Vietnam Airlines Classic: A pinnacle musical journey in the heart of the capital

Starting from the idea of bringing classical music to the Hoan Kiem Lake walking street to serve the public, Vietnam Airlines Classic-Hanoi Concert (VACC) has gone through a journey of nearly a decade. From the crowded Ly Thai To Square to the luxurious Hoan Kiem Theater, the program has continuously expanded its influence, becoming the pinnacle of cultural and musical events in Hanoi.

VACC was established in 2017 with the aspiration to turn Hanoi into an international cultural rendezvous, where people can enjoy world- famous orchestras right in the heart of the Old Quarter. In its inaugural season, VACC brought classical music to the streets and for the first time, the capital's audience enjoyed the music of the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO), one of the world's leading orchestras, in the open space of Hoan Kiem Lake walking street.

The moment when thousands of people crowded around Ly Thai To Square, attentively listening to each classical melody became an unforgettable image. It was not only a concert, but also a declaration: "Classical music does not only belong to luxurious theaters, but can also live in everyday life, by the lake, under the green trees of the Capital."

Following the success of the first season, in 2018, LSO returned to Hanoi under the baton of Elim Chan - one of the world's most talented young female conductors. In the chilly early autumn weather of Hanoi, the outdoor space combined with Elim Chan's subtle conducting brought an emotional program. If the first season overwhelmed the audience with its novelty, 2018 left an impression with its calmness and deeper connection with the capital's audience. Many people gradually consider this an annual artistic appointment, no longer a "rare, hard-to-find" event.

The 2019 season marked a turning point when VACC invited Sir Simon Rattle, one of the legendary conductors of world music. He and the LSO brought a complete program with masterpieces by Berlioz, Mahler, Dvořák, Brahms.

Right at the opening, the Vietnamese National Anthem was played under the direction of Sir Rattle, causing the square to fall silent and then burst into thunderous applause. That moment transformed an international concert into a festival of patriotism and national pride. Not only that, Mahler's Adagietto then made thousands of spectators silent. Each sad note seemed to touch the hearts of listeners under the cool autumn sunlight. Many people shared that they never thought they would shed tears when listening to classical music in the middle of the city. That was also the moment when academic art touched the hearts of many Hanoians.

After a four-year hiatus, VACC returns in 2024 with groundbreaking changes. Instead of bringing classical music to the streets, the organizers will bring the program to the Hoan Kiem Theater - one of the world's leading theaters. This change not only ensures the quality of sound and light but also enhances the artistic experience for the audience.

VACC 2024 will also feature the Russian National Symphony Orchestra, the talented young pianist Eva Gevorgyan and especially the ballet dancers from the Bolshoi Theatre. For the first time, the Hanoi audience will be able to enjoy a complete concert combined with ballet, with classic excerpts from Swan Lake, The Nutcracker or The Sleeping Beauty.

In addition, the Vietnamese National Anthem, newly arranged for the symphony orchestra by musician Do Hong Quan, resounded solemnly in the series of activities celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of the Capital. Once again, VACC proves that international music can go hand in hand with national pride.

Conductor Sir Antonio Pappano. (Photo: Mark Allan)

If 2024 is a return, 2025 promises to be a leap forward. VACC will continue to take place at the Hoan Kiem Theater on the nights of October 10-11, with the participation of the London Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Sir Antonio Pappano - principal conductor of LSO and the Royal Opera House. The event is also part of the series of celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, National Day September 2 and the 71st anniversary of the Liberation of the Capital, making the art space even more historical. The program is the next touchpoint in the series of events under the "Touching Autumn Hanoi" campaign organized by the Hanoi People's Committee and Vietnam Airlines.

From the walking street to the Hoan Kiem Theater, from the jostling outdoor performances to the applause in the splendid auditorium, each VACC season is marked by unforgettable moments such as: people standing in the square listening to music, tears falling along with Adagietto, or the enthusiastic applause when the Bolshoi ballet ends. All affirm that Hanoi deserves to be the meeting place of top music, and Vietnam Airlines Classic is the bridge bringing classical music to the heart of the Capital.

The program also contributes to bringing the image of the city for peace closer to international friends, through the common language of humanity: music. In 2025, when LSO returns, the audience has the right to expect a concert season that continues to write new brilliant pages on the journey of bringing top-notch music to the heart of the Capital./.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/vietnam-airlines-classic-hanh-trinh-am-nhac-dinh-cao-giua-long-thu-do-post1068642.vnp