The Symphony of Unity: A Musical Extravaganza Celebrating Vietnam-Germany Ties
The Berlin im Licht concert, a celebration of the music of renowned German composer Kurt Weill, is set to enchant audiences in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. On February 21, the Ho Guom Opera in Hanoi will host this exceptional musical event, with a subsequent performance in Ho Chi Minh City the following week.
Headlining the concert is world-renowned soprano Katharine Merhling, known for her captivating interpretations of Weill’s works. The program will include the composer’s iconic pieces, such as Seeräuber Jenny, Bilbao Song, Salomon Song, and Speak Low. Created in 1928 with lyrics by Bertolt Brecht, this composition holds a special place in the history of Berlin’s cultural landscape, having been crafted specifically for the Berlin Festival of Light in September of that year.
Kurt Weill, the son of a Jewish cantor, was a student of Ferruccio Busoni, but it was his collaboration with Bertolt Brecht that brought him widespread acclaim. The concert will also showcase the talent of Vietnamese soprano Dao To Loan, who will perform the beloved Vietnamese song Beo dat may troi (Drifting Ferns, Floating Clouds). Accompanied by pianist Ferdinand von Seebach and the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra, the evening promises to be a memorable fusion of cultural melodies.
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Soprano Katharine Merhling, a global artist, and one of the foremost interpreters of Kurt Weill’s music. Photo: Katharine-merhling.de |
Katharine Merhling, an internationally acclaimed artist, has established herself as one of the most important interpreters of Kurt Weill’s music in recent years. Her performances have earned her the prestigious Golden Curtain Audience Award an impressive six times, recognizing her as Berlin’s most popular actress. Merhling’s talent extends beyond the stage, having studied at the London Studio Centre and the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York. She also graced the silver screen in the Hollywood film Valkyrie.
The concert is a collaborative effort between the German Embassy in Vietnam, the Goethe Institute Hanoi, and AHK, commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Germany in 2025. According to German Ambassador to Vietnam, Helga Margarete Barth, this milestone will be marked by a diverse range of cultural and sporting events, a job fair, and an innovation day, showcasing the depth and breadth of the two countries’ partnership.
In addition to the Berlin im Licht concert, music enthusiasts will also be treated to a performance by Thomas Anders of the iconic band Modern Talking at the My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi on October 25. The German Festival, taking place from September 19 to 21 in the Hoan Kiem Lake area, promises to be a cultural extravaganza, featuring joint achievements and a multimedia presentation of the countries’ development cooperation.
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German Ambassador to Vietnam, Helga Margarete Barth, shares insights into the upcoming cultural celebrations. Photo: Thanh Dat/The Hanoi Times |
Ambassador Barth emphasized the significance of these events, stating, “These activities will not only help us look back on our shared history but also look forward to future potential and opportunities in various fields.” The German Embassy also initiated the “A Day as an Ambassador” writing contest, empowering young Vietnamese women and offering a unique perspective on diplomatic leadership.
As a testament to the growing relationship between the two nations, the Vietnam Football Federation is expected to sign an agreement to cooperate with the German Bundesliga. Additionally, a one-of-a-kind art project will invite Vietnamese artists to transform the exterior wall of the German Embassy, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the countries’ bond.
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