Review by William Chan
The Rotterdam-based international CHI Quartet performed pieces of music from the album “Unspoken”, composed by the quartet’s pianist Siu Tin Chi, at the Small Auditorium of the Macau Cultural Centre (CCM) on Sunday night.
The Macau Post Daily published an interview with Siu on June 7.
Siu, who was born in Hong Kong and raised in Macau, performed alongside Dutch saxophonist Loek van den Berg, Bulgarian drummer Martin Hafizi, and Hong Kong double bassist Justin Siu.
Siu Tin Chi’s music is a unique fusion of traditional classical melodies, complex jazz harmonies, and improvisation. She masterfully incorporates Indian and European folk rhythms into her work, resulting in emotionally rich, beautifully lyrical, and multi-faceted compositions that feature rhythmically intricate layers.
While Siu’s music often evokes nostalgic feelings of a distant past, Hafizi’s solos inject a sense of excitement and energy into the pieces, creating an engaging contrast with the band’s melodies. Van den Berg’s saxophone playing is nothing short of exceptional, showcasing technical prowess and an innate musicality. I particularly enjoy the piece “Dandelion”, as it allows the audience’s imagination to run wild with the story of the dandelion seed and its journey, all conveyed through the melody.
Throughout the performance, the musicians’ visible enjoyment and camaraderie on stage were contagious, captivating the audience and creating an unforgettable experience. As the final notes of their last piece, a jazz arrangement of an old Chinese folk song, resonated in the air, the audience responded with enthusiastic applause, a testament to the talent and passion of these remarkable musicians.
Pianist and composer Siu Tin Chi, saxophonist Loek van den Berg, drummer Martin Hafizi and double bassist Justin Siu perform at the Small Auditorium of the Macau Cultural Centre (CCM) on Sunday night.
– Photos: Terry Chan
