Hanoi (VNA) – BOND, an electric string quartet, has shared their excitement and pride in returning to the country for the "BOND Live in Vietnam" concert, which holds special significance as a charitable event.
The British group, comprising Tania Davis (violin), Eos Counsell (violin), Elspeth Hanson (viola), and Gay-Yee Westerhoff (cello), is set to perform at the National Convention Centre in the capital city on the evening of October 5. Known for blending classical music with pop and other genres using electric instruments, BOND has sold over 5 million albums, maintaining their status as the world’s most successful string quartet for more than two decades.
Following the success of "Kenny G Live in Vietnam" in November 2023, "BOND Live in Vietnam" marks the second event in the "Good Morning Vietnam" music series, initiated by the Nhan Dan Newspaper and IB Group Vietnam. Proceeds from ticket sales, approximately 2 billion VND (78,810 USD), along with an additional 1.5 billion VND raised by Nhan Dan, will be donated to the Vietnam Fatherland Front to support communities affected by storms and floods.
At a press conference on October 4, Elspeth Hanson shared the emotional impact of watching footage showing the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi in northern Vietnam. The images were deeply moving, with the wind tearing off roofs, uprooting trees, causing landslides, and killing people.
According to Hanson, before coming to Vietnam, the team followed the news about the storm through British media. But it was not until they saw footage captured by Vietnamese journalists that they truly understood the gravity of the situation. It stirred up strong emotions within all of them. Words cannot express the pain of the victims, she said.
Noting the group’s honour in performing for a cause that will support those in need, Hanson said they are delighted to contribute to this meaningful charity concert.
Talking to the press, Gay-Yee Westerhoff remarked that the ability of music to connect and heal is undeniable. BOND is proud to use their music for activities that contribute positively to society, she said.
BOND members also expressed excitement about wearing Ao Dai. Eos Counsell said they feel honoured to be asked to wear the beautiful and elegant traditional Vietnamese attire, for the first time on their international tours so far.
Tania Davis added that Vietnamese women look so stylish in their traditional outfits, and the quartet is thrilled to wear Ao Dai for its performance. She unveiled that they will have a fitting session with designers to ensure the costumes allow them to be comfortable as they play their instruments.
Reflecting on their past performances in Vietnam in 2015 and 2016, Davis mentioned that each visit brings new and unique experiences, as they perform at different venues each time. She also praised the hospitality of the Vietnamese people and expressed excitement about enjoying local cuisine once again.
Westerhoff took the occasion to tell reporters that the group had listened to some Vietnamese music, including rap and pop, and found it catchy. She noted a collaboration with a local group fusing Vietnamese music with BOND’s style would be incredible if the opportunity arises./.
