Cellist Denis Shapovalov, Vietnamese artists to perform Vivaldi & Beethoven's music in Hanoi

THE HANOI TIMES — Russian-Israeli cellist Denis Shapovalov will join the Hanoi Symphony Orchestra in a special concert entitled Vivaldi & Beethoven, scheduled for 8.00 p.m. tonight (September 20) at the Ho Guom Opera House in Hanoi.

This concert is part of the Essence of Sound series, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam Connection Music Festival (VCMF), an event initiated in 2015 by honorary professor KazNua, People’s Artist Bui Cong Duy and international violinist PhD Chuong Vu.

Under the baton of maestro Honna Tetsuji, the concert promises to take the audience on a journey through time, from the vivid, expressive brilliance of Vivaldi to the profound majesty of Beethoven. The event will also affirm the artistic excellence of the Hanoi Philharmonic Orchestra in the international classical music scene.

Part I of the concert introduces four concertos from The Four Seasons – the timeless masterpiece by Antonio Vivaldi. Solo violinist Chuong Vu will perform Spring and Summer, while Do Phuong Nhi will present Autumn and Winter.

After the intermission, Part II will feature Triple Concerto in C major, Op. 56 by Ludwig van Beethoven, performed by a trio of soloists: Violinist Bui Cong Duy, cellist Denis Shapovalov and pianist Luong Khanh Nhi.

Denis Shapovalov was born in 1974 in Tchaikovsky Town in the Urals. In 2000, he graduated from the Moscow Tchaikovsky State Conservatory where he studied under Professor Natalia Shakhovskaya. For 12 years he taught cello as a professor of the Moscow Conservatory.

He has established himself as a versatile musician with a refined sense of different musical styles, equally brilliantly performing diverse repertoire from purely classical programs to rock shows.

Denis Shapovalov won first prize and a gold medal at the 11th Tchaikovsky International Competition at the age of 23. By 26, he became the youngest professor at the Moscow Conservatory.

As a cellist, conductor and composer, Denis Shapovalov has performed at prestigious venues including Musikverein Vienna, Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Royal Festival Hall London, Suntory Hall Tokyo, and Avery Fisher Hall New York, collaborating with top international artists and orchestras.

Since 2016, his instrumental and symphonic compositions have been featured at numerous European festivals. The Russian-Israeli artist is also known for his genre-blending projects that combine classical music with rock, highlighting his creative versatility.

International violinist Chuong Vu has been praised by Yehudi Wyner for his poetic and refined style. He has performed as a soloist, chamber musician, and concertmaster across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. His collaborations span prestigious orchestras, artists, and festivals worldwide.

Chuong Vu is also known for premiering many contemporary works, some composed specifically for him. As the Artistic Director of the Vietnam Connection Music Festival, he has held active roles in teaching, judging international violin competitions and contributing to both domestic and global music scenes.

He has performed with many renowned international orchestras and participated in major global music events, collaborating with acclaimed artists such as Shlomo Mintz, Nobuko Imai, Stephanie Chase and Johannes Moser.

Bui Cong Duy currently serves as the Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Academy of Music, the Artistic Director of Vietnam Classical Players and the Executive Director of the Vietnam Connection Music Festival.

Luong Khanh Nhi made her debut at Dieu Con Mai National Concert and quickly captivated the audience. Her artistry reflects both technical prowess and emotional depth. Nhi's international recognition at the Leeds Competition signals a promising future.