Sands China and Macau Band Directors Association Celebrate National and SAR Anniversaries with Spectacular Concerts

Featuring 'Amazing Winds – Concert of Macau Youth Symphonic Band' and 'Macau Band Fair 2024 – School Band Dual Celebration Concerts'

(Macao, Aug 8, 2024) – In celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China and the 25th Anniversary of Macao's Return to the Motherland, Sands China Ltd. teamed up with the Macau Band Directors Association to meticulously curate the "Amazing Winds – Concert of Macau Youth Symphonic Band" and the "Macau Band Fair 2024 – School Band Dual Celebration Concerts," which were held at The Parisian Theatre July 31-Aug. 2. Sponsored by the Cultural Development Fund, these events aimed to showcase the exceptional talents of Macao's young musicians and highlight the region's vibrant musical landscape.

Amazing Winds – Concert of Macau Youth Symphonic Band

On July 31, the "Amazing Winds" concert featured a 98-member ensemble from the Macau Youth Symphonic Band performing a repertoire of original wind music masterpieces. The highlight of the evening was the special solo performances by four exceptional members of the ensemble: Iek Kit Ian (tuba), Leong Sio Iao (flute), He Pei Quan (marimba), and Lei Seng Ian (trumpet). These four young musicians have been trained within various school symphonic bands operated by the Macau Band Directors Association or the Macau Youth Symphonic Band, and have been nurtured under the guidance of seasoned mentors, demonstrating remarkable growth.

Macau Band Fair 2024 – School Band Dual Celebration Concerts

Part of the 25th "Macau Band Fair" series, the "School Band Dual Celebration Concerts" on Aug. 1 and 2 were equally compelling. Around 300 members from symphonic bands representing eight local schools – Choi Kou Middle School Band, Choi Nong Wind Orchestra, Yuet Wah College Brass Band, Pui Ching Symphony Band, Santa Rosa de Lima English Secondary Concert Band, Concert Band of Our Lady of Fatima Girls' School, Keong Peng Middle School Band, and Kao Yip Wind Band – took turns delivering performances brimming with youthful vigour.

In both enchanting performances, the gifted musicians enraptured the audience with fervour and artistry, delivering a dynamic spectacle that echoed their growth journey and evoked engagement and resonance among all attendees.

Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., said: "With this year marking the momentous occasions of the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China and the 25th Anniversary of Macao's Return to the Motherland, Sands China was excited to team up with the Macau Band Directors Association once again to bring this three-day musical feast to The Parisian Theatre. Since its establishment 27 years ago, the association has tirelessly promoted the art of wind band music to the public. This dedication aligns perfectly with our commitment to supporting local culture and arts, fostering the development of the local youth music and arts communities, and enriching the cultural experience of residents and tourists. Through this renewed collaboration, we aim to provide a prominent stage for more local young musicians to showcase their abilities and contribute to the vibrant cultural and artistic landscape of Macao, while delivering heartfelt wishes for the stability and prosperity of both mainland China and Macao."

Leong Pui Long, president of the Macau Band Directors Association, said: "We were deeply honoured and thrilled to incorporate our association's two annual events – the 'Amazing Winds – Macau Youth Symphonic Band Concert' and the 'Macau Band Fair' – into the celebrations of National Day and the Anniversary of the Establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our co-organiser, Sands China, for their generous support, particularly for providing the premium venue of The Parisian Theatre. This has undoubtedly created a dazzling stage for local young musicians in Macao, allowing them to leave unforgettable performance memories during this historic moment."

The Macau Youth Symphonic Band is one of the ensembles of the Macau Band Directors Association, which was established in 1996 and has been actively involved in conducting band training across numerous schools in Macau for over two decades. The Macau Band Directors association is dedicated to the promotion and development of wind music in Macao. Its membership comprises wind band conductors, instrumental instructors and students. The association's various ensembles include the Saxophone Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Band, Brass Band, and Woodwind Ensemble. With the advancement of band music, the association has also formed the Macau Wind Symphony, composed of professional musicians, which performs at the annual "Macau Band Fair."

"Amazing Winds" and the "Macau Band Fair" stand as hallmark events of the Macau Band Directors Association, having reached their 10th and 25th editions respectively. These events not only provide valuable opportunities for young musicians to demonstrate their talents, but also realise the association's objective to serve the Macao community.

Sands China is set to unveil a diverse array of events to honour the significant milestones of the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China and the 25th Anniversary of Macao's Return to the Motherland, engaging both local residents and visitors. In addition to the "Amazing Winds – Concert of Macau Youth Symphonic Band" and the "Macau Band Fair 2024 – School Band Dual Celebration Concerts," the company will present an impressive event line-up that includes art exhibitions, cultural performances, festive installations, and community events to commemorate this occasion for the city and the nation.