A taste of ancient melodies at St Dominic’s Church

Dominique Visse

Daniel Cuiller

The Alliance Française de Macao is bringing a touch of French and Italian melodies to town as the “Stradivaria” ensemble performs with the renowned countertenor Dominique Visse this Sunday at St Dominic’s Church. Macau marks the end of the ensemble’s tour in China.
The “Concert Musique Baroque Stradivaria” features the French violinist Daniel Cuiller, who founded “Stradivaria,” as well as harpsichordist Jocelyne Cuiller, cellist Annabelle Luis, and violinist Camille Aubret.
The Macau concert combines 18th century French and Italian baroque with sacred and secular music, emphasizing Italian musical influences, explained Mr Cuiller in an email interview ahead of Sunday’s performance.
In several Western countries, Baroque music underwent a revival over the past number of decades. Having played in different cities in China in recent weeks, the ensemble believes that – no matter the audience – the essence of their music must remain.
“We must not bow to change, nor change the way we do things regardless of the audience we play to. Music is a universal language that we’re all able to speak and listen to, be it Western or Eastern,” he stated.
Nevertheless, the violinist acknowledged that when playing and singing to an audience who does not share the same language, one would probably need to perform in a more theatrical way, without altering their particular musical sensibilities – which they were hoping to share with audiences across China.
“In the West, the revival of Baroque music started 50 years ago. China opened itself to our culture just a little while ago, but I have no doubt that – given the ancient musical instruments [that can be found in this country] – the Chinese will rapidly [develop an interest] for this type of repertoire, as more conservatories which feature ancient Western music are welcoming more Chinese students,” Mr Cuiller recalled.
The violinist, who founded “Stradivaria” back in 1987, said he and Dominique Visse had been hoping to meet on stage for quite some time. The opportunity to meet arose during the ensemble’s tour in Asia.
Well-known baroque composers include Bach, Handel and Vivaldi. The ensemble will play pieces by Michel Corrette, Jean-
Marie Leclair, Philippe Courbois, and Antonio Vivaldi.
The ensemble will perform this coming Sunday at 5 p.m. at St Dominic’s Church. The concert is free of charge, but tickets should be reserved via email (info.macao@alliancefrancaise.org.mo) or via telephone (28965342). CP