The “Easter Concert”, one of the annual highlights of the Macao Orchestra  (OM, from its Portuguese acronym), under the auspices of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, will be held on 1 April, at 8pm. Due to the impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic, and to the fact that some performers will not be able to travel to Macao, the programme and the performers have been altered. The venue will be relocated to the Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium, where the Orchestra’s Music Director Lu Jia will present the sacred work “Stabat Mater” with renowned Chinese soprano Yuanming Song and mezzo-soprano Niu Shasha.

Written by the Italian composer Pergolesi, “Stabat Mater” is one of the most touching works of medieval poetry, and features 12 poignant ditties in 20 verses, thoroughly describing the agony of the Holy Mary’s loss. The concert features the young soprano Yuanming Song, who has been praised as a “pure grand lyric soprano” by the Viennese cultural media, and Niu Shasha, the current mezzo-soprano of the China National Opera House. The Macao Orchestra will also perform Mozart’s masterpiece “Concerto for Flute No. 1 in G Major”, enabling music aficionados to settle their thoughts and refresh their minds.

Tickets for the concert are available from 6 March through the Macau Ticketing Network at www.macauticket.com or outlets, at the price of MOP250, MOP200 and MOP150, with a 40% Early Bird discount within 14 days from the date of sale, as well as various other packages available. Ticketing hotline: 2855 5555. The Macao Orchestra will strictly follow the relevant guidelines of the Health Bureau and implement appropriate measures for all performances and activities, and continue to present high-quality classical music performances. For more information updates on the concerts, please visit the website www.icm.gov.mo/om and the official WeChat account "MacaoOrchestra". For enquiries, please the Macao Orchestra’s hotline through tel. no. 2853 0782 during office hours.