Online Travel Vietnam: During each of the last three weekends, a group of 20 string musicians from the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra (VNSO), the Vietnam National Opera – Ballet, and the Vietnam National Academy of Music (VNAM), have played for free on the pavement of a Hanoi street.
Conducted and directed by violinist Xuan Huy, they perform famous classical pieces, from Strauss's Emperor Waltz, to Mozart's Divenmento No 136 and No 137.
To an audience who still feels intimidated by classical Western music, and even use the term "scholarly music" to refer to the genre, the weekly street shows seem like a practical approach to bring the music closer to the locals.
The Luala Concert, as the series is called is a community music project sponsored by luxury fashion and lifestyle retailer DX Group, VNSO, and state-owned Music Publisher to shorten the distance, both literally and figuratively, between the general public and the genre.
Taking the classics to the streets and performing for a random crowd full of people who may be more familiar with pop or rock is not an easy job, according to one project organizer.
He explained that the musicians have to maintain both the audience's interest and their professional standards while playing at an open air location, which is rarely considered the best venue for classical concerts.
"[Besides bringing the music to the public], the concerts are a challenge to us professionally. We would like to receive feedback on the project from music professionals both within Vietnam and from around the world."
"Usually, people in Vietnam place little value in what is given for free, but we can assure that with the Luala concert, the quality of our performances is the first priority," music composer Tran Manh Hung said.
Hoang Cao Minh, a local resident who lives near Hoan Kiem Lake, said he had never been to the Hanoi Opera House for its concerts, and that he did not really understand the genre either.
"But every Sunday morning I feel very relaxed and peaceful while listening to the music coming from a street corner," he said.
On November 20, another street concert project, named "Toi yeu su chia se" (I love to share), kicked off its first performance at Ly Thai To Park.
Unlike the Luala Concert, "I love to share", featuring students of the VNAM, plays more than just classical music. The shows will include solos and ensembles of jazz and folk music, as well as more contemporary works by both Vietnamese and international artists.
After drawing large crowds who seem to enjoy the music at the open air venue immensely, "I love to share" is expected to spread to other cities and provinces across the country.
"Every passerby, whether they are truly interested in the performance or not, spends at least 2 -3 seconds listening to our music, giving the person and society a chance to get closer to classical music," Hoang said.
While the Luala Concert takes place every Saturday and Sunday from 15pm - 17pm, as well as 10am-12pm on Sunday at 61 Ly Thai To until February, "I love to share" will be held every Sunday morning at Ly Thai To Park till the end of 2012.
Source: Tuoitrenews
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