Brazilian percussion show marks China-Brazil Cultural Year in Macao

MACAO -- Brazilian body percussion group Barbatuques brought the pulse of Brazil to China's Macao Special Administrative Region on Tuesday evening with a performance celebrating the China-Brazil Cultural Year.

In "Brazilian Body Beats" at the Macao Cultural Centre, the musicians used their bodies as instruments, combining ensemble and solo performances with improvisation and audience interaction.

The show formed part of the 38th Macao International Music Festival and was supported by the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in the Macao SAR and the Chinese Embassy in Brazil.

Cheng Lei, acting commissioner of the office, highlighted the SAR's advantages under "one country, two systems" and its role connecting China with Portuguese-speaking countries. He said his office would continue promoting people-to-people exchanges between China and Brazil through Macao.

In a video address, Chinese Ambassador to Brazil Zhu Qingqiao said the cultural year had strengthened ties between the two peoples, with Macao playing an increasingly prominent role in bilateral cultural exchanges.

Upcoming festival performances include "Concrete Songs and Other Stories" on Oct 23, blending classical music, jazz improvisation and world music.

The festival will also bring music into local neighborhoods through community activities, including "Piano Around Town", from Oct 10 to Nov 22.