win fabulous prizes in a lucky draw.
For more information about the 32nd MIMF programmes, ticket purchase and other discounts, please visit the Festival’s website at www.icm.gov.mo/fimm. 24-hour ticketing hotline: 2855 5555. Ticketing website: www.macauticket.com.