“Melodies Across Vietnam and the US” brings a harmonious cultural exchange to Hanoi
On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam – US Association, the international music event “Melodies Across Vietnam and The US” unfolded as a rich cultural celebration, leaving a lasting and heartfelt impression on the audience in Hanoi.
THE HANOI TIMES — A special musical event entitled “Melodies Across Vietnam and the US” gathering the acclaimed Johns Creek Orchestra from the United States and talented Vietnamese artists delivered two memorable nights of performance at the Ho Guom Theater in Hanoi on October 15 and 16.
American pianist Maxim Lando, accompanied by artists from the Johns Creek Orchestra, delivered a captivating performance of Rhapsody in Blue. Photo: Song Hong
The event celebrated the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam–US Association and 30 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. It was jointly organized by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, the US Embassy in Vietnam, the Vietnam–US Association and Vietnam–US magazine.
With 71 musicians from the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra (JCSO) of Georgia (USA) participating, the concerts offered an emotional and artistic journey that blended the musical legacies of both countries through timeless symphonic masterpieces.
Under the baton of conductor Austin Chanu Alexander- recognized by American critics as “one of today’s most promising young talents” – the orchestra treated audiences to an exquisite repertoire, including Overture to Candide, The Blue Danube, Rhapsody in Blue, Fanfare for the Common Man and iconic film scores such as Titanic Suite and The Godfather.
Cellist Dr. Dinh Hoai Xuan – the first Vietnamese woman to earn a doctorate in cello performance. Photo courtesy of the artist
A standout moment came with “The Phantom of the Opera,” performed by Vietnamese singer Tung Duong and American vocalist Mikaela Ayira, a rising star from The Voice USA 2025. Their duet captured the spirit of artistic dialogue between the two countries.
The night also featured pianist Maxim Lando, clarinetist Tran Khanh Quang, and cellist Dr. Dinh Hoai Xuan, the first Vietnamese woman to earn a doctorate in cello performance. Together with the Johns Creek Orchestra and a Vietnamese mouth harp ensemble, they presented “Huong ve Ha Noi” (Towards Hanoi), arranged by composer Luu Ha An to highlight the beauty of cultural exchange.
Thirteen-year-old singer Duong Duc Hai, winner of the National Young Singer Competition and Shanghai International Music Competition Gold Prize, wowed audiences with a bilingual rendition of “Mamma” by Cesare Andrea Bixio.
Musician Ho Hoai Anh served as artistic director, whose vision and emotional depth shaped the concerts into a moving experience that bridged cultures, generations and hearts.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh, Chairman of the Vietnam–US Association, said the concert reaffirmed President Ho Chi Minh’s vision of building peaceful and cooperative relations with nations worldwide.
At just 19 years old, American pianist Maxim Lando has been hailed as a 'dazzling fire-eater' for his electrifying performance style. Photo: Huntington Art Councils
He added that cultural initiatives like “Melodies Across Vietnam and the US” strengthen people-to-people ties and open new avenues for cooperation.
As the final notes faded, the concert left behind a powerful message: music remains one of the strongest bridges connecting Vietnam and the United States.
