Music | OM celebrates Bernstein’s centennial anniversary

The Macao Orchestra (OM) will present a concert to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Leonard Bernstein’s birth on February 24, as well as to pay tribute to one of the most versatile composers of the 20th century.

To celebrate his centenary, numerous concerts will be held by great orchestras around the world.

The concert will take place at the Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium, and will be conducted by Lio Kuokman, a young local conductor who will perform various works by Bernstein, namely ”Overture to Candide”, excerpts from the musical “Three Dance Episodes” from “On the Town”, excerpts from the “Fancy Free Ballet” and from Bernstein’s most celebrated musical, “West Side Story”.

According to a statement issued by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the conductor will also perform and conduct “Rhapsody in Blue”, a single-movement composition written to be performed by a solo piano and jazz band by George Gershwin.

Featuring acclaimed works performed by an ensemble of over 80 musicians, the concert will bring classical music and jazz together.

In conjunction with the theme of this concert season, which is, “Along with the musical joy”, the Orchestra has specially organized a sharing session, “Music Hour with Lio Kuokman” which is scheduled to take place on February 23 at the Macao Cultural Centre’s Conference Room.