VietNamNet Bridge – Notre Dame de Paris (Thang gu nha tho Duc Ba) opera, which has taken its composer Huy Tien almost 30 years to perfect, will be unveiled to audiences on January 13-14 at the HCMC Conservatory of Music in District 1.

Singer Ha Anh Tuan performs an extract from the “Notre Dame de Paris” musical in the French music night “Cordon Bleu Centenary - 100 years of passion” at the HCMC Opera House in District 1. The new-look opera will hit the HCMC Conservatory of Music stage on January 13-14.

The 90-minute opera is adapted from the masterpiece of French writer Victor Hugo. City-based musician Tien started to write the opera in the 1980s and has adjusted it several times but now he is happy with the finished article.

Spectators will witness a stifling setting in the context of 18th century France when people suffered under the control of a theocratic state.

The opera focuses on beautiful gipsy Esmeralda who is loved by the hunchback Quasimodo, priest Frollo and captain Phoebus. Esmeralda is accused unjustly to be hanged by those who cannot win her love and even from her own mother. Only Quasimodo is in Esmeralda’s corner despite her rejections.

The opera production team consists of popular stage director Phan Dien, flautist Nguyen Thi Nhung, cellist Vu Hong Anh, violinists Vu Kim Chau and Dieu Ly, guitarist Chau Dang Khoa, drummer Ha Ngoc Cam and pianist Vu Huy Tien. Leading actors are People’s Artist Tran Hieu (the narrator), Meritorious Artist Duy Tan (Quasimodo), Meritorious Artist Cao Minh (Frollo), and singers Phuong Trinh (Esmeralda), Nam Khanh (Phoebus) and Phan Hoang (Clopin).

Additionally, the opera has support from the HCMC Conservatory of Music’s artists in the roles of choir singers and the populace.

Tickets are priced at VND400,000 per adult. For further information, contact the HCMC Conservatory of Music at 112 Nguyen Du Street in District 1, tel: (08) 3822 5841. The opera is supported by the Vietnam Musicians’ Association, the HCMC Conservatory of Music, Vufamy, Tai Duc Communications Co and Travellive magazine.

Source: SGT