Music for Wiek in Macao - Review

Nine Years of Sound – The Voice of Minimalism  

Recently, two sold-out performances of the 9th Phone Show Carnival were held at Black Box Theatre II of the Macau Cultural Centre (February 7 & 8, 2025). This year’s theme, Echo of Simplicity, perfectly aligns with the expertise of conductor and saxophonist Lu Hon Cheong. The program featured works such as U-Sax, Here to There, Narayana’s Cows, On the Nature of Daylight, Groove Machine, and Music for Wiek.  

During the concert, I had the chance to briefly chat with Dutch composer Douwe Eisenga, who traveled to Macau specifically for these performances. One of his comments about the young Macau musicians stuck with me—he described the members of the Macau Band Directors Association Saxophone Ensemble as dedicated to music. This was high praise, and honestly, I initially wondered if it was too generous. However, after witnessing their performance, I must admit: the musicians delivered an impressive and convincing result.  

Innovation in Movement and Music 

The concert opened with U-Sax, immediately introducing a unique stage setting. A single, brightly lit baritone saxophonist played a repeating motif while other musicians gradually entered, weaving in and out of the stage in an almost choreographed manner. This interplay of movement and music introduced a fresh approach to performance and beautifully reflected the concept of travelers crossing paths in a busy subway station—seemingly chaotic, yet perfectly structured.  

The following piece, Narayana’s Cows, introduced an intriguing mathematical theme, allowing the audience to experience the logical structure of minimal music firsthand. It highlighted the deep connection between music and mathematics, much like the long-standing relationship between science and art, which has evolved through cycles of separation and reunification since the Renaissance. Today, STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) increasingly recognizes the importance of the arts (*A* for *Arts*). After all, no matter how rational and efficient a society strives to be, ignoring the human-centered aspect will always lead to fragility.  

Music for Wiek – A Captivating Experience

The second half of the concert concluded with Music for Wiek, a 40-minute symphonic piece divided into seven movements. Douwe Eisenga encouraged the musicians with the words: *“Forget mistakes, embrace the energy.”* This mindset allowed them to fully immerse themselves in the music, elevating the performance beyond the level of a typical student concert. It demonstrated how Macau’s cultural and artistic landscape has made remarkable progress over the past 25 years through close collaboration between government and society.  

Reflection: Small Stage, Grand Performance

Many performers dream of larger venues and bigger audiences, but as far as I’m concerned, *"A small stage can still carry a grand production."* Macau’s classical music scene is niche by nature, and a thousand-seat concert hall is not necessarily the only path to success. Instead, the focus should be on refinement, strengthening, and artistic growth.  

Furthermore, the sustainability of cultural arts remains a challenge. Low profit margins, limited promotion, and a niche audience make it difficult for the arts to gain widespread influence. This is why cultural organizations play an essential role. Commercial enterprises are unlikely to invest in a sector with limited financial returns, and while government initiatives are valuable, their effectiveness is not always guaranteed. The key lies in utilizing existing networks and fostering a strong cultural foundation within the community—a balance of artistic excellence, accessibility, and quality growth.  

 **Concert Details** 

**Concert Title:** *Phone Show Carnival – Echo of Simplicity*  

**Performing Ensemble:** Macau Band Directors Association Saxophone Ensemble  

**Date & Time:** February 7, 2025, 19:45  

**Venue:** Black Box Theatre II, Macau Cultural Centre  

 **Ai Er**