38th Macao International Music Festival to feature 10 programs

The 38th Macao International Music Festival will run from Oct. 2 to Nov. 29, bringing together 10 programs, a music camp and 12 citywide entertainment activities spanning traditional Chinese opera and Western classical and operatic performances.

Organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), the festival aims to offer high-quality cultural experiences for residents and visitors while nurturing local musical talent.

IC president Deland Leong said the event continues to draw musical talent from around the world and promote international cultural exchange. Events will include surprise performances at cultural attractions across the city, as well as pop music band sharing sessions, children’s choir performances, pre-show introductions, backstage tours, lectures, film screenings and charity screenings.

“For many years, the Macao International Music Festival has brought together musical talents from all over the world, providing our citizens and tourists with high-quality cultural and artistic experiences, and actively promoting international cultural exchange,” Leong said.

She noted that this year’s edition coincides with the China-Brazil Cultural Year and includes a special performance from Brazil.

“Coinciding with the China-Brazil Cultural Year in 2026, this year’s festival also presents a special performance from Brazil, fostering friendship through music and hoping to leverage Macao’s role as a crucial link between China and Portuguese-speaking countries to further promote cultural exchange and people-to-people connectivity.”

“This year’s festival has specially planned many rich and engaging activities to allow music to step out of the venues, into the community, and throughout the city,” Leong added.

Program highlights include a Baroque concert by the Macao Orchestra on Oct. 24, featuring countertenor Cameron Shahbazi and conductor Laurence Cummings, music director of England’s Academy of Ancient Music.

On Oct. 27, the Macao Museum of Art Auditorium will host a talk to mark the 100th anniversary of Puccini’s Turandot. The talk’s speakers include soprano Filomena Schettino, bassoonist Salvatore Palmeri and soprano-producer Dafne Tian Hui.

Tickets for the various performances went on sale to the public at 10 a.m. on Sept. 13.