Culture Vulture (July 31 2013)
Young violinist Do Phuong Nhi will perform with the Viet Nam National Symphony and Orchestra on its Toyota Concert Tour in Ha Noi tomorrow and Friday. Regarded as one of the most promising violinists in Viet Nam, this is the second time the 15-year-old artist has performed in the event. She spoke to Culture Vulture about her rehearsals before the concert.
Is it a big surprise for you to be invited to perform in concert for the second time?
Actually, I’m astonished by the invitation given by the orchestra’s music principal, Tetsuji Honna. It is also moving to play with in the Toyota Concert Tour 2013.
What music will you perform as a soloist?
This time I want to introduce to lovers of classical music Tchaikovsky’s most difficult concerto for violin and orchestra. The piece is technically difficult and requires a flow of emotion. Certainly, the playing technique is very hard, demanding patience and serious practice.
The piece, Violin Concerto in D major and Op. 35, is my favourite. I dreamed of playing it when I was very small. Playing this piece is really a challenge for myself. I face many difficulties during practice, but I’m so excited because I’m turning my dream into reality.
Classical music has many masterpieces. The piece I like most is Concerto for violin by Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. It is also among the most challenging works for a violinist. I like its unique music characteristics and high level of performance skill. I hope I can play the piece in future.
How’s your study of music going?
I’m studying at the Viet Nam National Academy of Music’s Violin Department with Professor Ngo Van Thanh. In 2010, I received a scholarship from the Norwegian Transposition project to study music at the Barratt – Due Institute in Oslo. The scholarship enables me to attend in music training course at the institute as well as performances at the Valdres International Festival and Academy, also in Oslo each summer.
The festival is one of Norway’s most exciting international chamber-music festivals where musicians across generations from all over the world exchange and communicate with each other.
I enjoy the festival very much because of beautiful surroundings and an enthusiastic atmosphere. Since 2010, twice a year, I have gone to the training course in winter and attended the festival in summer.
What have you learned from the trips ?
The training courses and performances at the festival make me more confident. I have experimented interesting ideas and diversified styles given by the institute’s tutors. I have learned a lot from the tutors who are veterans. In addition, I also have chances to watch concerts by many young artists from all over the world.It is really an important opportunity for me.
When did you perform with the Viet Nam Symphony Orchestra for the first time? Were you deeply impressed?
I was only 11 when I performed with the VNSO for the first time. I played a concerto for violin and orchestra by German composer Felix Mendelson. I was very small at that time. I still remember the precious moment when I played with the orchestra.
What is your dream in life? Do you have a musical idol?
My biggest dream is to become a real violinist bringing music to the people. I will try my best to turn my dream into reality.
I’m lucky to be born into a musical family. My parents are violinists who have nurtured my classical music love. Obviously, I have been influenced by them a lot. — VNS