The concert, organized by the Vietnam Classical Music Association in collaboration with the Vietnam Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, is scheduled for 8 p.m. on January 17. It marks a cultural tribute to the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

The event is structured in two parts. The opening piece, Welcome Overture by the late composer Trong Bang, conveys a musical vision of peace and prosperity. The program then transitions into the profound emotional world of Frédéric Chopin, performed by the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Japanese conductor Honna Tetsuji. The first part also features appearances by Meritorious Artist Le Giang on the dan bau (monochord) and pianist Nguyen Viet Trung.

The second half shifts into a vibrant dialogue between European classical heritage and contemporary inspiration. French conductor Olivier Ochanine leads the Sun Symphony Orchestra in Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3, performed by Eric Lu.

The program concludes with Return to the Motherland, a piece by composer Nguyen Van Thuong, arranged by musician Le Bang. The work evokes deep cultural roots, a longing for peace, and reflects the guiding light of the Communist Party in Vietnam’s path toward growth and unity.

At the press conference held on January 13, Dr. Nguyen Van Than, Chairman of the Vietnam Classical Music Association, emphasized the special significance of the concert during this historic moment when the entire country looks toward the Party Congress. He described the event not only as a political milestone but also a source of inspiration for cultural and artistic expression, echoing the collective hope of the Vietnamese people.

Dr. Than noted that the concert embodies a dialogue between East and West, between tradition and modernity, from personal identity to national aspiration. It aims to narrate a story of resilience, integration, and Vietnam’s evolving spirit in the global era.

“Through the language of classical music, we wish to express our faith in the leadership of the Party, and in the peaceful, humane, and sustainable path that our country has chosen,” he said.

The concert brings together nearly 150 artists and musicians from Vietnam and abroad. For the first time, two internationally recognized conductors - one Japanese and one French - will appear together in a single program, each leading one of Vietnam’s premier symphony orchestras. Organizers see this as a clear symbol of cultural exchange and integration, using music as a bridge to share Vietnamese values with the world.

The highlight of the night is pianist Eric Lu, winner of the 19th Chopin International Piano Competition. Despite a packed schedule booked for the next three years, he accepted the invitation out of affection for Vietnam and respect for the concert’s significance.

Tinh Le