The first ever UK-Vietnam Gala Concert, which brings together the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet and young artists from the UK’s Concordia Foundation, will be held on 22 March 2011 at the Hanoi Opera House. The concert is in honour of, and sponsored by the British Council Vietnam and Alderman Michael Bear, the Lord Mayor of the City of London, who will make his official visit to Vietnam from 19 to 24 March.
The UK-Vietnam Gala Concert will be the debut international event of a unique collaboration between The Lord Mayor and Concordia Foundation, with concerts also planned in China and Kenya during official Mayoral visits. The aim of the concert, which forms part of the Concordia Foundation global projects, is to build bridges through music and the arts, and to provide much-needed concert platforms for emerging young artists.
Barbara Bear, Lady Mayoress of the City of London and an honorary patron of the Concordia Foundation said: 'As an artist myself, I understand how important it is to build confidence through public performance. Having seen, at first hand, how Concordia helped change the lives of young artists in Cuba, I am delighted to be involved in this exciting project.'
Lord Mayor Michael Bear said: 'This partnership aligns perfectly with my strategy of using cultural diplomacy in support of the City and its global agenda. I have a great love of music, which nourishes the soul, and I hope that this event can be used to bring people together to help them do business, whilst developing an appreciation of each other’s cultures.'
Gillian Humphrey, Founder and Artistic Director of Concordia Foundation said: 'Our aim has always been to build bridges of friendship through music and the arts from the very heart of London to the world. This unique partnership will enable us to reach out to communities that may not otherwise have these wonderful artistic opportunities.'
Graham Sutcliffe MBE, Conductor, said: 'The Lord Mayor of London’s visit to Vietnam together with the Concordia Foundation presents not only a wonderful rare opportunity for exchange between UK and Vietnamese musicians, singers and dancers, but is also a chance to highlight the importance of the arts and the creative industries for all modern economies in the twenty-first century, and at the same time, how the arts and business can benefit each other.'
Concordia has been active in Vietnam for the past ten years. Supported by the British Council, a workshop will be organised with Vietnam Stage and Drama Academy on Sound Recording and Amplifying Classical Music on 20-21 March, led by Tim Brice – a member of the Concordia Foundation.
Supported by the Lord Mayor and the Lady Mayoress, the Concordia Foundation will provide start-up funding for a Vietnam Performing arts foundation to offer performing opportunities, as well as vocal and technical training for young Vietnamese artists.
The running order of the event:
0800 Concordia Gala Concert starts
0845 Interval
0905 Contemporary dance performance by artists from Vietnam National Opera and Ballet
0940 Concert ends
Tickets to the event can be purchased at the Hanoi Opera House or contact Mr Phuong on 0983067996 for free delivery.
For press enquiries, please contact Loretta Lui at the City of London +44 20 7332 1528 or Ha Thien Ha at the British Council Vietnam +84 (0)90 414 9996
For more information, please contact:
Mr Vu Dang
Communications Manager
Dang.vu@britishcouncil.org.vn
or
Ms Ha Thien Ha
Arts & Culture Manager
ha.ha@britishcouncil.org.vn
at
British Council Vietnam
20 Thuy Khue
Ha Noi
Tel: + 84(0)4 843 6780
Fax: + 84(0)4 843 4962
The United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.
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