Review by William Chan
The Macao Orchestra’s performance of Igor Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring” on Saturday night at the Macau Cultural Centre (CCM) was one of the most outstanding classical performances I have witnessed in recent years. It was also the orchestra’s debut performance of the Russian composer’s signature and particularly demanding piece.
Seated in the last four rows of the Grand Auditorium, I was reminded of its limitations as a concert hall, a point frequently acknowledged within the local music community. Macao Orchestra’s principal conductor, Lio Kuok Man, has emphasised the need for more music venues to boost the city’s musical development in a past interview with the Post.*
Remarkably, “The Rite of Spring” transcended these limitations, its powerful resonance reaching even the farthest-back seats. This was not solely due to the large orchestra required for the piece, which includes nearly 100 musicians, but also due to the technical prowess of the performers. The trumpet section, in particular, was exceptional, maintaining its brilliance despite the distance. Musical mentors of myself often advise aiming the sound to the back of the hall, a challenging endeavour that the orchestra achieved with remarkable success.
Executing a piece as complex as “The Rite of Spring” requires cohesion among the musicians, a feat made even more challenging by the auditorium’s specific acoustics. This was a rare opportunity to witness such a complex performance, as non-local orchestras coming to Macau certainly hesitate to tackle challenging pieces in foreign environments. The Macao Orchestra, performing at the Grand Auditorium monthly, is perhaps the most suitable ensemble for this ambitious undertaking.
To appreciate the impact of “The Rite of Spring,” some historical context is necessary. Its premiere on May 29, 1913, at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris, was marked by chaos and tumult, provoking a riot due to its avant-garde nature. Enthusiastic supporters clashed with outraged traditionalists, leading to a night of shouting and even physical altercations. Although the ballet’s choreography by Vaslav Nijinsky was not featured in Saturday›s performance, the orchestration alone was enough to convey the primal and raw themes of nature and sacrifice.
While the element of surprise may have diminished over the past century, the technical challenges of the piece remain. Conductor Lio Kuok Man’s ability to navigate these challenges with the orchestra is a testament to his skill. As the first Chinese assistant conductor with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Lio is indisputably Macau’s most prominent conductor. Under his leadership, the orchestra executed the intricate piece with finesse and integrity in line with Stravinsky’s vision, maintaining coherence within the chaotic orchestration.
Lio’s contributions extend beyond the music itself to his ambitions for the Macao Orchestra. In a recent interview, he described his then upcoming performance as a significant milestone for both the orchestra and its members.** Despite the challenges since the establishment of Macao Orchestra Company Limited in 2022, Saturday’s concert was a landmark event, featuring 40 guest musicians, including vital roles like the concertmaster and associate concertmaster, as well as French pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet, who delivered a remarkable performance of Saint-Saëns’s Piano Concerto No.5.
Earlier this month, concerns were raised about the orchestra’s budget deficit after a local online media outlet published the orchestra’s budget, leading to a heated online debate about government funding. Lio, who is also the orchestra’s music director, undoubtedly considered the potential risks to his reputation and the orchestra’s future funding options, yet he chose to pursue this ambitious performance. His trust in the orchestra’s capabilities, alongside his own, garnered enthusiasm from the audience and respect by many who wish the orchestra success. For the first time, I left the concert with an insatiable desire to hear more, testament to the extraordinary impact of the performance.
* https://www.macaupostdaily.com/news/16484
**
https://www.macaupostdaily.com/news/24261
Lio Kuok Man conducts the Macao Orchestra on Saturday night at the Macau Cultural Centre’s (CCM) Grand Auditorium. – Photos provided by Macao Orchestra
Principal conductor Lio Kuok Man acknowledges the audience with a bow following the orchestra’s rendition of ‘The Rite of Spring,’ expressing gratitude for their enthusiastic support and applause. – Photo: William Chan
