French composer Georges Bizet wrote the opera Carmen in 1875. In 1967, Cuban choreographer Alberto Alonzo created a ballet suite based in part on Bizet’s music, as well as music by Russian composer Rodion Shchedrin. The suite was an inventive reinterpretation of both composers’ works.
Instead of merely interpreting the content of the original opera, Shcerdrin famously referred to his bold work as more than an arrangement, rather “a creative meeting of the minds”. In particular, the familiar tunes of the opera have been vividly transformed through the arrangement of strings and percussion.
The original ballet was not initially appreciated for its use of distinct styles to tell a story already familiar to many. However, after more than 50 years, the ballet has since become a staple of performances throughout the world.
People’s Artist Kim Quy is bringing the renowned ballet Carmen to the stage in Ho Chi Minh City, featuring the talented Nguyen Thu Trang in the title role, Ho Phi Diep as Don Jose, and Dang Minh Hien as the dashing toreador Escamillo.
On April 2, an exciting evening of ballet awaits, with the suite “Carmen” and two additional ballets, “Falling Angels” and “Dépaysement”, set to be performed. This is an event not to be missed!
The piece explores the struggles of living as a homosexual in a society that is still very much rooted in traditional values and beliefs. It also examines the relationship between the two men and how it is affected by the taboo of their sexual orientation. The choreography of Falling Angels is based on a combination of modern and traditional dance styles, creating an emotional and powerful story. The piece is a powerful reflection of the discrimination faced by homosexuals in today’s society, and it is a reminder that everyone deserves to be accepted and to be happy.
Meanwhile, “Dépaysement” (disorientation) is expertly choreographed by Julien Guerin, with music by renowned composers Frédéric Chopin and Ludwig van Beethoven.
Concert by Vietnamese-French Violinist in Vietnam Scheduled
NDO – Vietnamese-French violinist Pham Vinh will perform a concert named “Night of Tchaikovsky” held on November 30 at Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, at No. 7 Lam Son Square, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, according to the announcement of the Ho Chi Minh City Ballet, Symphony Orchestra and Opera (HBSO).
Vietnam’s masterpiece ‘Tale of Kieu’ to be adapted for ballet stage for the first time
NDO – The Ho Chi Minh Ballet, Symphony Orchestra and Opera (HBSO) is creating a new ballet based on Vietnam’s 18th century poetic masterpiece ‘Tale of Kieu’ by celebrated poet Nguyen Du (1776- 1820), marking the first time the masterpiece has been adapted to ballet stage.
HCM City marks 25th anniversary of Vietnam-US diplomatic ties
The Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organisations (HUFO) on July 24 organised a meeting to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the US (July 12, 1995-2020).
‘Les Misérables’ on the Vietnamese stage
NDO – ‘Les Misérables’ – the classic work of French writer Victor Hugo will be performed for the first time on November 21-22 at the Hanoi Opera House.
Nutcracker returns for two performances
HCMC – The HCMC Ballet, Symphony Orchestra and Opera (HBSO) is once again reviving its hugely popular Christmas production, Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, for two performances on December 11 and 12 (Friday and Saturday) in the Saigon Opera House.
