The Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) said in a statement yesterday that it has made special arrangements for this year’s Macau International Music Festival as it will be mainly locals performing, and the date has moved from October to this month.
The bureau said that due to the global outbreak of the novel coronavirus, there are many uncertainties regarding artists’ transportation, logistics and rehearsal arrangements, resulting in the inability of overseas performers to travel to Macau. Therefore, the organisers decided that this year’s festival will be largely based on local musicians with community performances presented by 18 local music groups, comprising over 300 musicians, the statement said.
According to the statement, the festival’s theme is “For a Special Year”, and it has moved the date from October to August 22. The statement also underlined that besides free concerts and activities, there will also be screenings of musicals and eco-friendly musical instruments DIY workshops.
The statement also said that there will be upright pianos placed in various parks and leisure areas on the peninsula and Taipa, as well as the Macau Science Centre, for residents to play.
The statement said the aim of the festival was to “take music to each and every corner of the city, satisfying residents’ need for cultural diversity, as well as other places plagued by the pandemic.”
The festival’s details can be found on the IC webpage and its social media accounts.
This undated handout photo provided by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) yesterday shows children playing the “upright street piano” set up by the bureau. Photo: ICM
