It is Michaelmas Term, and the third Thursday evening of October, 2020.
MCM College Master, received The Rector, Professor Song, diplomatic corps distinguished guests, fellows and freshmen to a Lusophone Formal Table: a black tie event where members of College and guests donned academic robes and undergrads wore subfusc or evening dress.
The occasion celebrated both Lusophone cultural, historic and contemporary connections with Macau and with those of the Motherland.
College Hall had a most charming setting and atmosphere – one that was conducive to exchanges of views and insights, interspersed with the history and legacies of distinctive creole cultures of the Lusophone community through poetry, music and folkloric dances.
In his opening address to students, Ambassador Paulo Alves, Consul General of Portugal remarked that Portuguese is spoken by approximately 250 million people in four different continents: making it the third most widely spoken language in the world. The history of Portuguese is directly linked to the Portuguese expansion across the globe in the 15th and 16th centuries. Ambassador Alves highlighted that the Portuguese language continues to connect the Lusophone community with the rest of the world – its transcontinental history spanned from the Portuguese Discoveries to what is today, a diverse myriad heritage of cultures.
Musical performances included a new arrangement of Jasmine Flower, by Collegium MCM, (an ensemble of Chinese and Western instruments) under the musical direction of Dr. Patricia Thompson.
This was followed by “E lucevan le stelle” a most beautiful and sensual interpretation from Tenor, Orlando Vas, and accompanied by Dr Peggy Lau.
Pedro Borges and Jardel Constantino recited a sonnet by Portuguese Poet, Luíz Camões: “Mudam-se os tempos, mudam-se as vontades” in Cape Verdean Creole and Portuguese.
Vanderlei Gato and Silvinho Pinho performed the traditional, yet elegant dances Ússua and Puita from São Tomé e Príncipe.
José Silverinha delighted the audience with fado. His repertoire is packed with emotional content which predominates his musical line and form, phrase and contour.
Solange Safrão (from Mozambique) showcased her vocal skills with a flawless rendition of “Dondza” (by Roberto Chitsondzo).
Fellow students and distinguished guests responded with enthusiasm: clapping along during the perfomances and giving standing ovations throughout the evening.
