The “UK-Vietnam Gala”, organized 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 stayed there 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. 

Vietnam Plus