Sands China Presents ‘Concert of Love in Seoul’ Valentine’s Day Weekend

Reinterpreting stories of love from different cultures through music
Part of ‘Sands China Performing Arts Programme’

 

(Macao, Feb. 24, 2025) – Sands China Ltd. successfully held the Concert of Love in Seoul Feb.15 at The Venetian Theatre, co-organised in collaboration with the Cultural Affairs Bureau and the Macao Orchestra. Performed by the Macao Orchestra and renowned musicians from South Korea, the event demonstrated Macao’s cultural diversity as a Culture City of East Asia. The talented group of artists showcased the charm of classical music with their exceptional performances, garnering rounds of applause from the audience.

The event is the most recent highlight of the Sands China Performing Arts Programme, showcasing exceptional talent while bringing classical music to the forefront of Macao’s cultural scene.

Performing alongside the Macao Orchestra, the Concert of Love in Seoul featured three renowned musicians from South Korea:

•  Flutist Jasmine Choi, known as “The Goddess of Flute,” who has been recognised as “one of best flutists in the history of music” by the British publication Sinfini Magazine
• Conductor Sunwook Kim, the youngest winner of the Leeds International Piano Competition in the UK and its first Asian winner 
•  Soprano Lee Myung-Joo, who recently made her debut in the title role of Madama Butterfly at Opéra de Québec, Canada  

The enchanting performances offered a captivating evening of music at The Venetian Theatre during Valentine’s Day weekend, where the artists rendered a number of heart-touching pieces. In the first half of the concert, Lee conveyed enduring love stories with her powerful voice, performing several arias from operas by the Italian composer Giacomo Puccini, the “King of Opera.” Under the guidance Kim’s baton, the Macao Orchestra impressed the audience with Tchaikovsky’s well-known “Romeo and Juliet” Fantasy Overture, his stirring musical adaption of Shakespeare’s play. 

Following the intermission, Choi captivated the audience with her mesmerising flute performance alongside the Macao Orchestra, presenting her debut of a reimagined rendition of the emotionally stirring “Butterfly Lover,” inspired by the famous folktale of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai. The group also performed the Korean folk song “Arirang” during the encore to showcase Choi’s heritage, bringing the concert to a beautiful conclusion.

Choi is renowned worldwide not only for her thriving solo career but also for her unwavering dedication to the art of flute performance. Furthermore, her published teaching methods are widely acclaimed and implemented in esteemed institutions. 

Seizing the opportunity of her presence, Sands China organised a “Meeting with the Artist – Jasmine Choi” event Feb. 16. The company invited 140 local wind instrument enthusiasts, students and musicians to intimately experience the flutist’s specially curated pieces and engage in a sharing session about her music career, performance expertise, and insights.

Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., said: “We believe in the profound impact music can have in connecting individuals. By hosting this concert with Korean artists and its associated sharing session – in celebration of love over the Valentine’s Day weekend – we aim to enrich lives through the unifying power of music that transcends borders and provide inspiration to music enthusiasts. The concert not only showcases Macao’s allure but also bolsters the city’s status as a hub for cultural exchange, paving the way for a vibrant, cultural Macao. Additionally, we invited Jasmine Choi to host a sharing session, attracting 140 local music enthusiasts. By providing such platforms, we aim to enhance cultural exchange between local youth and international musicians, while improving their musical skills and expanding their global horizons. 

“With the Sands China Performing Arts Programme, our goal is to broaden the scope of arts in Macao and strengthen our city’s global reputation as a Culture City of East Asia by creating a thriving atmosphere for art appreciation in Macao – thus laying a solid foundation for the development of local creative and cultural industries. Looking ahead, we remain steadfast in introducing a diverse array of non-gaming entertainment options, including arts, cultural, and sports events, to further elevate the city’s cultural offerings for both residents and visitors.”

The Concert of Love in Seoul and the associated sharing session underscore Sands China’s commitment to enhancing Macao’s cultural landscape through premier performances. By utilising its world-class venues and collaborating with esteemed artists, Sands China seeks to propel the city’s cultural development and reinforce Macao’s distinctive position as a hub for cultural exchange.

Sands China remains dedicated to facilitating cultural exchange and promoting Macao’s international image as a City of Performing Arts and a Culture City of East Asia. Through its ongoing commitment to the arts, the company aims to create a vibrant and diverse platform for performing arts projects, further establishing Macao as a premier destination for cultural experiences.