Author: Ellen Ng

1. Introduction:

Melodies dance, and new resonance emerges. The Macao Chinese Orchestra has always been committed to discovering, nurturing, and supporting young musical talents. To further this mission, the Orchestra is launching the “Little Soloists” audition campaign as part of the 2024-25 “Blossom and Flourish” Elite Concert. This initiative provides a valuable platform for young music enthusiasts in Macao to collaborate with a professional orchestra and showcase their exceptional potential. This audition specifically targets outstanding young performers of Chinese wind instruments, aiming to further enrich Macao’s Chinese music scene, enhance public appreciation of the art form, and preserve the cultural heritage of traditional Chinese instruments.

 

The Macao Chinese Orchestra “Blossom and Flourish” Elite Concert will take place at 8:00 PM on April 20, 2025, at the Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium. The concert will be conducted by Ge Yanan, a young conductor of the China National Traditional Orchestra, and will feature Zhang Haiyue, the first-prize winner of the 14th Chinese Golden Bell Award for Erhu Performance, along with other talented young musicians from both Mainland China and Macao.

We look forward to your participation—let’s bring new energy and vitality to the music scene together!

2. Eligibility:
Applicants must be full-time primary or secondary school students in Macao who have a passion for Chinese music and demonstrate strong performance abilities in one of the following Chinese wind instruments: Dizi (bamboo flute), Sheng (mouth organ), or Suona (double-reed horn).
3. Selection Dates:

The audition process consists of two stages:

1. Preliminary Selection: March 8, 2025 – Evaluation based on submitted application materials.
2. Final Selection: March 22, 2025 – Live audition. (Applicants unable to attend will be considered to have forfeited their application.)

 

4. Required Application Documents (to be submitted in PDF format):

1. Completed application form (Click to download form)
2. Copy of a valid identification document and student ID card issued by the Education and Youth Development Bureau of Macao (both front and back sides)
3. Copies of certificates or awards (if available)
4. Personal performance video link (Upload the video in MPEG-2 or MP4 format to YouTube as “Unlisted.” Recommended specifications: High-definition 16:9 aspect ratio, resolution of 1280 x 720. A valid video link must be included in the application email.)

 

5. Application Guidelines:

1. Application Fee: Free of charge.
2. Submission Deadline: Applicants must submit all required documents and the personal performance video link via email to [email protected] by 11:59 PM on March 8, 2025. A confirmation email will be sent upon successful submission.
3. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
4. All application materials will be used solely for this audition process. The information will be kept confidential and will not be returned.
5. Applicants must ensure that all submitted information is accurate and complete. The organizer reserves the right to disqualify any applicant if there is reasonable doubt regarding the authenticity of the provided information.
6. After an initial screening of application materials, eligible applicants will proceed to the preliminary selection. Finalists will be notified by March 12, 2025.
7. Personal Performance Video Requirements:

• The video must feature one self-selected piece, performed in its entirety.
• The performance must be at least 5 minutes long.
• The video must be recorded within the past three months.
• The performance must be a solo performance with no accompaniment. The video must clearly show the performer’s face, hands, and instrument, with the highest possible sound quality.

 

6. Announcement of Results:
The selection results will be officially announced after evaluation by the judging panel. If no candidates meet the artistic standards required, no selection will be made. Applicants shall not dispute the final decision.

 

7. Contact Information:

• Macao Orchestra Company Limited (Macao Chinese Orchestra)
• Email:[email protected]
• Phone: (+853) 6856 6809
• Address: Macao Chinese Orchestra Office, 5th Floor, Government (Coloane) Administration Building, No. 108 Hong He Road, Coloane, Macao

8. Remarks:

• Macao Orchestra Company Limited holds the final interpretation rights for this audition process.
• All submitted application materials will be treated with strict confidentiality and used solely for audition purposes.