August’s best events and deals in Macau
Head to the Macao Science Center, Institute for Tourism Studies or Dom Pedro V Theatre during the first week of August to enjoy free classical music performances with the Macao Young Musicians Competition. Organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau of Macao, the event seeks to promote the development of local classical music and provide opportunities for young talents to gain stage experience.
Hear out young musical talent
August 2-8
9am-10.30pm
Free admission
Window into artist’s mind
“Hey, Listen – Works by Sandy-Leong Sin U” is an exhibition of mixed media, comprising pictures, sketches and audio-visual elements. A Macau local, Leong has a master degree from the Academy of Visual Arts of Hong Kong Baptist University, and has been practicing art for half a decade. Her work is interspersed with melancholic notes, such as one that reads: “Juicy watermelon brought home being placed on a newspaper with pictures of a dismembered body discarded in the trash bin we walked by every day.” It refers to a habit in old Macau and Hong Kong, when purchases from the market were wrapped in newspaper, and people neglected to pay attention to the bigger world revealed in the newsprint they threw away. The exhibition is a window into the mind of an artist who wants people to pay attention to the world around them.
2/F, Ox Warehouse, No Cruzamento da Avenida do Coronel Mesquita com a Avenida Almirante Lacerda
Open daily noon-7pm, except Tuesday
Free admission
Spirited love story
Ghost: The Musical is based on the 1990 Academy Award-nominated blockbuster film that made Demi Moore a superstar. This Broadway production blends cutting-edge technology with old-fashioned stage magic. Bright, flashing lights are used to re-create New York City, where protagonist Sam is killed while walking home with his fiancé Molly. But his spirit cannot move on until Molly is made aware of the sinister plot behind his murder, and crooked psychic Oda Mae Brown - the character immortalised in the film by Whoopi Goldberg - is fatefully recruited for the mission. The production opened in London in 2011 and made its Broadway debut in 2012. It has sold over 1 million tickets worldwide and has been nominated for five Olivier Awards.
In the mood for love
According to an ancient Chinese legend, the Milky Way galaxy was created by the Jade Emperor to separate his daughter, Zhi Nu the Heavenly Weaver, from the mortal cowherd Niu Lang because he disapproved of their marriage. But upon seeing that his daughter was heartbroken, he allowed the couple to meet on the bridge of the Milky Way once a year. That day is now called the Feast of Maidens, or Lovers’ Festival, and it takes place on August 20 this year. The Macau Government Tourist Office will be supporting the neighbourhood association of San Kio to organise an orchid exhibition on August 16-23 and an evening party on August 20, which will open with a moon worship ceremony at 8pm. That day will also include activities such as a Chinese Traditional Female Skills Competition (4.30pm-8.50pm), where women show off their needlework and handmade artworks, wear traditional costumes, and participate in a talent contest.
One of the world's most renowned operatic virtuoso, Placido Domingo, will be in Macau for the first time to present a brilliant gala comprising classical opera, operetta and classic music in addition to rare fantastic bonus programs on August 29 at the Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium.
August 29
8pm
Tickets: 680 to 1880 patacas
Deals for a great stay in Macau
World Holiday Tours is offering a package starting from HK$1,340 per person which includes a night’s stay in a Superior King or Double room at Holiday Inn Macao Cotai Central, a C-Reserve ticket for the live show The House of Dancing Water and a roundtrip CotaiJet ticket. The price is based on a booking for two. A HK$40 surcharge applies to any ferry ride between 6pm and 3am. Call 2723 3771.
If you prefer to stay on the Macau Peninsula side, consider Anytours’ Wynn Macau package starting from HK$1,170 per person (twin sharing), which includes one night of five-star accommodation and a return ferry ticket between China Hong Kong City Pier in Tsim Sha Tsui and Macau Maritime Ferry Terminal. Call 2369 7251 or 2724 1212.