Long recognised as one of the most innovative musicians of our time, baritone Thomas Hampson, accompanied by German pianist Wolfgang Rieger, will perform at the 37th Macao International Music Festival on 16 October (Thursday) at 8pm, at the Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium, presenting a programme dedicated to Gustav Malher’s lieder in the recital “Thomas Hampson Sings Malher”, a concert not to be missed.
Hailed as one of the greatest interpreters of the works of Gustav Mahler, Thomas Hampson has dedicated decades to the performance, communication and academic study of Mahler’s art, earning the reputation of “scholar-singer”. He obtained multiple honorary doctorates and received numerous international awards, including the Grammy Award, the Edison Award, the Grand Prix du Disque, receiving countless international honours for his singular artistry and cultural leadership, fully reflecting his illustrious status in the classical music circle. His operatic repertoire is comprised of more than 80 roles, and his discography includes more than 170 albums.
In this year’s Festival, Thomas Hampson will perform evocative lieder by Gustav Mahler, including those from the song cycle Des Knaben Wunderhorn (The Youth’s Magic Horn), composed and revised between 1892 and 1901, and from the early song cycle Lieder und Gesänge aus der Jugendzeit, composed between 1880 and 1889, illuminating the intricate poetry and complex psychological landscapes that define Mahler’s art. The concert’s programme offers a thematic journey through Mahler’s Wunderhorn and Lieder und Gesänge settings. Grouped in three chapters – ‘Fables and Parables’, ‘Humoresques and Ballads’, and ‘Ballads and Allegories’ – the selected songs trace a progression from pastoral charm and satire to existential depth and metaphysical yearning. The public will also have the opportunity to experience a blend of life wisdom and esteemed musicianship through the sound of his voice at the age of 70.
Thomas Hampton is an honorary professor of Philosophy at the University of Heidelberg and an honorary member of London’s Royal Academy of Music. He holds the prestigious title of “Kammersänger of the Wiener Staatsoper” and was made “Commandeur de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres” by the French Republic. In 2017 he received the Hugo Wolf Medal, together with Wolfram Rieger. He is the co-Founder and Artistic Director of the Lied Academy Heidelberg, in 2003, he founded the Hampsong Foundation, through which he uses the art of song to promote intercultural dialogue and understanding. His international master class schedule is a continuing online resource of Medici.tv, the Manhattan School of Music, and The Hampsong Foundation livestream channel. Additionally, he serves as an Advisor for Opera for Peace.
Wolfram Rieger, a distinguished German pianist, is renowned for his artistry in Lied interpretation. He refined his artistry through masterclasses with Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Hans Hotter, and Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau. Rieger began teaching at Munich’s Hochschule after completing his studies, and in 1991 founded his own Lieder class for singers and pianists. Since 1998, he has been Professor of Lied at Berlin’s Hanns Eisler Hochschule and gives masterclasses worldwide. A sought-after recital partner and chamber musician, Rieger performs at prestigious venues including Wigmore Hall, Carnegie Hall, Vienna Konzerthaus, and festivals like Schubertiade Feldkirch and Salzburg. His collaborators include Thomas Hampson, Thomas Quasthoff, Brigitte Fassbaender, and Matthias Goerne. His acclaimed recordings have earned honours such as the Hugo Wolf Medal and the Franz Schubert Association Medal of Barcelona.
Tickets for the recital “Thomas Hampson Sings Malher” of the 37th Macao International Music Festival are on sale at the prices of MOP 400, 300, 200, 150 through the Enjoy Macao Ticketing at ticketing.enjoymacao.mo, with various discounts available.
For more information about the programmes and discounts, please visit the Festival’s webpage at www.icm.gov.mo/fimm or the respective page on Facebook (please search for “Macao International Music Festival”).
