VietNamNet Bridge – A free “Youth Melody Program” featuring speaker Nguyen Thanh Huy and the Saigon Guitar Quartet will provide young spectators with knowledge and perform renowned pieces for guitar at 8 p.m. on May 29 at the HCMC Opera House.

Saigon Guitar Quartet – Photo: courtesy of HBSO

The program has since 2011 been organized by the HCMC Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera (HBSO), the HCMC Youth Union and the HCMC Student Support Center, with a series of free sessions to equip young viewers with music knowledge. In the forthcoming program, spectators can enjoy performances by talented artists from the Saigon Guitar Quartet.

Guitar was brought into Vietnam in the early 19th century. The original guitar was turned into a concave chord guitar in the art of cai luong (southern opera). It later appeared at bars, clubs and places for students.

After 1954, guitar was taught at music conservatories in the country and the major of classical guitar was launched in Vietnam. Western-style classical guitar pieces and local songs later gained popularity in the nation.

The Saigon Guitar Quartet, a hub of leading classic guitarists in HCMC, has played at a host of classical music concerts.

To get free tickets to the program, students should produce their ID cards at the ticket box of HBSO at 7 Lam Son Square, District 1 and at the HCMC Student Support Center, 33 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 1.

Kieu Giang

SGT