Interview by William Chan
The University of Macau Symphony Orchestra (UMSO) will hold its debut concert, “A Night at the Symphony”, on campus next Tuesday.
The programme features pieces by Ravel, Tchaikovsky, Grieg, Gershwin, as well as Bricusse, and Newley.
Formed just last year, UMSO is the university’s first symphony orchestra. Although the university does not offer a music major, it has for years trained amateur students under professional music teachers, allowing them to learn music and perform as an ensemble. Besides the new orchestra, the university currently has a Chinese orchestra, a choir, and a symphonic band. Residential colleges also regularly hold music events for students.
Ng Sa, former conductor of the university’s symphonic band*, now leads the orchestra. When asked about his thoughts on the establishment of this new ensemble, he underlined: “The prospect of this ensemble is unlimited. We are drenched in excitement for the upcoming concert, and we are overwhelmed with gratitude in our hearts. In order to achieve what we have established so far, the timing had to be right, and a lot of work and selfless dedication had to be in place to make this happen”.
As a non-profit orchestra, Ng said UMSO values creating artistic memories above all. “What matters most is a good atmosphere. There’s a saying: ‘The music doesn’t lie.’ Everyone has their share of dull moments in life, but when the downbeat** is initiated, we can all just put aside our daily struggles for a moment and let the vibrations take their course. When we prepare for a concert, it is a process of learning and growth. Through the process of decoding each musical note, we also gain more knowledge in dealing with life itself. I often have this feeling: when the music speaks, everything is going to be fine in the end. The music doesn’t lie.”
The concert also serves to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the University of Macau. Admission to the concert is free. The concert will take place on May 5 at 8 p.m. at the University Hall (N2) on the UM campus. For tickets, email sao.services@um.edu.mo.
*A symphonic band (or concert band) is an ensemble of woodwinds, brass, and percussion, without string instruments (except sometimes double bass or harp). A symphony orchestra includes all those families plus violins, violas, cellos, and double basses as its core.
** In music theory and performance, the downbeat refers to the first beat of a measure (bar). It is the strongest beat in a musical sequence and serves as the primary anchor for the rhythm. – Gemini
Poster of the University of Macau Symphony Orchestra’s (UMSO) debut concert “A Night at the Symphony”
