Phương MaiRecently, the Toyota Concert 2024 took place at the Hanoi Opera House in Hanoi. This was a memorable night in the career of the young talent Vo Minh Quang as he performed for the first time as a solo pianist with the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra (VNSO) and conductor Honna Tetsuji.
The Toyota Concert is eagerly awaited by classical music lovers every year.
The concert recreated the romantic and poetic landscape of 20th-century Europe through classic masterpieces by three great composers: Vltava - Bedrich Smetana, Piano Concerto in A minor, Op.16 by Edvard Grieg, and Symphony No. 8 in G major by Antonín Dvořák.
In this year's Toyota Concert, Minh Quang performed the Piano Concerto in A minor, Op.16. Minh Quang shared that this piece was one of the first works he learned and had a deep emotional connection with, so after discussing with conductor Honna Tetsuji, he decided to perform this piece.
Talented young pianist Vo Minh Quang showcasing his skillful fingers on the piano.
Speaking about Vo Minh Quang, conductor Honna Tetsuji shared: "Before the official performance, we had 3 rehearsals together and Minh Quang played and collaborated very well with the orchestra."
Composer Edvard Grieg introduced Norwegian folk songs and dances to the world through famous works like the Peer Gynt Suite, or the Holberg Suite... and especially the renowned Piano Concerto in A minor. When composing this piece, Grieg was only 25 years old, so listeners could recognize the youthful vitality in the captivating melodies, the vibrant beauty, and the engaging performance skills throughout the three music chapters.
With excellent technique, strong stage presence, intelligent, exquisite and emotionally rich musical sense, along with skillful and outstanding piano performance gestures and expressions, young pianist Vo Minh Quang brought the audience closest to indescribable peace and memorable emotions. The continuous applause at the end of the performance was a deserving response to the young artist's dedication on stage.
Vo Minh Quang performing Edvard Grieg's Piano Concerto in A minor.
Also in the concert, the audience was immersed in the vibrant rural scenery, with Bohemian peasants dancing, horns, and the chirping of birds in the Symphony No. 8 in G major by Antonín Dvořák.
The concert took the audience on a journey with the Vltava river through fields, hills, to the lively dances, castles, palaces, and ancient proud ruins. The main theme of Vltava entered the minds, creating a dizzying, passionate feeling that stirred the emotions of the listeners with tight harmony and orchestration.
The perfect combination of young pianist Vo Minh Quang and the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of conductor Honna Tetsuji brought moments of classical music appreciation with diverse emotions for the audience. Every melody, every note engraved deep into the listeners' souls.
Every year, Mrs. Diem Thu (Long Bien, Hanoi) regularly follows news related to the Toyota Concert to buy tickets. She shared: "For many years now, I always make time to attend the Toyota Concert. I love this art form and am attracted by the beautiful melodies, by the artists excelling in each piece. I hope that Toyota will continue to maintain this quality artistic program."
Mrs. Diem Thu at the concert.
At the end of the performance in Hanoi, Vo Minh Quang emotionally shared: "I am happy and honored to perform with the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra and conductor Honna Tetsuji, hoping that the audience had moments of emotional artistic appreciation.
As a young person from the GenZ generation who chooses to pursue classical music, I hope to contribute to spreading the beauty of this music genre to young people in particular and everyone in general."
After the impressive performance at the Toyota Concert, Minh Quang received congratulations from his family and the audience.
Minh Quang hopes to contribute to bringing classical music closer to the younger generation.
For nearly 30 years in Vietnam, the Japanese car company has always made positive contributions to society in various fields, with the Toyota Concert being one of the annual activities and becoming a cultural rendezvous eagerly awaited by the audience every year.
According to Toyota Vietnam, all ticket sales proceeds from the Toyota Concert 2024 will be used for social contribution activities.
