The Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) will collaborate with two local orchestras this year to launch its local young musician training programme, initially planning to recruit over 10 youths, IC President Deland Leong Wai Man announced in yesterday’s press conference.
Leong made the remarks during a press conference after a closed-door regular meeting of the government-appointed Cultural Development Consultative Council at the Macau Cultural Centre (CCM) in Nape.
Leong noted that the training will be conducted by the Macao Orchestra and the Macao Chinese Orchestra, encompassing community performances, one-on-one mentorship, and professional orchestra rehearsals, aiming to cultivate local musical talent, provide a professional performance platform for young musicians, assist in building a performing arts talent pipeline, and enhance their employment opportunities in professional orchestras.
Love & Peace
Meanwhile, the “2026 Macao International Parade”, themed “Love, Peace and Cultural Integration”, will take place on March 29, Leong said, adding that the parade will bring together performance troupes from across the globe as well as locals, featuring brand-new designs and presentations at various historic districts to showcase the city’s urban landscape.
Next month’s events
Moreover, the 3rd “Macau International Comedy Festival” will be held in both Macau and Hengqin in April, Leong said, adding that her bureau will facilitate the establishment of such international events in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) promoting regional cultural exchange, particularly in Hengqin.
Leong also noted that the inaugural cultural and sports carnival will integrate intangible cultural heritage with sporting activities, such as dragon boat races.
A string of activities and experiences will be held at various heritage sites and communities across the city in April, aiming to allow residents and visitors to experience the city’s diverse cultural and sporting elements, she said.
Leong added that in response to the Chinese mainland’s “Regulation to Promote Public Reading”, and coinciding with World Book Day on April 23, the former “Macao Reading Month” has been renamed “Macau Book Reading 2026 – National Reading Week”, providing an array of reading promotion activities throughout next month.
Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) President Deland Leong Wai Man (right) and the government-appointed Cultural Development Consultative Council President Chan Ka Io pose during yesterday’s press conference after a closed-door regular meeting of the council at the Macau Cultural Centre (CCM) in Nape. – Photo: Ida Cheong
