THE 38th Macao International Music Festival returns this autumn under the theme “Silk Resonances,” offering exceptional programs by renowned artists and emerging talents through Nov. 29. The following are among the season’s highlights.

‘Turandot’

First performed at La Scala in Milan in 1926, Puccini’s three-act opera “Turandot” is grand in scale, with brilliant orchestration and powerful choruses generating strong dramatic tension. The production at the Macao festival is directed by international superstar Jackie Chan in his operatic directorial debut, conducted by Carlo Montanaro. It is performed in Italian with Chinese and English surtitles.

Time: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 31 & Nov. 1

Lang Lang

International piano master Lang Lang will bring his “Iberian Rhapsody” recital to the festival. The program includes Mozart’s “Rondo in D major, K. 485”; Beethoven’s “Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13” (“Pathétique”); selections from Albéniz’s “Suite Española, Op. 47”; Granados’ “The Maiden and the Nightingale” from “Goyescas”; and Liszt’s “Consolation No. 2 in E major.”

Time: 8 p.m., Oct. 25

Macao-themed concert

Over the years, the Macao International Music Festival has been committed to providing a performance platform for local young musical talents, promoting the development of Macao’s music culture. This year, young pianist Chan Chon Teng will take the stage, joining musicians of the Macao Orchestra to present a Macao-themed concert.

The selected repertoire includes Stuart Bonner’s “Autumn in Macao,” the world premiere of “Ruins of St. Paul’s” by Lam Bun Keng, and the world premiere of Chan Chon Teng’s “Cathedral of the Nativity of Our Lady.”

Time: 3 p.m., Oct. 31

Lisbon String Trio and Sofia Vitória

Portugal’s Lisbon String Trio, joined by singer Sofia Vitória, will present “Poetry and Song.” The trio blends refined classical music, improvised jazz, and colorful world music into a poetic work.

Time: 8 p.m., Oct. 23

Baroque with Cummings and Macao Orchestra

Countertenor Cameron Shahbazi and conductor Laurence Cummings, music director of the Academy of Ancient Music, will join the Macao Orchestra. The program spans Catholic liturgical music, Bach cantatas, and moving opera arias, including Vivaldi’s “Stabat Mater, RV 621,” and Bach’s “Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major, BWV 1068.”

Time: 8 p.m., Oct. 24

Tan Dun: Beethoven’s Ninth and ‘Nine Songs’

International music master Tan Dun will lead the China National Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in a program pairing Tan’s choral concerto “Nine Songs” with Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125,” bringing ancient Chinese Chu poetry into dialogue with the German-Austrian symphonic tradition.

Time: 8 p.m., Nov. 28

Mozart and Beethoven night

The festival closes with a final concert by Tan Dun and the China National Symphony Orchestra, performing Beethoven’s “The Creatures of Prometheus Overture,” Mozart’s “Sinfonia Concertante in E-flat major, K. 364,” Tan’s “Nine Songs,” and the “Ode to Joy” from Beethoven’s Ninth.

Time: 8 p.m., Nov. 29

Ticketing: ticketing.enjoymacao.mo

For more information, please visit the Macao International Music Festival’s webpage at www.icm.gov.mo/fimm and the respective page on Facebook (“Macao International Music Festival”).(SD News)