Macao Chinese Orchestra, established in 1987. Upholding the tenet “Based in Macao while embracing the world and promoting culture with East-meets-West repertoire”, the Orchestra has been presenting traditional Chinese music reflecting the spirit of the times, bringing excellent works to Macao fans, and allowing the public to access the genre at ease while also promoting Macao’s positive image to the world.
Macao Chinese Orchestra has made great efforts to promote music art education and culture and demonstrate its concern for society by going deep into the community and schools. It has been actively participating in the Macao International Music Festival, Macao Arts Festival and Celebration of the Anniversary of Macao’s Handover to China. It has also been strengthening the nurture of small and medium-sized arts groups and young musicians with an aim to promote local Chinese music development and trying to put music performances into stage of World Heritage Sites, parks etc to enrich residents’ lives and activate the artistic genes in communities.
The Orchestra had toured all over many countries and cities, such as Portugal, Belgium, India, Goa, Singapore, the Kingdom of Bahrain and other countries, Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing, Taipei, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Wuhan, Xian, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Fuzhou and Guangzhou, Xiamen, Quanzhou, Putian, Zhongshan, and other cities. Through the integration of Chinese-Western elements and contemporary Chinese music art, the Orchestra aims to enhance exchanges and cooperation, and promote the cultural image of the integration of Macao and the West, what has been widely praised.
Conductors who have joined hands with the Orchestra include Wong Kin Wai, Pang Ka Pang, Wang Zhengping, He Zhanhao, Gu Limin, Gu Guanren, Wang Fujian, Huang Xiaofei, Wang Yongji, Hu Bingxu, Yan Huichang, Kuan Nai Chung, Piao Dongsheng, Bian Zushan, Liu Wenjin, Chen Xieyang, Zhang Lie, Chen Ning Chi, Hong Xia, Tsung Yeh, Zhang Guoyong, Liu Sha, Yang Youqing, Liu Shun, Xu Zhijun, Chew Hee Chiat, Quek Ling Kiong, Yu-An Chang etc. The Orchestra has co-operated with numerous musicians and vocalists, including Shi Sucheng, Min Huifen, Liu Dehai, Rão Kyao, Jiang Kemei, Wong On Yuen, Yu Qiwei, Song Fei, Dai Ya, Chen Zuohui, Tang Junqiao, Zhao Jiazhen, Guo Fengnu, Frances Yip, Yu Hongmei, Paula Tsui, Yu Kuizhi, Adam Cheng, Jenny Tseng, Li Chuanyun, Yin Chengzong, Carlos do Carmo, George Lam, Wu Yuxia, Wong Sun-Tat, Zhao Cong, Yang Xuefei, Zhao Xiaoxia, Guo Yazhi, Wu Li, Song Yuanming, Han Lei, He Wangbao, Yuan Fang, Sun Yingdi, Dong Xiaolin, Xue Haoyin, Yu Lefu, among others.
Macao Chinese Orchestra perform periodically not only traditional folk music but also original Chinese music works with combination of Chinese and Western characters. It emphasises on performing local commissioned works that feature elements of Macao’s culture that include Kuan Nai-chun’s Macao Love Stories, Fantasy for Macao No.2 – for Suona and Chinese Orchestra, Zhao Jiping’s Macao Impressions, Tang Jianping’s Macao Suite, Wang Danhong’s Macao Capriccio, Luo Maishuo’s Female Singing with Orchestra The Song of the Seven Sons, Wang Chen Wei’s Postcard of Macao, Jamie Lin’s Fantasia of Macao, Li Bochan‘s Macao Sketch etc. Some of these music works even have been recorded and published, and they became representative works showing Macao’s unique cultural atmosphere.
Macao Chinese Orchestra was the only professional Chinese orchestra in Macao, under the auspices of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government. From February 1, 2022, it is managed by the Macao Orchestra Company, Limited, which is wholly owned by the Macao S.A.R. Government. Starting from 2024-25 concert season, Zhang Lie serves as Music Director and Principal Conductor.
