French conductor Olivier Ochanine captivates audiences not only with his striking looks and elegant demeanor but also with his dynamic conducting style.

Olivier Ochanine, Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Sun Symphony Orchestra (SSO), will be the first foreign conductor to lead the 2024 “Điều Còn Mãi” (Things Everlasting) National Concert. He and the Sun Symphony Orchestra are expected to bring a fresh perspective to the event, which has been enchanting audiences for 15 years.

As he prepares to conduct the Sun Symphony Orchestra at the “Things Everlasting” concert on Vietnam's National Day, September 2, Ochanine expressed his excitement: "We understand how special National Day is to the people of Vietnam, and it is a great honor to participate in the “Things Everlasting” concert organized by VietNamNet. This is a program that has been warmly received by the Vietnamese public for many years. Being part of this event is both a joy and a great honor for us."

Ochanine has conducted numerous major concerts featuring international artists, showcasing classical works by the most renowned composers as well as programs highlighting Vietnamese compositions. 

Speaking to VietNamNet, he shared: "Vietnam has many talented composers. One of my favorites is Tran Manh Hung (the Music Director of ‘Things Everlasting’ 2024). We have collaborated many times in the past. Your country has many beautiful melodies, such as those composed by Van Cao. Vietnam also has many talented composers whose works express a deep love for the homeland. Both the Vietnamese and international musicians in the Sun Symphony Orchestra are very excited and moved to participate in this program."

Known for his handsome appearance and elegant style, Ochanine exudes charm both in everyday life and on stage. On his personal social media, alongside sharing images of the Sun Symphony Orchestra's performances, he delights fans with glimpses of his daily life—riding a motorbike through the streets of Hanoi with a friend or capturing photos of adorable dogs in the park.

Ochanine shared his personal interests: "When it comes to music, I am very serious. But outside of that, I enjoy meeting people from different countries. I love traveling and exploring Vietnam. In my eyes, Vietnam is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and Ha Giang is my favorite destination."

Ochanine began his musical journey as a flutist. He earned a Master's degree in orchestral conducting from the University of Southern California (USA) and pursued a Doctorate in symphonic conducting at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music (USA).

Ochanine has distinguished himself by winning first prize at the Antal Dorati International Conducting Competition in Budapest, Hungary (2015), the prestigious American Prize in music (2015), and second prize at the International Symphony Orchestra Conducting Competition in London, UK (2015).

Before coming to Vietnam to lead the Sun Symphony Orchestra, Ochanine served as the youngest-ever Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) and was a regular guest conductor for the Sichuan Philharmonic Orchestra (China). He has also conducted the Cincinnati College-Conservatory Orchestra, the Budapest MAV Symphony Orchestra, the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra, I Virtuosi Italiani, the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra, the Gyor Philharmonic Orchestra, and many others.

In a 2022 interview with VietNamNet before the SSO resumed performances post-COVID-19, Ochanine expressed: "I don’t like the traditional concert model where the audience comes, claps, and then leaves. I want to create more innovative experiences."

Perhaps this is why the performances conducted by Ochanine always offer something fresh and exciting for the audience, breaking away from the conventional perception of classical music as rigid and formal.