One-man opera to regale HCM City in non-classical settings

Singer Thế Huy (lirico tenor) to have a one-man opera in HCM City this Friday. — Photo Courtesy of Toong

HCM CITY — A one-man-opera, “The Recital: Thế Huy, tenor,” will kickstart a classical music performance this Friday.

Held at the Toong Cộng Hoà co-working space, the event holds the promise of opening up new possibilities for classical music to be enjoyed in non-classical contexts, and by larger groups of mass audiences, organisers said.

As the first public solo performances of classical singer Thế Huy and professor – researcher Trần Như Vĩnh Lạc, ‘The Recital’ draws its main materials from famous love stories familiar to Vietnamese people including the unsent love letters of Beethoven. 

The performances are part of ‘Blossom’, a cultural initiative by GocCreation that seeks to “foster meaningful cultural experiences in the wake of a devastating global pandemic.”

“The Recital” comprises two performances: “Roméo et Juliette” which was done last week; and “Absent heart, present love – Beethoven and the love letters that remain” which will take place this Friday. 

Singer Thế Huy (lirico tenor) will sing in the original French and German texts, with piano accompaniment by professor Trần Như Vĩnh Lạc. Departing from the conventional theater space and in the absence of an orchestra, the event will focus mainly on the intimate relationship between the audience and stories told in music.

A setback, an opportunity 

In 2021, Thế Huy received full scholarship to study Vocal arts – Opera at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City, before his plan to study abroad was suddenly cancelled due to the pandemic. He decided to use this setback as an opportunity to work on his personal music projects that can benefit both local audiences and his own community of peer artists. 

“People often think that the artists are to perform, while the audience is to listen. I believe a performer’s great vocation is to always listen to his audience, to understand in each diverse social setting what they need, and how the art can bring any positive value to them,” he said.

“This thought has prompted me to carry out my projects. I see these as an opportunity to bring classical music closer to the public, and hopefully encourage young artists who are pursuing academic art to boldly step out of their comfort zone and realise their dreams.” — VnExpress News