THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi Radio and Television ushered in 2026 with a spectacular Hanoi Concert on January 1st, held at the iconic Thang Long Imperial Citadel. This event seamlessly blended symphonic music with the historic ambiance of the capital, becoming a highlight of the city’s New Year festivities.
Broadcast live on Hanoi Television and Radio, the concert was also streamed on FM96 and made accessible to a global audience via digital platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and the Hanoi On app.
Conductor Honna Tetsuji leads the Vietnam Symphony Orchestra in a mesmerizing performance. Photo: Hanoi Radio and Television
The fusion of symphonic music, deeply rooted in European heritage, with the ancient grandeur of the Imperial Citadel created an unparalleled artistic experience. This unique setting added a layer of sophistication and timelessness to the performance.
Through the masterful renditions by the musicians, the audience was transported through time, feeling the weight of history, the elegance of classical compositions, and the emotional uplift of the new year’s dawn.
The concert not only provided moments of exhilaration and introspection on January 1st but also played a pivotal role in promoting high-caliber music and fostering a deeper public appreciation for classical arts.
Beyond its musical significance, the 2026 New Year’s Concert stood as a testament to Hanoi’s cultural, tourism, and creative ambitions, aligning with the city’s strategic vision to bolster its cultural industries.
The first segment of the program showcased orchestral interpretations of Vietnamese compositions, each a heartfelt ode to the homeland. Notable pieces included *People of Hanoi* by Nguyen Dinh Thi, *A Little Spring* by Tran Hoan with lyrics by Thanh Hai, *Spring Flowers and Grass* by Bao Chan, and *Hanoi East, West, South, North* by Nguyen Vinh Tien.
This portion also premiered *Seedling*, a new instrumental work by Trong Dai, marking its debut performance at the concert.
The second half of the program transported the audience to the realm of classical music with renowned international pieces. Highlights included Antonio Vivaldi’s *Spring* from *The Four Seasons*, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s *Alleluja*, Eduardo Di Capua’s *O Sole Mio*, compositions by A. Mazzucchi and G. Capurro, and Johann Strauss II’s *Champagner-Polka, Op. 211*.
The concert featured the esteemed conductor Honna Tetsuji at the helm of the Vietnam Symphony Orchestra, accompanied by acclaimed vocalists Meritorious Artist Pham Khanh Ngoc, Trong Tan, and Nguyen Khac Hoa.
Solo performances by Meritorious Artist Le Giang on the zither and violinist Hoang Ho Khanh Van further enriched the evening, adding layers of depth and emotional nuance.
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