Sands China Bringing Contemporary Classical Acts Back to Macao
“Classics Reimagined: Golden Hour Harmonies” free outdoor concerts and masterclass at Macao Cultural Centre Plaza Nov. 30 and Dec. 1
(Macao, Nov 14, 2024) – Sands China is bringing a new outdoor concert series as part of the company’s latest revitalisation efforts, Classics Reimagined: Golden Hour Harmonies, to Macao Cultural Centre Plaza Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, featuring live performances by the Janoska Ensemble, Niu Niu, and Gordon Lee, plus a special masterclass by the Janoska Ensemble.
Organised by Sands China Ltd. and supported by Macao Cultural Affairs Bureau and the Macao Government Tourism Office, the concerts are presented by the Sands China Performing Arts Programme in celebration of this year’s 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland, and Macao’s designation as a Culture City of East Asia 2025.
The world-renowned musicians will reinterpret the classics in celebration of the dual anniversaries and present their original melodies, delivering delightful music for both residents and tourists to enjoy with light refreshment booths operated by local SMEs in a cosy, open-air setting. These ticketed performances are free to the public.
“Highlights from Janoska Ensemble 10 Years Concert” – Nov. 30, 5 p.m.
First, globally renowned family group Janoska Ensemble come back to Macao Nov. 30 to captivate the audience with a profound show that infuses classical music with a vibrant modern flair in their own innovative signature “Janoska Style.” Comprising violinists Ondrej Janoska and Roman Janoska, pianist František Janoska, and double bass player Julius Darvas, their debut album “Janoska Style” was released on the prestigious classical music label Deutsche Grammophon in 2016 and attained gold status within a year. Their 2019 album “Revolution” also achieved the impressive success of reaching gold status. In 2022, they released a much-anticipated third album, “The Big B’s,” which pays tribute to the great ‘B’ composers, including Bach, Brahms, Beethoven and even The Beatles. Their fourth Deutsche Grammophon album, “The Four Seasons,” was released in October 2024, presenting once again their extraordinary skill and creative style. In recognition of their remarkable musical achievement, they were awarded the Slovakian national Crystal Wing Award in 2023, honouring their unparalleled creativity and dedication to redefining classical music. Following last year’s impressive performance at The Parisian Theatre, Janoska Ensemble will once again bring their exceptional music to the Macao audience in this year of dual celebrations. Fans will get a chance to purchase the ensemble’s latest album on site and get their CDs signed by the musicians.
Masterclass with Janoska Ensemble – Dec. 1, 4 p.m.
Gordon Lee Harmonica Concert and Niu Niu “Lifetime” Piano Recital – Dec. 1, 5:30 p.m.
World famous pianist Zhang Shengliang, better known by his stage name Niu Niu, is set to impress the audience Dec. 1 with his first-ever solo concert in Macao, demonstrating the virtuosity of this celebrated musician of “firsts” – youngest-ever student at Shanghai Conservatory of Music primary school, youngest pianist ever signed to an international classical label (EMI Classics), youngest solo pianist at Tokyo’s Suntory Hall and the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing, and youngest laureate of the 2010 PRIX Montblanc in Berlin.
Also on Dec. 1, winner of the prestigious 2017 World Harmonica Festival in Germany Gordon Lee will captivate audiences with his exceptional talent and nuanced performances, showing why he is widely recognised as one of the foremost harmonicists in the world. Aside from performing solo and with prestigious orchestras, he has appeared as a recording artist and solo guest performer with Hong Kong superstars like Sam Hui, Alan Tam, Jacky Cheung and Eason Chan. Lee has a special interactive ensemble experience planned for the audience – a moment that is not to be missed.
Finally, Janoska Ensemble is delivering an exclusive masterclass for young Macao and Hong Kong musicians Dec. 1 at the plaza, making it Macao’s first-ever outdoor masterclass open for public viewing. It provides the public with a rare closer look at the ensemble alongside the invited musicians from Macao and Hong Kong. The masterclass gives participants the opportunity to closely interact with these incredibly talented musicians as they share their inspirational and educational experiences.
Get free-admission tickets to Classics Reimagined: Golden Hour Harmonies at Macau Ticketing Network’s Ho Lan Yuen and Taipa stores from November 16 onward. Free tickets are limited and will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis. Each person may collect up to two tickets.
Ticket checks will begin at 4 p.m. on Nov. 30 and at 3 p.m. on Dec. 1. Ticket holders should arrive early and bring mats or blankets to sit on, as no designated seating is available at the venue.
Sands China remains dedicated to facilitating cultural exchange through its ongoing commitment to the arts. Launched in 2023, the Sands China Performing Arts Programme aims to broaden the scope of performing arts in Macao by introducing and promoting premier national, local, and overseas projects. The programme aligns with the Macao SAR government’s vision for the integrated tourism and leisure industry, utilising Macao’s role as a platform for international exchange while promoting Macao’s international image as a City of Performing Arts and Culture City of East Asia.
Classics Reimagined: Golden Hour Harmonies will not only create unforgettable memories for residents and visitors, but also promotes Macao’s East-meets-West ambiance, showcasing Sands China’s determination to make Macao Cultural Centre Plaza a vibrant outdoor venue that enhances Macao’s cultural atmosphere and community engagement, while further leveraging the multicultural charm of Macao.
Besides utilising its world-class venues and collaborating with esteemed artists, Sands China brings a diversity of quality performing arts programmes to its community revitalisation areas, seeking to broaden the scope of arts by creating a vibrant atmosphere for art appreciation in Macao, thus laying a solid foundation for the development of local creative and cultural industries, and enriching locals and tourists’ art experience.
Visit www.sandschina.com/the-company/scl-community-revitalization-programme.html to learn more about Sands China’s revitalisation initiatives.
Photo caption: Sands China is bringing a new outdoor concert series, Classics Reimagined: Golden Hour Harmonies, to Macao Cultural Centre Plaza Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, featuring live performances by world-renowned musicians Janoska Ensemble, Niu Niu, and Gordon Lee, plus a special masterclass by the Janoska Ensemble.
Photo caption: Globally renowned family group Janoska Ensemble will perform Nov. 30 at Macao Cultural Centre Plaza for Sands China’s Classics Reimagined: Golden Hour Harmonies, bringing their signature “Janoska Style” back to Macao.
Photo caption: The Janoska Ensemble will deliver an exclusive masterclass for young Macao and Hong Kong musicians Dec. 1 at Macao Cultural Centre Plaza for Macao’s first-ever outdoor masterclass open for public viewing. The masterclass is an extended event of Sands China’s Classics Reimagined: Golden Hour Harmonies concert series.
Photo caption: World famous pianist Niu Niu is set to impress the audience Dec. 1 with his first-ever solo performance in Macao for Sands China’s Classics Reimagined: Golden Hour Harmonies at Macao Cultural Centre Plaza.
Photo caption: Winner of the prestigious 2017 World Harmonica Festival Gordon Lee will captivate audiences with his exceptional talent and nuanced performances at Macao Cultural Centre Plaza Dec. 1 for Sands China’s Classics Reimagined: Golden Hour Harmonies, demonstrating why he is widely recognised as one of the foremost harmonicists in the world.