Sands China Presents Performing Arts Program Outreach Series – Winter Showcase
Featuring Japan's Hachioji High School Wind Orchestra and the Macau Youth Symphonic Band
Cultivating a vibrant music community in Macao
(Macao, Dec 12, 2023) – In celebration of the 24th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao SAR and the festive Christmas season, Sands China Ltd. is teaming up with the Macau Band Directors Association to bring the Sands China Performing Arts Program Outreach Series – Winter Showcase to the community. The Winter Showcase will deliver three captivating outdoor performances – Dec. 16 (Saturday, 3 p.m.), Dec. 28 (Thursday, 3 p.m.) and Dec. 30 (Saturday, 3 p.m.) – as part of the company's revitalization efforts.
Supported by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the initiative aims to promote the vibrant performing arts scene within the community, capitalising on the diverse advantages offered by each venue.
In all, more than 230 musicians from Macao and Japan are participating, performing at two outdoor locations: The Venetian® Macao and the Macao Cultural Centre Square. These meticulously curated concerts are free of admission and offer a unique opportunity for the public to immerse themselves in the vitality and charm of wind music during the winter season.
On Dec. 16, 120 members from Japan's Hachioji High School Wind Orchestra will perform in Macao for the first time at the Macao Cultural Centre Square, delivering a lively, large-scale marching band performance; and the Macau Youth Symphonic Band – a long-time hub for nurturing local music professionals – will play festive Christmas favourites on Dec. 28 at The Venetian Macao's lagoon area and well-known anime and J-pop songs on Dec. 30 at the Macao Cultural Centre Square, aiming to stir the audience with nostalgic charm.
"We are thrilled to inaugurate the Sands China Performing Arts Program Outreach Series by featuring the Macau Youth Symphonic Band and Japan's Hachioji High School Wind Orchestra," said Dr. Wilfred Wong, president of Sands China Ltd. "These gifted young musicians have dedicated themselves to their craft, enriching the industry with their exceptional talent. We hope this cultural exchange will inspire and nurture the musicians, encourage their shared aspirations, and cultivate a vibrant music community in Macao. We firmly believe that efforts like these will contribute to Macao's development as a City of Performing Arts, fostering connections that transcend boundaries and elevate our collective spirit."
The performance schedule is as follows:
- Saturday, Dec. 16, 3-4 p.m., Macao Cultural Centre Square
Marching band performance by Hachioji High School Wind Orchestra (120 members) - Thursday, Dec. 28, 3-4 p.m., The Venetian Macao lagoon area
Winter Showcase: "Magical Christmas" by Macau Youth Symphonic Band (50 members) - Saturday, Dec. 30, 3-4 p.m., Macao Cultural Centre Square
Winter Showcase: "Journey to Japan" by Macau Youth Symphonic Band (60 members)
The Macau Youth Symphonic Band is one of the ensembles of the Macau Band Directors Association, which was established in 1996 and has been actively involved in conducting band training in numerous schools in Macao for over two decades. Its members include band conductors, instrument instructors, and students who are dedicated to promoting the development of band music in Macao. The association's various ensembles include the Saxophone Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Band, Brass Band, and Woodwind Ensemble. With the advancement of band music, the Macau Band Directors Association has also formed the Macau Symphony Band, composed of professional musicians, which performs at the annual Macau Band Fair.
The Hachioji High School Wind Orchestra from Japan, consisting of over 130 members, has received numerous accolades and has participated in prestigious competitions such as the All-Japan Band Competition, the All-Japan Marching Contest, and the All-Japan Ensemble Contest. The orchestra has gained recognition for its outstanding performances, and has collaborated on the Nippon Genki Project curated by renowned designer Kansai Yamamoto and participated in various festive events, including performances at Disneyland hotels.
The Sands Performing Arts Program is aimed at broadening the scope of performing arts in Macao by introducing and promoting premier local, national and overseas performing art projects. The program fully utilises Macao's role as a platform of international exchange, in alignment with the Macao SAR government's vision for the integrated tourism and leisure industry.
Photo caption: Sands China is bringing three outdoor orchestral concerts to The Venetian Macao and the Macao Cultural Centre Square for the Sands China Performing Arts Program Outreach Series – Winter Showcase on Dec. 16, 28, and 30, performed by the Hachioji High School Wind Orchestra from Japan and the Macau Youth Symphonic Band. Supported by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the initiative aims to promote the vibrant performing arts scene within the community, capitalising on the diverse advantages offered by each venue.