Sands China Presents "70 Years Back in Time – Rachmaninoff" Concert

Co-organised with Cultural Affairs Bureau and Macao Orchestra

(Macao, Jul 11, 2024) – Sands China successfully held the highly anticipated 70 Years Back in Time – Rachmaninoff concert at The Venetian Theatre July 6, co-organised in collaboration with the Cultural Affairs Bureau and the Macao Orchestra. The event is the most recent highlight of the Sands China Performing Arts Programme, showcasing exceptional musical talents while bringing classical music to the forefront of Macao's cultural scene.

The concert featured the prominent music director and principal conductor of the Macao Orchestra, Lio Kuokman, along with world-renowned French pianist Lise de la Salle. Together, they captivated the audience with three iconic compositions by Russian maestros Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov and Sergei Rachmaninoff. Under Lio's baton, the Macao Orchestra embarked on a musical journey, commencing with Rimsky-Korsakov's enchanting Capriccio Espagnol, fully displaying the unique charm of the various orchestral instruments.

The orchestra then presented Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini and Symphonic Dances, masterpieces that ingeniously intertwine renowned melodies from both past composers and Rachmaninoff himself.

In addition to the concert, Sands China hosted an exclusive piano masterclass on July 4, where de la Salle generously shared her experiences and insights as a performer. A total of 80 aspiring music enthusiasts had the unique opportunity to attend the masterclass, and selected participants had the privilege of receiving one-on-one guidance from one of the most accomplished musicians in the international music scene today.

"Music has the power to transcend boundaries, touch our souls, and connect us on a profound level, and these Russian masterpieces stir a full spectrum of emotions," said Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd. "We are honoured to have co-organised a show of such exceptional talent in celebration of the beauty of classical music, and we are particularly pleased to have hosted a piano masterclass with Lise de la Salle, as we believe in fostering and nurturing emerging talent. By providing aspiring pianists with this invaluable chance to learn closely from such an accomplished musician, we can empower the next generation of artists and inspire them to pursue their dreams.

He continued: "With the Sands China Performing Arts Programme, our goal is 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. We are pleased with the overwhelming response to both the performance and the masterclass as it further demonstrates the Macao community's enthusiasm for enjoying enriching non-gaming experiences."

As part of the Sands Performing Arts Programme, the 70 Years Back in Time – Rachmaninoff concert and masterclass underscore Sands China's commitment to enhancing Macao's cultural landscape through premier performances. By utilising its world-class venues and collaborating with esteemed artists, Sands China seeks to propel the city's cultural development and reinforce Macao's distinctive position as a hub for cultural exchange.

Sands China remains dedicated to facilitating cultural exchange and promoting Macao's international image as a City of Performing Arts and Culture City of East Asia. Through its ongoing commitment to the arts, the company aims to create a vibrant and diverse platform for performing arts projects, further establishing Macao as a premier destination for cultural experiences. Looking ahead, the Sands China Performing Arts Programme's upcoming performances include the enthralling Poetic Dance Drama: "The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting" – "A Panorama of Mountains and Rivers."