Interview by William Chan
Lio Kuok Man, the Macao Orchestra’s (OM) principal guest conductor and artistic advisor, recently talked about his ambitions and perspectives for leading the local orchestra.
The exclusive interview with The Macau Post Daily was held online.
Educated at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, as well as Juilliard School, the Curtis Institute of Music and the New England Conservatory in the US, Lio is also serving as programme director of the Macao International Music Festival and resident conductor of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.
Lio has separately received a Certificate of Commendation and Medal of Cultural Merit from the governments of Hong Kong and Macau for his contributions to the special administrative regions’ development of arts and culture.
He was the second-prize winner of the 3rd Svetlanov International Conducting Competition in Paris, and has served as the first Chinese Assistant Conductor with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Lio has been praised by the Philadelphia Inquirer as “a startling conducting talent”.
Ties with Macao Orchestra
Lio pointed out that the Macao Orchestra has been part of different stages of his musical life. “The first symphonic concert I listened to was Brahms’ Symphony No. 2 performed by the Macao Orchestra when I was five years old. My first performance was with the Macao Orchestra, and since then I have frequently had various opportunities to perform with, and conduct the orchestra. I remember playing the Yellow River Piano Concerto with OM at the Ruins of St. Paul’s during a Macao International Music Festival,” Lio said.
Now, the internationally acclaimed conductor has stepped into Macao Orchestra as the music director to carry on his music dreams. “I am very honoured to be part of the orchestra again and contribute to music development of Macau. At the moment, we are in the twilight of the COVID-19 pandemic during which artistes had been hit the most. Nonetheless, I am confident that the challenges also create crucial innovations and improvements for the orchestra.
Lio showed his excitement of performing again with the orchestra and in Macau throughout the interview. He mentioned that in a recent concert in Berlin, a friend of his handed him a Portuguese egg tart, and he was suddenly reminded how great the food was in Macau and how much he missed home. “This sentiment is often intensified by my travelling musical life – treating hotel rooms as my permanent living space,” Lio added.
The Macao Orchestra was detached from the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) and became part of Macao Orchestra Company Limited in February. When asked about the future of the orchestra, Lio said that he never ruled out the possibility of cooperating with the business sector, adding: “Almost all legendary classical composers were backed either by the government or businesses, I see no reason why the orchestra should shy away from collaborating with businesses.”
Having been in love with music for decades, Lio noted that it is always a struggle to draft the programme of music festivals for the Macao Orchestra, because of the many pieces that he is fond of, adding: “With so many prestigious and experienced players in the orchestra, we expect to further our connection with the local community via the wonders of music.”
Classical music in society
Regarding the question of whether classical music is prevalent in Macau’s civil society, Lio answered with a straight “yes”. Nonetheless, he also noted that many locals seem to be unaware that their lives are surrounded with classical music. “So many kids are carrying their musical instruments on the streets; so many parents with their children come to see our concerts; there are so many school bands in local schools. They are all constantly engaging with classical music,” Lio said.
However, Lio said it was frustrating to see that classical music is treated more like homework than music. “From my perspective, people in the West often treasure the moments of going to a concert to enjoy music. I think that it is our responsibility to educate local audiences that music is not about taking examinations and getting certificates, but to treat music as an end – something that is very enjoyable,” Lio underlined.
Lio noted that there are many improvements to be made to developing the local music culture, such as creating more performance venues. Nevertheless, he stressed the importance of having a local orchestra, adding: “Not only can an orchestra enhance the music levels in society, but it also provides aspirations for young people – giving them goals – so that one day they can also become a professional artiste like the musicians in the Macao Orchestra.”
This undated photo shows Lio Kuok Man posing with the Macao Orchestra at S. Domingos Church in the city centre.
This undated photo shows Lio Kuok Man conducting the Macao Orchestra (OM) at the Macau Cultural Centre’s (CCM) Grand Auditorium. – Photos provided by OM
