An unforgettable evening of art and culture: Galaxy Macau presents “Galaxy Opera Gala with Plácido Domingo and Guests”
- The Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) hosted the iconic Spanish tenor, who delivered a world-class performance alongside three rising stars.
- This monumental celebration of classical music’s beauty has contributed to Macau’s transformation into a “City of Performing Arts.”
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Marking its first effort in staging a world-class opera gala, Galaxy Macau’s GICC hosted Domingo’s first performance in Macau since 2015. The event on October 20 lived up to the highest expectations.
The Spanish opera legend enraptured classical music aficionados and cultural enthusiasts, who filled Macau’s latest state-of-the-art venue to capacity. In top form, the passionate and energetic tenor delivered his signature impeccable performance, alongside soprano Bing Bing Wang from China and Italian-German mezzo-soprano Anna-Doris Capitelli, as well as the prestigious Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Italian conductor Beatrice Venezi.
For a finale of pure magic, the soloists were joined by world-renowned Chinese tenor Warren Mok from Hong Kong, who graced the stage in a surprise guest appearance.
In a career spanning over five decades and as a 12-time Grammy Award winner, Domingo is regarded as one of “the 10 best opera singers of all time” by Classical Music of BBC Music Magazine. The critic remarks, “This tenor-turned-baritone is that rare thing: a superstar singer with a gorgeous voice, whose fame has not come at the expense of warmth, commitment, good taste or sensitivity. Domingo has shaped the modern era of opera with his passionate performances and commanding stage presence. His illustrious career includes over 4,000 performances across 150 roles, marking him as one of the most versatile and revered performers of our time.”
Domingo’s magnetism is riveting: as the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra hit the first note of the overture to Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro,” the virtuoso stepped onto the stage, instantly captivating the audience with his commanding presence.
The tenor’s virtuosity and versatility were clearly evident at the Galaxy Opera Gala. His powerful yet nuanced voice and musicality resonated beautifully, conveying the complex emotions in the curated selection of arias and duets from some of the most beloved operas, including Giuseppe Verdi’s “La Traviata” and “Macbeth,” Franz Lehár’s “The Merry Widow,” Georges Bizet’s “Carmen,” Umberto Giordano’s “Andrea Chénier,” Jacinto Guerrero’s “The Sparrow Hawks,” and Manuel Penella’s “The Wild Cat.” In this tour-de-force performance, Domingo demonstrated his effortless command of an incredibly wide range of styles, to the thunderous applause from a spellbound audience.
Visibly moved by the audience’s lingering cheers and applause, Domingo returned to the stage for an encore, performing some of the best-loved pieces from his extensive repertoire, including “No puede ser” from “La tabernera del Puerto,” “Amor, vida de mi vida” from “La maravilla,” and “Libiamo” from “La Traviata,” together with other famous art songs: “Non ti scordar di me” by E. De Curtis, and “Granada” by Agustín Lara.
A night of virtuosity
The audience at the debut Galaxy Opera Gala witnessed top-notch performances by some of the world’s best musical talent.
The music was brought to life by the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra, which critic Marc Bridle of Seen and Heard International praises, saying, “Chinese soft power makes a magnificent impression with the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra.”
The orchestra delivered a flawless performance under the baton of Italian conductor Venezi, who has been described by Georgia Today as “bringing her exceptional artistry to Georgia as part of the renowned ‘Night Serenades’ festival in September 2024.” Venezi is the Principal Conductor of the Orchestra Milano Classica and the Orchestra Scarlatti Young in Naples.
The evening of exceptional musicality also highlighted two rising opera stars: soprano Bing Bing Wang and mezzo-soprano Anna-Doris Capitelli.
Regarding Wang’s recent performance in Puccini’s “Turandot” in Hong Kong, critic Ken Smith of the South China Morning Post notes, “Director Jia Ding’s Puccini work sets the stage for some fine singing and acting, notably by soprano Bing Bing Wang.”
Capitelli, who joined the famed Accademia Teatro alla Scala in Milan in 2017, is praised by critics in Connessi all’Opera for “the elegance and seductive timbre of her voice, and her virtuosic coloratura.”
Domingo’s enthusiastic interactions with his fellow performers enhanced the joyful atmosphere of this monumental evening of classical music, inducing a palpable sense of awe among the attendee
A City of Performing Arts
Macau has firmly established itself as a hub for MICE activities and family-oriented entertainment. The successful “Galaxy Opera Gala with Plácido Domingo and Guests” has significantly enhanced the city’s reputation as a destination for large-scale arts and cultural events with a distinctly international flavour, attracting audiences from around the globe.
The Galaxy Opera Gala has also highlighted the GICC as Macau’s premier venue for large-scale events, concerts, and exhibitions. Opened in December 2023, the GICC is a versatile venue boasting over 40,000 square metres of exhibition space. Conveniently located within GICC, the all-new 16,000-seatis the largest indoor arena in Macau, where spectacular events come to life – from world concert tours to thrilling fight nights. Every guest at Galaxy Arena will enjoy 360° unobstructed views and high-quality surround sound while high-definition broadcasting brings the event to every corner of the arena. The cutting-edge technologies, including state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, meet the highest international standards.
In its mission to solidify Macau’s reputation as a host for world-class international and national performing arts organisations, Galaxy Macau is dedicated to bringing more high-calibre cultural performances to the city. This commitment offers local audiences and visitors from around the world the opportunity to enjoy exceptional cultural experiences in spectacular surroundings.