Pianist Bich Tra performs the piano piece of Piano Concerto No.1 - Photo: HO LAM
On the evening of July 27, at The Global City Sales Gallery (HCMC), the Gala Concert and Award Ceremony of the Grand Opus Performing Competition 2025 took place, concluding a nearly two-month journey.
The concert features pianist Nguyen Bich Tra, cellist Phan Do Phuc, conductor Tran Nhat Minh and the Saigon Festival Orchestra.
The sounds of harmony
It can be said that Grand Opus is the only competition in Asia that allows all finalists to perform with a symphony orchestra.
Piano Concerto No.1 is like a subtle dialogue between pianist Bich Tra and the orchestra.
It's not a "competition" but a sound that lets the piano tell a story, sometimes gentle, sometimes exciting; and the orchestra is like a silent companion, sometimes just a gentle background music to support the emotions.
With the Cello Concerto , the technique and drama are not violently displayed, but only Do Phuc's cello sound, sometimes lingering and regretful, sometimes soaring as if wanting to find a bit of light in nostalgia.
Nearly 80 artists in two orchestras - Imagine Philharmonic and Saigon Festival Orchestra - have been working tirelessly for more than two weeks.
They not only practice but also perform directly with the contestants, helping each student gain a deeper understanding of how to work with an orchestra, learn how to listen, coordinate, and master the stage, something that no class, curriculum or judging session can replace.
From veteran orchestral musicians to seasoned conductors, each becomes an "unnamed teacher" for the next generation.
Piano Concerto No.1 is a delicate dialogue - Video : HO LAM
Love of music will accompany young artists
Participating as a judge and performer, pianist Bich Tra said she was very impressed with the clear maturity of this year's contestants.
"The contest has been held for the third time and I see that the quality has improved both in terms of organization and the quality of contestants. Besides domestic young people, the contest also attracts international contestants from Singapore, Hong Kong..." - she told Tuoi Tre Online.
Another highlight is that the contestants get to perform with a professional symphony orchestra in the final night. For Bich Tra, this is an extremely meaningful experience.
Cellist Phan Do Phuc and conductor Tran Nhat Minh at the gala night - Photo: HO LAM
As for cellist Phan Do Phuc, he was particularly impressed with the young contestants from Hong Kong, and expressed his hope to soon see more Vietnamese contestants in the cello category: "It's a bit of a pity that there are no Vietnamese contestants in the cello category. Hopefully next year they will be braver and more aggressive."
Both artists highly appreciate the proactive spirit of the current generation of young artists. Pianist Bich Tra emphasized that the greatest value of the Grand Opus Performing Competition 2025 is the environment that helps young people practice practical performance thinking.
"If many years ago, students did not know where to start performing when they graduated, now they dare to think and act with practical actions such as organizing their own programs, finding stages... This is considered a good sign for the young generation of artists.
"Art is a journey for each individual. Success does not come from waiting for opportunities, but from creating opportunities yourself. Your love for music will always be with you" - Bich Tra shared.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nghe-si-piano-bich-tra-cello-do-phuc-nhac-truong-tran-nhat-minh-thang-hoa-voi-nhac-co-dien-20250727201743139.htm
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