I have never done a program as big as "What Remains Forever"

Besides the purpose of commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam People's Army, is the use of military artists a new, more interesting thing that the musician wants to bring to the audience?

Musician Tran Manh Hung: In my musical career, I have never done such a big program. I myself also find this year's program difficult but there is no other choice. I would like to add that each year "What remains forever" wants to bring different levels of emotions to the audience.

Emotions are very diverse. Flowers and trees are also emotions, love is also emotions, longing is also emotions… This year’s emotions are to honor sacred values, the sacred soul of the mountains and rivers, so we definitely cannot ignore them.

As for choosing artists and singers, I choose them based on their suitability to the performance. Some performances require solo singing, some require choir singing.

This year there are many choirs and they will bring the audience moments of musical sublimation, very exciting. In addition, there is also a group of boy band singers appearing, suitable for other songs.

As for songs with fighting spirit and military elements, I know the group Ao Linh. Compared to other choirs, they are very special. What is special is that they always sing with the spirit of a soldier: without thinking about each individual.

If boy bands each have their own style, the Soldiers' group is very organized and strict about notes, pitch, and rhythm accuracy. Besides, their charisma on stage is also very suitable for this year's theme.

I have also worked with the Ao Linh group many times and have been very impressed by them. Although they are just a male military choir group that may seem unfamiliar to the public, please look forward to their performances. I believe they will shine this year.

As the first foreign conductor to participate in the National Concert "What remains forever", how do you feel and did you have any difficulty approaching Vietnam's revolutionary songs?

Conductor Olivier Ochanine: This is a national concert celebrating Vietnam's National Day, but it is conducted by a French conductor, showing that the Vietnamese people are extremely friendly and do not hold back on past impressions.

I am very honored and proud to participate. I have worked and lived in Vietnam for 7 years, I love and cherish every moment of living here. However, Vietnamese is very difficult so I have to spend time studying the scores and meanings of the lyrics, learning anytime, anywhere, even on the flight tonight. I am touched and honored to participate in "What remains forever".

I love Vietnam. I find Vietnamese people warm. I am a French and American citizen but since coming to Vietnam in 2015, I found Vietnamese people to be very nice to me. One thing that impressed me was that you can talk to anyone on the street, which is not possible in France and the US. This made my musical experience more fun and wonderful and in the orchestra, everyone treated me like family.

As a chamber music singer, how do you feel about participating in "What remains forever" this year? What pressure do you face? What preparations are you making to meet the program's requirements?

Singer Nguyen Bao Yen: I studied abroad in Russia for about 10 years, so for many years I only watched the concert "The Lasting Thing" from afar. Last year, I was able to attend in person and watched it from beginning to end, leaving me with many emotions. For everyone, "The Lasting Thing" is a meaningful program, meaningful in both content and location. Especially for artists, especially those who sing chamber music, the Vietnamese revolution all yearn to stand on the stage of "The Lasting Thing".

Performing at the Opera House, on an important day, a meaningful time for the whole nation, singing with a symphony orchestra, working with highly specialized musicians and music directors, this is a desire and honor for any artist.

This year is the first year I have participated in "What Remains Forever". The pressure is immense. Musician Tran Manh Hung and conductor Olivier Ochanine are both strict professionals and meticulous in their work.

There is also the pressure of performing at the Opera House, broadcasting live on television, having senior leaders sitting below. But these are the motivation and awareness that helps me to concentrate highly.

To prepare for the upcoming program, I received the score from musician Tran Manh Hung very early and am practicing. In the near future, I will work privately with Mr. Tran Manh Hung and the conductor, hoping to bring to the program high-quality and professional performances.

Even though I studied abroad for 10 years and learned to sing international songs, I always realized that as a Vietnamese, I had to sing Vietnamese music and not lose my national identity.

Source: https://www.baogiaothong.vn/nhac-si-tran-manh-hung-toi-chua-tung-lam-chuong-trinh-nao-lon-nhu-dieu-con-mai-192240821135322499.htm