Deciding to hold a live show to mark 20 years in the arts, singer Nguyen Khanh Ly said that this is the time when she has gathered enough professional experience, life knowledge, and confidence to tell her own story through music .
Speaking at the program's launch event on July 2nd in Hanoi , the singer shared that the choice of the title "Aspiration for Love" aims to convey to the audience the aspiration for love, happiness, dreams, and the desire to contribute to art.
The live show is structured into three chapters: "Memories of the River," "War and Peace," and "Aspiration for Love." The image of the river runs throughout the program, symbolizing memories, homeland, history, and the journey of life.
Despite being invested with a semi-classical orchestra of nearly 30 musicians, a choir of 30, and a modern sound and lighting system, the team affirmed that every element of the production was geared towards telling a story through music, with human emotions at its center.
According to Meritorious Artist Nguyen Truong Bac, the program's general director, the songs in "Aspiration for Love" connect to form a coherent story. "We use music as a thread to tell the story of people, the river, war, peace, and love," the general director said.
Besides Vietnamese songs associated with Nguyen Khanh Ly's name, the live show also featured many famous Russian songs such as "Two Shores," "Beautiful Volga," "Where Are You Now," "Harbor Evening," "A Million Roses," etc.
This choice holds special significance for Nguyen Khanh Ly. During the nearly five years she spent working on her doctoral dissertation on Russian vocal music, she dedicated much of her time to researching the music and culture of Russia.
The selected works serve both as a tribute to the late Professor and People's Artist Nguyen Trung Kien and Professor and People's Artist Tran Thu Ha, and as an expression of appreciation for the humanistic values, patriotic spirit, and aspiration for peace embodied in Russian music.
According to People's Artist Quang Vinh, Artistic Advisor and Music Director, including Russian works in the program is perfectly in line with the singer's academic and research journey. He considers this a challenging project due to the combination of various musical genres and two cultures, Vietnamese and Russian, but it is precisely this diversity that creates a unique identity for the live show.
“Chapter I is about memories, about reminiscence. Chapter II talks about war and the sacrifices of soldiers. Chapter III is directed towards today's youth, towards love and the aspiration to live. Each chapter has its own unique character but is connected by a unified musical language,” said People's Artist Quang Vinh.
After performing epic and nostalgic songs, Nguyen Khanh Ly also chose to refresh her image in the final chapter by performing the song "Rebirth" by composer Tang Duy Tan with a completely new arrangement.
According to the singer, artists need innovative thinking to engage with contemporary audiences, especially young people. However, this innovation must still be based on a foundation of academic vocal technique and a serious approach to researching each work.
Accompanying Nguyen Khanh Ly in the concert were many renowned artists such as People's Artist Quang Tho, Le Anh Dung, Minh Chuyen, Khac Hoa and the Dong Thoi Gian group.
Among them, the participation of People's Artist Quang Thọ held special significance. The female singer emotionally shared that her respected teacher was a source of spiritual support, giving her more confidence as she embarked on her first-ever live show.
People's Artist Quang Thọ shared that he witnessed Nguyễn Khánh Ly's journey of growth from her years as a student at the Hanoi Conservatory of Music. What he cherishes most about his student is her diligence, serious study ethic, and persistent will to succeed.
“Khanh Ly is a very diligent student. After graduating from university and pursuing postgraduate studies, she continued her research to become a Doctor of Music. It was not an easy journey,” People's Artist Quang Tho expressed.
Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/ca-si-tien-si-nguyen-khanh-ly-gui-khat-vong-hoa-binh-and-long-biet-on-qua-am-nhac-1210394.html
