Interview and review by William Chan
The Magalo Arts Ensemble (Magalo), a local wind-instrument band, delighted tourists and residents during their debut performances at the historic Iec Long Firecracker Factory site in Taipa over the Labour Day long weekend holiday. Following the ensemble’s performance, its music director Gary Kong Kit Man spoke about their journey with the Post*.
Kong, one of my earliest interviewees at the Post, graduated from the Macao Polytechnic University (MPU) with a degree in music education in 2022. Already an experienced conductor and trombone instructor with the Macau Band Directors Association (MBDA), Kong returned to Macau two years after earning his Master of Music in Performance (Trombone) from Boston University. Inspired by his studies in the United States, he founded the Magalo Arts Ensemble to introduce diverse musical forms to Macau’s growing cultural landscape.
The Macau Band Directors Association, in collaboration with Sands China’s Community Revitalisation Programme, organised the Labour Day event to attract visitors to the Iec Long Firecracker Factory site, having performed on Saturday, Sunday and Monday for an hour each day. “This year, I teamed up with some long-time friends from the association, and nine of us performed together at the site entrance so that people walking outside could easily be attracted by our performance,” Kong said.
Drawing from his experiences, Kong emphasised the importance of branding for the ensemble’s longevity and identity. “As musicians, we often focus solely on the music, and we have had numerous outdoor gigs in the past. Nevertheless, we began to realise that branding helps people remember us and strengthens our group identity, contributing to our success.”
The ensemble’s name, “Magalo,” combines “galo,” rooster, a symbol of good luck in Portuguese folklore, with “Ma,” an acronym for Macau.
During the holiday, the local government temporarily transformed Taipa Village into a pedestrian-only area, where numerous street stalls were set up. Magalo’s performance, amplified by speakers, resonated through the streets, reaching several hundred metres. This setup effectively preserved the players’ distinctive sound while significantly boosting their volume.
Sunday’s performance attracted a mix of residents and tourists, who were invited to join in with simple instruments provided by the ensemble. Magalo performed a vibrant repertoire, including jazz standards, Disney tunes, and Michael Jackson hits, featuring nine performers: five brass players, two woodwind players, and two percussionists. “We are a flexible band with no fixed lineup, allowing us to adapt to different events and accommodate players’ schedules,” Kong noted, adding that most members have graduated from university and are working, with only a few of them having majored in Music.
During intermissions, the musicians engaged with children interested in learning to play musical instruments. Kong emphasised his band’s commitment to interaction and live musical experiences: “This is our first performance, and we want to go beyond just being background music. Our future plans include incorporating movements into our shows, adding an exciting layer of challenge.”
In addition to his innovative endeavours, Kong remains dedicated to high musical standards. On May 18, he will present a trombone recital titled “Waves of Romance,” showcasing both contemporary and classic repertoires. Both Kong and I agreed that a recital is one of the most challenging undertakings for any musician, testing their endurance, musicality, technique, and focus. “At this early stage of my career, I’m focused on growing as a musician and developing my cooperation skills,” he said, expressing gratitude for the Macau Band Directors Association’s support in enabling both the ensemble and its upcoming recital.
“Waves of Romance” Kong Kit Man Trombone Recital will be held on Sunday, May 18, at 8 p.m. in the chapel of Santa Rosa de Lima English Secondary School. Tickets are priced at 120 patacas, with various discounts available. For more information, visit:
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*https://macaupostdaily.com/news/14493
The Magalo Arts Ensemble (Magalo), a local wind-instrument band, delights tourists and residents during their debut performances at the historic Iec Long Firecracker Factory site in Taipa over the Labour Day holiday.
Magalo Arts Ensemble poses at the Iec Long Firecracker Factory site in Taipa earlier this month. – All photos provided by Gary Kong
Gary Kong Kit Man, trombonist and music director of Magalo, performs at the historic Iec Long Firecracker Factory site in Taipa over the Labour Day holiday.
