Nearly a thousand showed up in a one-of-a-kind charity concert event

HÀ NỘI — Nearly a thousand classical music lovers, friends and families, flocked to the National Economic University (NEU) Hall to enjoy a charity concert titled Nắng Hoàng Hôn, inspired from a newly published book entitled Hồi Ký Chạy Thận (Memoir of a Dialysis Patient) by author Hồ Hồng Việt.

Walking the audience through works of Debussy, Bartok, Bach and a violin Concerto by Fauré, the concert programme by duo and sisters Hoàng Hồ Thu and Hoàng Hồ Khánh Vân, interpreted the arduous journey the dialysis patient has gone through.

Youngster Nguyễn Thu Hằng from Thái Nguyên Province said she was so moved when reading the book: “I would never imagine what dialysis patients have to suffer if I didn’t read the book. The book with author’s full experiences and sufferings are lively guides for dialysis patients and others, particularly youngsters, on how to prevent nephritis that may led to dialysis.”

Hằng said she admired the book’s author who has tried his best to overcome his fate through more than 17 years undergoing treatment.

“His brave struggle over this incurable disease is a good example for us to follow,” Hằng said.

Pianist Hoàng Hồ Thu and violinist Hoàng Hồ Khánh Vân perform at the concert entitled Nắng Hoàng Hôn. — Photo courtesy of NEU Philharmonic Club

Meanwhile, student Hoàng Minh Đức and his friends from NEU, said they were interested in the classical music programme from pianist Hoàng Hồ Thu and violinist Hoàng Hồ Khánh Vân, who aimed to bring readers of the book and classical music lovers together as part of a touching story about dialysis patients.

Đức said he was impressed by the young musicians from NEU Philharmonic Club and said: “Their playing encourages youngsters to understand more about classical music and its healing power.”

The concert aimed to bring to readers of the book and classic music lovers a touching story about the good values of life in music, telling a long journey to overcome fate by dialysis patients.

The two artists joined efforts to organise the concert last Saturday, which portrayed different feelings, starting from honest works of the 20th century, to beautiful music pieces imbued with humanity and romance, taking inspiration from the book.

Hồ Thu and Khánh Vân told Việt Nam News that they were very happy and impressed by such a great numbers who had come out for the event.

Excerpts from the book were read out during the concert, so ushering the audience along the journey if they hadn’t had time to read the title.

The writer, a university language teacher for most of his career, until diagnosed with kidney conditions, reflected on his journey and that of other dialysis patients. It is a life of adversity and paradoxes, but they have tried to get along while being both physically and financially exhausted to the point they couldn’t have the ability nor any strength left to write about the experience.

“Despite having great wishes and aspirations, we still couldn’t fight against the rule of time. We are born, grow old, get sick and die,” said author Hồ Hồng Việt.

“Until facing ailments and being at death’s door, as a sunset of a human life, what we will choose are suffering, giving up or doing the best for each day we are still alive.”

Pianist Thu added: “Luckily, the patient, who has fought so many times, has chosen to stand up and be ready to face adversities, accepting everything so as to enjoy life each day. This becomes a key inspiration for the concert.”

Thu and Vân are now teaching music at the Việt Nam National Academy of Music (VNAM). They have both completed a Master of Music course from the Liszt Academy in Hungary, played solo with the Việt Nam Symphony Orchestra (VNSO) at VNAM’s Music Hall and participated in many different musical concerts.

They are also members of Schubert in a Mug Project, an initiative that creates an intimate, cosy atmosphere where artists and audience share their love, curiosity and stories for classical music.

“We want to play together to bring classical music closer to audiences and this is a special event where you witness the power of music in such a great challenge of life.” Thu added. — VNS