Interview by William Chan
The University of Macau (UM) Symphonic Band is set to host the concert “A Simple Dialogue,” a celebration of cultural fusion and musical surprises, as band conductor Ng Sa said in a recent online interview with the Post.
In addition, during the concert, apart from showcasing their hard work, the band will be joined by exceptional sheng* player Arnold Leung U Hin. A Macau native, Leung, who started learning the piano in 2004, is deeply passionate about music. Having graduated from the Central Conservatory of Music with a major in sheng, he also has a strong interest in various music genres, particularly jazz. He has released jazz albums and has played keyboards in several jazz groups in Macau and the mainland.
In addition to the band’s performance, the audience will be treated to a sonic delight with the local fado group Fado Oriente. Both Leung and Fado Oriente will present Chinese and Portuguese fado music respectively, accompanied by the band. Ng noted that the performance aims to create a “Simple Dialogue” between the two cultures, in line with the 25th Anniversary of the establishment of the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR).
Ng and Leung were classmates at the Macau Conservatory of Music and Arts. Ng said, “We have known each other for a long time. Arnold is a highly active and skilled sheng player. We have been on this musical journey together for over a decade, watching each other grow musically.”
As a trumpet player and conductor, Ng found the fusion of Chinese instruments in a symphonic band, a Western instrument ensemble, to be extremely intriguing, blending the two cultures seamlessly. Ng said he aimed to ensure that the band will have many musical surprises in store. “The performance will be our gift to Macau, our country, as well as to all those who are passionate about Macau and its culture.”
The performance is set to take place on Friday at 8 p.m. at N2 on the university campus, with admission being free of charge.
* The “sheng” (笙) is a traditional Chinese wind instrument with a history spanning thousands of years, producing sounds akin to those of an accordion or harmonica. It comprises bamboo or metal pipes, each housing a reed.
This file photo shows Arnold Leung U Hin posing with his sheng.
Fado Oriente performs at the Amphitheatre of Taipa Houses during Lusofonia last month.
University of Macau Symphonic Band performs at the Amphitheatre of Taipa Houses during Lusofonia earlier this month.
This file photo shows Ng Sa conducting the University of Macau Symphonic Band (UMSB). – Photos provided by UMSB
