Entertainment

Vietnamese and Japanese Musicians to Unite for Concert of Hope

On Saturday night, Vietnamese and Japanese artists will come together to honor those affected by natural disasters in Japan with a special concert. The event will bring comfort to those affected and provide hope for a brighter future, while also fostering cross-cultural exchange between the two countries.

Administrator

24 August, 2023

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A group of approximately 30 Vietnamese musicians will be collaborating with their Japanese counterparts in the Vietnam-Japan Festival Symphony Orchestra – Dream Orchestra, embarking on a tour across Japan from October 2nd to 10th.

Join us on a remarkable journey as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan (1973-2023). This grand tour aims to foster stronger bonds between the people of both countries and to honor the victims of the devastating tsunami in Japan. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to be a part of this meaningful celebration.

Conductor Dong Quang Vinh will lead the artists of the Dream Orchestra. Photo courtesy of the artist

According to Matsuda Ayuko, the project director, the upcoming concerts will feature the exceptional piano skills of Nguyen Viet Trung, a young talent. The entire orchestra will be under the skilled direction of conductor Dong Quang Vinh. It is worth noting that this will be the first time a Vietnamese conductor has been chosen to lead an international concert tour in Japan.

The performers from Vietnam consist of talented individuals from prestigious institutions such as the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet Theater (VNOB), the Vietnam National Academy of Music (VNAM), and the Suc Song Moi Bamboo Ensemble (New Vitality). On the other hand, the Japanese contingent comprises 30 highly skilled artists carefully chosen from Japan’s six symphony orchestras.

The renowned Dream Orchestra is set to perform at multiple locations across Japan, including Tokyo, Iwate, Fukushima, Miyagi, Nara, and Gunma Prefecture. It is worth noting that the latter location is particularly significant due to its thriving Vietnamese expatriate community.

The prefectures of Iwate, Fukushima, and Miyagi in the Tohoku region were significantly impacted by the earthquake and tsunami that occurred twelve years ago. In an effort to support the survivors and Vietnamese families residing in these areas, special concerts will be held for them.

Conductor Dong Quang Vinh talks about the concert tour at a press conference in Hanoi on August 22. Photo: Ngo Minh/The Hanoi Times

Matsuda Ayuko expressed that the concert tour serves as a meaningful tribute to those lost in natural disasters, while also providing hope for the resilient individuals in this community as they strive towards a brighter future.

The final performance will be held at the prestigious Great Buddha Hall of the Todaiji Temple, located in Nara Prefecture. This iconic temple has a rich history of trade relations with Vietnam dating back several centuries.

Orchestra conductor Dong Quang Vinh expressed his gratitude and pride in being involved in this project. He recognized it as a tremendous personal and artistic challenge, given the exceptional talent of Japanese classical artists and the sophisticated musical appreciation of the audience.

We are thrilled to announce that the program, curated by conductor Dong Quang Vinh, will showcase breathtaking performances by the esteemed New Vitality Bamboo Ensemble. Following this, the audience will be captivated by the enchanting melodies of timeless classical compositions, including Beethoven’s Symphony of Fate.

Conductor Dong Quang Vinh shared that the artists will have a brief three-day period to rehearse together. However, this task is not daunting as the genre of symphonic music demands a strict adherence to rules, necessitating precision in each individual’s practice. Consequently, when these musicians converge to form an ensemble, their harmony and cooperation come effortlessly.

The Suc Song Moi (New Vitality) Bamboo Ensemble features traditional musical instruments from Vietnam.

New Vitality Orchestra is a unique ensemble that combines traditional Vietnamese bamboo instruments with the exceptional talent of pianist Nguyen Viet Trung. Trung is a highly acclaimed young musician who received his education at the renowned Academy of Music in Bydgoszcz, Poland, under the guidance of the esteemed People’s Artist Dang Thai Son.

Trung’s remarkable abilities were evident when he claimed first prize in the 17th Chopin Interpretations of the Young Competition in 2021. Additionally, he reached the final round of the prestigious Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, Poland, also in 2021. This accomplishment made him only the second Vietnamese pianist to reach the finals of this esteemed competition, following in the footsteps of the esteemed People’s Artist Dang Thai Son.

Together, New Vitality Orchestra and Nguyen Viet Trung create an extraordinary musical experience that seamlessly blends traditional Vietnamese sounds with classical piano virtuosity. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness their exceptional talent firsthand.