Sands China Presents “70 Years Back in Time – Rachmaninoff” Concert

Sands China successfully held the highly anticipated 70 Years Back in Time – Rachmaninoff concert at The Venetian Theatre July 6, co-organised in collaboration with the Cultural Affairs Bureau and the Macao Orchestra. The event is the most recent highlight of the Sands China Performing Arts Programme, showcasing exceptional musical talents while bringing classical music to the forefront of Macao’s cultural scene.

The concert featured the prominent music director and principal conductor of the Macao Orchestra, Lio Kuokman, along with world-renowned French pianist Lise de la Salle. Together, they captivated the audience with three iconic compositions by Russian maestros Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov and Sergei Rachmaninoff. Under Lio’s baton, the Macao Orchestra embarked on a musical journey, commencing with Rimsky-Korsakov’s enchanting Capriccio Espagnol, fully displaying the unique charm of the various orchestral instruments.

The orchestra then presented Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini and Symphonic Dances, masterpieces that ingeniously intertwine renowned melodies from both past composers and Rachmaninoff himself.

In addition to the concert, Sands China hosted an exclusive piano masterclass on July 4, where de la Salle generously shared her experiences and insights as a performer. A total of 80 aspiring music enthusiasts had the unique opportunity to attend the masterclass, and selected participants had the privilege of receiving one-on-one guidance from one of the most accomplished musicians in the international music scene today.

Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., said: “Music has the power to transcend boundaries, touch our souls, and connect us on a profound level… We are particularly pleased to have hosted a piano masterclass with Lise de la Salle, as we believe in fostering and nurturing emerging talent. By providing aspiring pianists with this invaluable chance to learn closely from such an accomplished musician, we can empower the next generation of artists and inspire them to pursue their dreams… Our goal is to broaden the scope of arts by creating a vibrant atmosphere for art appreciation in Macao, thus laying a solid foundation for the development of local creative and cultural industries.”