Organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the 27th Macao International Music Festival (MIMF) brings 22 outstanding shows to the territory from October 2nd to November 3rd 2013. The Festival's offering of symphonic music begins with a concert by the Gulbenkian Orchestra on October 18, which, steered by recently appointed Principal Conductor and Artistic Consultant Paul McCreesh, returns to Macao after a long absence, presenting a programme featuring works by Luís de Freitas Branco (Two Melodies), by Brazilian composer Ney Rosauro (Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra) and by Antonín Dvorák (Symphony "From the New World"). Established in 1962 by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation as a mere twelve-piece ensemble, the Gulbenkian Orchestra today boasts a permanent body of sixty-six musicians and a repertoire spanning from the classical period to the 20th century. Each season, in addition to giving their regular series of concerts in the Portuguese capital, the Orchestra travels to perform at numerous other venues throughout Portugal and around the world. A concert not to be missed by one of Portugal's most prestigious and talented orchestras! Portuguese Fado, a regular presence on local stages, joins Cantonese Naamyam (Narrative Songs) in a unique concert combining western and eastern folk music expressions, to be held on October 24, 25 and 26 at the Mandarin's House. Fado was recognised by UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2011 while the Cantonese Naamyam were inscribed on the Tentative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage Items of the Macao S.A.R. in 2009 and on the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011. A highlight of this MIMF season is the violin recital by Kyung-Wha Chung, to be held on October 24. After attending the Juilliard School, in New York, international fame came fast on the heels of the South-Korean's win at the prestigious Leventritt Competition, in 1967. Undeniably one of the leading violinists in the world today, Kyung-Wha Chung, throughout her life as a violin soloist and recitalist, has garnered global recognition of the very highest stature. The Macao Orchestra and the Macao Chinese Orchestra take to the MIMF's stages once again, on October 19 and 26, respectively. The Macao Orchestra is joined by the Korean Chamber Orchestra and soprano Aga Mikolajin stirring renditions of Strauss' signature work as well as his final composition, the Vier letzte Lieder. In its turn, the Macao Chinese Orchestra presents well-known TV and film themes, taking the public on a journey to revisit past decades. The quality of the concerts presented to the public is a testimony of the remarkable development and high-level that both local orchestras have achieved throughout the years. Tickets for the 27th Macao International Music Festival can be purchased at all Kong Seng Ticketing outlets, by telephone and through online booking. A variety of discount plans will be offered. For more information related to the 27th MIMF, please visit the Festival's website at: www.icm.gov.mo/fimm.
