As HGO marks its third anniversary (July 9, 2023 - July 9, 2026), what is your most memorable memory of the venue?

For a conductor working in symphonic music and opera, it represents the kind of professional environment I had always hoped for: the opportunity to stand on a stage in Vietnam and work alongside Vietnamese and international artists to create productions of high artistic quality, large scale and broad impact.

Perhaps my most memorable experience is not a single moment but the privilege of witnessing and making a small contribution to the journey of HGO becoming an important artistic destination, one where artists, production teams and audiences come together in a highly professional environment built on deep respect for the arts.

How do you assess its facilities, performance quality and orchestra?

To me, HGO is one of the finest performance venues currently available in Vietnam, particularly for symphonic concerts, opera, ballet and large-scale artistic productions. What makes it truly valuable is not merely its architectural beauty, but the fact that its facilities genuinely serve artistic performance, from the stage, acoustics and lighting to the auditorium, backstage areas and overall production support.

For performers, stepping onto a stage that meets international standards creates a positive sense of pressure. It encourages everyone, from the orchestra, soloists, singers, chorus and dancers to the technical crew, to work with greater focus, precision and professionalism. A great theater does not produce great performances, but it provides the environment in which artists can perform at their very best.

In terms of artistic quality, I believe HGO has helped raise the overall standard for organizing and presenting classical performances in Vietnam over the past three years.

Meritorious Artist Tran Vuong Thach once said: "Vietnamese symphonic and classical music can be divided into two eras: before and after the Ho Guom Opera." Do you agree? What changes have you observed in your field over the past three years?

I completely agree with Thach. The emergence of HGO over the past three years has truly marked an important milestone in the development of Vietnam's symphonic and classical music scene.

Of course, classical music in Vietnam had already been built upon the foundations laid by previous generations. However, for the genre to continue growing, we needed performance venues capable of raising professional standards. In my view, HGO has played a significant role in bringing about that transformation.

Some people say the Ho Guom Opera has become a bridge connecting Vietnamese and international performing arts. As someone who works closely with many international artists, what is your view?

I believe HGO is genuinely serving as an important bridge between Vietnamese arts and the international artistic community. In the performing arts, international exchange is not simply about inviting foreign artists to perform. It is about creating a professional environment where they can collaborate with Vietnamese artists seriously, openly and as equals.

Most importantly, HGO is gradually becoming a new destination on the touring map of internationally renowned artists, orchestras and major ballet companies.

In the past, Vietnamese audiences had to travel to Europe, the US or other major cultural centers to enjoy world-class concerts, operas and ballet performances. Today, those experiences can be enjoyed right in the heart of Hanoi.

From my own experience, many international artists who visit Vietnam are deeply impressed by the energy of Vietnamese performers - their ability to learn quickly, adaptability and passion for their profession. They bring those positive impressions home, helping create a stronger and more compelling image of Vietnam within the international artistic community.

As someone known for pursuing perfection, embracing creativity and maintaining an open mindset, what would you like to see from HGO in the years ahead?

After an impressive first three years, what I hope for most is that HGO continues to pursue ambitious goals while developing with a long-term vision. A great theater should not only host outstanding performances but also become a place where carefully planned artistic seasons are developed, each with its own identity and lasting influence on the country's cultural life.

With symphonic music, opera, and ballet, continuity is very important. I hope that in the coming time, HGO will have more programs built by season, with balance between classic works, international artists, Vietnamese artist forces, and new creative projects. 

Gia Bao