The connection between Vietnam and the US will be noticed through various ways. First, we have compositions by Vietnamese and American musicians. Then, celebrated violinist Chuong Vu, who is the concertmaster of the San Angelo orchestra in the US, will perform. We will also have Phan Quang Phan, a Vietnamese residing in the US and a distinguished composer of contemporary classical music.
The concert will conclude with the performance of Gershwin’s An American in Paris, which premiered in 1928. This symphonic poem, influenced by jazz, is played by a traditional orchestra, accompanied by a celesta, alto and tenor saxophones, and automobile horns.
Before that, we will hear a work by the first prominent female composer in America, Amy Beach (1867 – 1944). This is her Romance for Violin and Chamber Orchestra, an arrangement of her original composition for violin and piano. Beach composed this early in her career when she was 26. Chuong Vu will be the soloist.
Chuong Vu will also perform the solo part in Dvorak’s Romance in F Minor for violin and orchestra.
In addition, soprano Nguyen Thi Thanh Nga will sing four Vietnamese songs, most likely in a very contemporary style by Phan Quang Phan.
Another featured Vietnamese composer is Trong Dai, whose Symphonic Suite consists of six movements. This will be the second piece, following an opening compilation called American Night Music. This compilation is presented in collaboration with the HCM City Union of Friendship and the Vietnam – US Friendship Association in Ho Chi Minh City.
The concert, which starts at 8 p.m., will be conducted by the former music director of HBSO, Meritorious Artist Tran Vuong Thach.