Vietnam National Opera and Ballet and young artists from the UK 's Concordia Foundation engaged in a music fest at Hanoi Opera House on March 22.

The “UK-Vietnam Gala”, organised by the British Council Vietnam, was in honour of the official visit by Alderman Michael Bear, the Lord Mayor of the City of London , who was visiting until March 24.

The concert was the first international event in a unique collaboration between the Lord Mayor and the Concordia Foundation, with concerts also planned in China and Kenya .

The event opened with “Fanfare”, a work staged by artists from the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet under the instruction of UK bandmaster Graham Sutcliffe, who has been praised by the Queen for his contribution to boosting cultural ties between Vietnam and the UK .

“Fanfare” was freshly composed by Tim Brice, Concordia’s jazz and classical piano player, to be performed especially at the Hanoi music fest.

The night was warmed up by UK artists such as baritone James Cleverton in the aria “Largo al facotum”, soprano Tanya Cooling in “Estrano...folie” and tenor Christopher Steele in “La donna e mobile”.

Vietnamese artists contributed to the gala with “Un di felice” performed by tenor Thanh Binh and “Toreador” by Manh Dung.

The Vietnamese folk song “Trong Com” staged by the entire orchestra really sparked the night. The event then reached its peak when Tanya Cooling and Thanh Binh sang the duet “ Brindisi ” composed by G.Verdi.

The gala wrapped up with the dance performance “Minus” arranged by Nguyen Ngoc Anh, a UK citizen of Vietnamese origin.

The concert helped to build bridges through music and the arts, and to provide much-needed concert platforms for emerging young artists.

Established 15 years ago, the London-based Concordia Foundation aims to develop arts education cooperation in the UK . Concordia has been active in Vietnam for the past 10 years.
The Concordia Foundation will provide start-up funding for a Vietnam performing arts foundation to offer performance opportunities, as well as vocal and technical training for young Vietnamese artists./.