From the moment it was announced, the Hue Symphony instantly became the focal point of the music-loving community. With an investment of up to 3 billion VND, the concert featured top artists from both Vietnam and abroad, including saxophonist Tran Manh Tuan, bamboo flute artist Tran Khanh Tuong, singers Duc Tuan, Ngoc Khue, Dao Mac, Bach Tra, Xuan Dinh K.Y, DJ Huy Ngo, and notably, the appearance of the "muse" from "Em và Trịnh" – female artist Akari Nakatani.
The unique highlight that created the appeal of the Hue Symphony was the innovative combination of the symphony orchestra with traditional instruments. Under the talented direction of conductor Dustin Tieu and the arrangement by composer Tran Manh Hung, classic works from around the world, Hue melodies, nha nhac (Vietnamese court music), and the music of Trinh Cong Son were blended together exquisitely, offering a vibrant and emotional auditory feast.
Hue Symphony - The Imperial City Symphony: An East-West Encounter in Hue City
Spanning over two hours, the Hue Symphony concert was structured into four movements: The Encounter Between East and West, The Epic of Binh Tri Thien, The Imperial City Symphony, and Hue and Trinh. These sections took the audience through a spectrum of emotions, drawing inspiration from the cultural roots of Vietnam. The sounds of nha nhac (Vietnamese court music) and bamboo flutes, alongside traditional folk songs and melodies deeply evocative of Hue, such as "Ly Nga O" and "Mua Tren Pho Hue," painted a beautiful and rich cultural tapestry of Hue. This was followed by powerful anthems reflecting a heroic land marked by loss and sorrow, including "Cau Ho Ben Bo Hien Luong," "Binh Tri Thien Khoi Lua," and "Hue - Sai Gon - Ha Noi."
The unique musical dialogue between East and West was not only guided by familiar Vietnamese melodies, which were for the first time performed against a backdrop of Western orchestral music but also by harmonious blends of Eastern and Western instruments. The innovative arrangements breathed new life into seemingly old lyrics, leading the audience from one delightful surprise to another, eliciting enthusiastic applause.
Sharing the concept of the program, production director Chau Le stated: “Hue Symphony is not just a music event; it is also a journey to explore unique culture and music. We aim to create a special experience where the audience can immerse themselves in the flow of musical cultural exchange, while also honoring the beauty of traditional Hue music. Through this, we hope to contribute to the promotion of music tourism, enriching the various forms of tourism in Hue – a major tourism hub in the region.”
Saxophonist Tran Manh Tuan made a memorable appearance at the Hue Symphony with the piece "Ha Trang."
His saxophone performance delivered a wordless rendition of the song, filled with deep emotions, leaving the entire theater in a hushed silence, moved by the poignant melodies.
A significant surprise came from Akari Nakatani, the "muse" from the film "Em và Trịnh," as she presented a refreshing rendition of the masterpiece "Diễm Xưa" sung in Japanese.
Akari's clear voice, combined with her soft Japanese pronunciation, created a unique and novel version of "Diễm Xưa" that captivated the audience.
Xuân Định K.Y, representing the younger generation of artists, brought a fresh version of the song "Ngẫu Nhiên" by Trinh Cong Son. He surprised the audience by adding a new rap segment, harmoniously blending traditional and modern music, creating a refreshing take on Trinh's work
Hue Symphony - The Imperial City Symphony was not only a successful music event but also promises to become a new nighttime tourism product for Hue, attracting visitors to the city. The concert affirmed Hue's status as not just a heritage city, but also a vibrant cultural and artistic destination.
Production director Chau Le shared: “With the valuable experience I gained from organizing the Trinh Cong Son Dialogue concert during the recent Festival, I am happy to have contributed to creating a quality music event for the local community. This serves as a significant motivation for BamBoo Artists Agency as we venture into promoting cultural and artistic activities. In the upcoming performances, we aim to refine our organization skills even further. I believe that in the near future, Thua Thien Hue Province, with the goal of becoming a centrally governed city, will attract many resources and has great potential to become a cultural and artistic hub of the country. I hope that with our youthful energy and passion for culture and the arts, BamBoo Artists Agency will always be the choice of local partners and businesses for promoting tourism through diverse musical and artistic performances.”
