Two homelands, one musical flow.

An artist with two identities, one who has spent over two decades bringing Polish music to an international audience, Nguyen Viet Trung and Rafael Luszczewski are telling a beautiful story of friendship through music.

Few artists are as deeply connected to both homelands as Nguyen Viet Trung. He has become an icon of both countries simultaneously.

Artist Nguyen Viet Trung performs at "Music Flow" - a concert celebrating 76 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Poland. Photo: Kieu Thoan Thu

Born in Vietnam, raised in a Polish musical environment, and now holding dual citizenship, Nguyen Viet Trung is a convergence of two cultural currents. At the recent Chopin International Piano Competition, Trung appeared simultaneously with both national flags – a rare sight but one that accurately reflects his artistic journey.

Nguyen Viet Trung's musical journey is where Vietnam and Poland meet. Photo: Kieu Thoan Thu

Perhaps that is why Nguyen Viet Trung was chosen to open the concert "The Flow of Music," an event organized by the Polish Embassy in Vietnam in collaboration with the Vietnam Classical Music Association to commemorate the 76th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Under the hands of the young artist, the works of Schubert, Prokofiev, and Chopin unfold in various nuances. At times, they are gentle like a personal narrative; at other times, they are fierce and intense, but throughout, there is a sense of encounter between two cultures that have together shaped his artistic path.

Artist Nguyen Viet Trung quietly brings Vietnam and Poland closer together through music. Photo: Kieu Thoan Thu

"Every time I step onto the international stage, I feel like I'm carrying both my homeland in my heart," Nguyen Viet Trung confided to a reporter from the Hanoi Press and Broadcasting Agency .

“Vietnam is where I was born, and Poland is where I grew up and matured artistically. These two identities are not separate but intertwine. These two cultures and musical traditions have together shaped how I perceive, express, and perform music on stage today.”

In that moment, Nguyen Viet Trung seemed to be more than just an artist performing the opening act; he was quietly bringing Vietnam and Poland closer together through music.

"I hope that music can reach things that transcend language barriers or geographical distances. If, through my performances, Vietnamese audiences understand Poland better and Polish audiences feel closer to Vietnam, that would be a great happiness for me."

Polish Ambassador to Vietnam Joanna Skoczek. Photo: Kieu Thoan Thu

Ambassador Joanna Skoczek said that Poland has always been proud that Nguyen Viet Trung considers the country his second home. She jokingly added that Poles only see themselves as "sharing" him with Vietnam. This witty remark partly reflects the special place the artist holds, possessing a natural connection between the two nations.

Melody transcends all boundaries.

If Nguyen Viet Trung is where Vietnam and Poland meet in music, then Rafael Luszczewski brings to Hanoi a quintessential slice of Polish musical tradition.

Polish artist Rafael Luszczewski has over 25 years of international performance experience. Photo: Kieu Thoan Thu

Returning to Vietnam after a decade, the pianist, who has performed internationally for over 25 years, brought with him works associated with his name, especially compositions by Fryderyk Chopin. At the concert, the Polish Ambassador to Vietnam, Joanna Skoczek, called him an outstanding Chopin artist, capable of conveying and interpreting the music of the great Polish composer with subtle and profound interpretations.

When Waltz, Nocturne, or Scherzo pieces are played, the auditorium seems to be transported to another realm. The music, sometimes as soft as a breath, sometimes surging with intense emotion, possesses both the characteristic romantic beauty of Polish music and draws the listener into a whirlwind of feelings.

Renowned artist Rafael Luszczewski always emphasizes connecting music with the audience. Photo: Kieu Thoan Thu

"Every concert is different. What gives me the greatest joy is connecting with the audience," artist Rafael Luszczewski told a reporter from the Hanoi Broadcasting and Television Agency.

After years of touring in Asia, Europe, Australia, and the Americas, the Polish artist believes that music is one of the most effective ways to bring people together. He recalls that Japan was one of the first countries outside of Europe to embrace and appreciate Chopin. Since then, the Polish composer's music has continued to reach audiences in many parts of the world.

Rafael Luszczewski is a renowned Polish Chopin composer. Photo: Kieu Thoan Thu

"More and more countries are embracing and appreciating Polish music. Music thus transcends all distances, creating empathy between people. That's truly precious," he expressed.

The unending flow of friendship

Perhaps that is also why Ambassador Joanna Skoczek mentioned Fryderyk Chopin so many times in her speech. According to her, the legacy of the great composer is not only a source of pride for Poland but also demonstrates the boundless power of art.

"We are here not only to enjoy outstanding performances but also to celebrate the connection between people, cultures, and hearts," she said.

That message was present throughout the concert.

An audience member with a keen appreciation for music and the two pianists. Photo: Kieu Thoan Thu

On one side is Rafael Luszczewski, a Polish artist who has spent many years bringing Chopin's music to an international audience. On the other side is Nguyen Viet Trung, a person who embodies two blended cultural backgrounds.

Belonging to two different generations with different experiences, they meet on the belief that music can create understanding that transcends all differences.

The auditorium was packed with audience members who came to enjoy the melodies of their two beloved artists. Photo: Kieu Thoan Thu

As the final notes of the Warsaw Concerto faded, what remained in the auditorium was not only the beauty of classical music but also a sense of the bond between Vietnam and Poland, nurtured over 76 years and extended through the language of art.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/hai-que-huong-mot-dong-chay-am-nhac-1158932.html