On Nov 6 and 7, the "Happy Spring Festival and 2023 National Art Troupe (Macao) Performance Season" was launched in Macao. They were jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Social and Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government. The China National Symphony Orchestra performed two concerts, "Chinese Rhythm and Music: China National Symphony Orchestra Chamber Music Concert" and "China National Symphony Orchestra Forbidden City Chamber Music Quartet Concert," at the Macao Cultural Center.

On Nov 6, the concert "Chinese Rhythm and Music” had a grand opening at the Macao Cultural Center. Attending the event were Zheng Jiming, deputy director of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of Macao; Guo Liqun, deputy general manager of China Arts and Entertainment Group; Lin Xi, deputy chief conductor of the China National Symphony Orchestra, and other esteemed guests.

 
The concert began with the lively and passionate Chinese work "Golden Snake Dance," which stirred the audience with its rich Chinese characteristics and festive atmosphere. The orchestra then performed classical string quartets and octets, including Haydn's String Quartet in D minor "Fifths," Mendelssohn's Octet in E-flat major, and Chinese and Western classic works such as "The Butterfly Lovers" and "Everlasting Friendship." The addition of vocal performances in the second half of the concert added new highlights, as composers from the China National Symphony Orchestra specially arranged chamber versions of classic music from the Greater Bay Area, such as "The Bay" and "Songs of the Seven Sons,"provided a more familiar experience for the Macao audience.

In addition, several emotionally engaging melodies from different regional styles, such as "Variations on Ma Yi La," "By the Water," and "China in Lights," resonated with the audience, with many spontaneously humming along. After the official program, the audience erupted into thunderous applause, and the artists performed an encore, "Me and My Motherland," using music to convey deep friendship with the people of Macao and to offer blessings for the 24th anniversary of Macao's return.

On Nov 7, the "China National Symphony Orchestra Forbidden City Chamber Music Quartet Concert" continued at the Macao Cultural Center. Artists from the "Forbidden City Chamber Music Quartet" of the China National Symphony Orchestra performed Brahms' String Quartet in B-flat major, Op. 67, and Chinese and Western classic works including "Dance of the Yao Tribe," "Tea Picking Dance," and "Happy Salihah."

On the day before the performance season began, the China National Symphony Orchestra visited Pui Ching Middle School in Macao for an exchange. The school's orchestra and choir students performed first, and the artists from the China National Symphony Orchestra offered comments and guidance, as well as performed some pieces from the concert. The artists from the China National Symphony Orchestra also had an exchange activity with the Macao Youth Symphony Orchestra. The performers from Pui Ching Middle School and the Macao Youth Symphony Orchestra expressed that it was a rare opportunity to have close contact with the artists from the China National Symphony Orchestra and receive live guidance. They looked forward to enjoying more excellent performances from mainland China in Macao in the future.

Next weekend, under the framework of the performance season organized by China Arts and Entertainment Group's subsidiary, China Performing Arts Agency, another National Art Troupe—the China National Opera House—will perform the "World Classic Opera Selection Vocal Concert" at the Macao Cultural Center on the evening of Nov 11. Selections from famous operas such as "Carmen," "The Barber of Seville," and "La Traviata" will allow audiences to immerse themselves in the wonderful world of opera.

On Nov 12, artists from the China National Opera House, together with local singers from Macao, will present the "Blooming Lotus: Macao Original Song Concert." A combination of original works by Macao musicians and classic Chinese vocal pieces will create a unique musical feast for the audience.

Since 2020, the Happy Spring Festival and National Art Troupe (Macao) Performance Season has been successfully held for three sessions. Its aim is to enhance exchanges and cooperation between mainland China and Macao, and to support Macao in enriching the connotation of its role as a world tourism and leisure center. It also aims to build a platform for exchange and cooperation where Chinese culture is the mainstream with multiple cultures coexisting. Moreover, within the "performance season" framework, more exchange activities focusing on art in schools will be held.