Review by William Chan
The Macao Chinese Percussion Association’s third annual percussion music festival, held at the Macau Cultural Centre’s (CCM) Small Auditorium, showcased a thrilling and immersive array of percussive talent on Saturday night. The event, titled “律動MACAU” – translated as “RHYTHM MACAU” – featured a finely curated programme, with outstanding players and music.
Admittedly, I approached the concert harbouring the preconception that traditional Chinese percussion music, with its predominant use of gongs, cymbals, and drums, may prove repetitive and monotonous. I am pleased to report that my assumptions were entirely unfounded.
The ensemble’s young musicians displayed impressive techniques, confidence, and nuance on stage. Not only did they maintain a flawless rhythmic foundation, they also demonstrated creative expression, using various areas of the drums to generate diverse sounds and tones. Their dynamic body expressions further enhanced the visual spectacle.
The seasoned professionals in the group exuded a sense of ease, innovation, and unbridled enjoyment. In one piece, they engaged in a theatrical interplay with each other via their percussive instruments, employing their bodies and sticks as additional means of expression. Their light-hearted demeanour, willingness to poke fun at themselves, and ability to draw laughter from the audience added to the captivating atmosphere. The featured song “律動MACAU” fell somewhat short, however, as it felt rather brief and unremarkable.
The thoughtful programme design was a key aspect of the concert’s success. The organisers skilfully interspersed drum and cymbal-centred pieces with melodious marimba and glockenspiel compositions, maintaining a fresh and engaging experience for the audience.
As a wind instrumentalist myself, the highest praise I can offer is that I found the pure percussion pieces more captivating than the closing number, which incorporated wind instruments. Overall, RHYTHM MACAU delivered an unforgettable and exhilarating evening of percussive mastery.
Macao Chinese Percussion Association performers play music using sticks at the Small Auditorium of the Macau Cultural Centre (CCM). – Photo: William Chan
