People’s Artist Bui Cong Duy and pianist Luong Khanh Nhi will join forces in a special concert titled “Vivaldi & Beethoven,” scheduled for 8:00 PM on September 20 at Ho Guom Theater in Hanoi.

This concert is part of the “Essence of Sound” series, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam Connection Music Festival (VCMF), an event initiated in 2015 by honorary professor KazNua, People’s Artist Bui Cong Duy, and international violinist Dr. Chuong Vu.

The program will feature an impressive lineup of talented artists, including renowned cellist Denis Shapovalov and rising star pianist Luong Khanh Nhi, who recently won third prize at the prestigious Leeds International Piano Competition 2024. Under the baton of maestro Honna Tetsuji, the concert promises to take the audience on a journey through time, from the vivid, expressive brilliance of Vivaldi to the profound majesty of Beethoven. The event will also serve to affirm the artistic excellence of the Hanoi Philharmonic Orchestra in the international classical music scene.

Part I of the concert introduces four concertos from The Four Seasons – the timeless masterpiece by Antonio Vivaldi. Solo violinist Chuong Vu will perform Spring and Summer, while Do Phuong Nhi will present Autumn and Winter.

After the intermission, Part II will feature Triple Concerto in C major, Op. 56 by Ludwig van Beethoven, performed by a trio of soloists: NSND Bui Cong Duy, cellist Denis Shapovalov, and pianist Luong Khanh Nhi – who recently impressed audiences with her performance of Song Lo at the Dieu Con Mai National Concert organized by VietNamNet.

International violinist Chuong Vu has been praised by Yehudi Wyner for his poetic and refined style. He has performed as a soloist, chamber musician, and concertmaster across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. His collaborations span prestigious orchestras, artists, and festivals worldwide. Chuong Vu is also known for premiering many contemporary works, some composed specifically for him. As Artistic Director of the Vietnam Connection Music Festival, he is actively involved in teaching, judging international violin competitions, and contributing to both domestic and global music scenes.

He has performed with many renowned international orchestras and participated in major global music events, collaborating with acclaimed artists such as Shlomo Mintz, Nobuko Imai, Stephanie Chase, and Johannes Moser. Bui Cong Duy currently serves as Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Academy of Music, Artistic Director of Vietnam Classical Players, and Executive Director of the Vietnam Connection Music Festival.

Denis Shapovalov, a Russian-Israeli cellist, won first prize and a gold medal at the 11th Tchaikovsky International Competition at the age of 23. By 26, he became the youngest professor at the Moscow Conservatory. As a cellist, conductor, and composer, he has performed at prestigious venues including Musikverein Vienna, Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Royal Festival Hall London, Suntory Hall Tokyo, and Avery Fisher Hall New York, collaborating with top international artists and orchestras. Since 2016, his instrumental and symphonic compositions have been featured at numerous European festivals. He is also known for his genre-blending projects that combine classical music with rock, highlighting his creative versatility.

Luong Khanh Nhi made her debut at Dieu Con Mai and quickly captivated the audience. Her artistry reflects not only technical prowess but also emotional depth, and her international recognition at the Leeds Competition signals a promising future.

Huyen My