The Vietnam National Opera and Ballet (VNOB) on August 22 held a press conference to introduce the tour program in Japan of the Vietnam - Japan Festival Symphony Orchestra, consisting of 60 artists, with the theme "Friendship, intercession and hope."

This is an activity in the series of events on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan. The program is planned to take place from October 2-10 in Tokyo and Gunma prefectures - where many Vietnamese people live as well as Iwate, Fukushima, Miyagi, Nara provinces - the places most affected by the earthquake and tsunami in 2011.

The Vietnam National Opera and Ballet Theater held a press conference to introduce the tour program in Japan by the Vietnam-Japan Festival Symphony Orchestra. Photo: Cong Luan newspaper

The show is both a prayer activity, remembering those who have passed away, and a hope for a better future. The organizers will reserve 100 invitations for families severely damaged by the earthquake and tsunami and Vietnamese families living in this area.

As planned, the final performance will be held at the Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple in Nara - the center of Japan's trade with Vietnam thousands of years ago.

In early October 2023, 60 Japanese and Vietnamese musicians will gather in Japan to form the Vietnam - Japan Festival Symphony Orchestra. Participating in the program was soloist Nguyen Viet Trung, the first Vietnamese artist to compete in the world-renowned Fryderyk Chopin International Piano Competition after four decades. Forty years after pianist Dang Thai Son won the Grand Prize at the 10th Chopin competition, this is the second contestant who holds Vietnamese citizenship.

According to the Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam, Yamada Takio also said that the establishment of the dream orchestra beautifully expresses the harmonious friendship between Japan and Vietnam.

The orchestra, conducted by conductor Dong Quang Vinh, and the performance of the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet, marks the first time in history that a symphony orchestra consisting of Vietnamese and Japanese artists will perform under the baton of a Vietnamese conductor.

Conductor Dong Quang Vinh is the first Vietnamese conductor to conduct the Vietnam-Japan international orchestra. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper

Sharing at the announcement ceremony, conductor Dong Quang Vinh said that the orchestra will perform Beethoven's 5th Symphony. The combination of the symphony orchestra with traditional Vietnamese instruments, and the combination of Western classical music with Vietnamese ethnic music is an interesting highlight for the programs.

“This time is a very good opportunity to continue to have bridges from the heart to the hearts of the artists of the two countries," said conductor Dong Quang Vinh.

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