“Autumn Melody,” an annual ballet and concert extravaganza performed at the HCMC Conservatory’s 450-seat hall last weekend did not attract as large an audience as it should have.
Talented artists from Vietnam and abroad performed violin, piano, flute, clarinet, ballet and classical songs and were applauded warmly and given many bouquets of flowers.
Audiences also displayed their love of chamber music and the artists by shaking the performers’ hands and hugging them.
But this reception did not dispel the lingering sadness in the hearts of the performers and the concert organizers that many seats in the hall were empty.
At a press conference ahead of the extravaganza, Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Deputy head The Thanh said the department and the HCMC Conservatory would maintain this annual event.
Thanh said organizers hoped one day the event would attract audiences as large as similar performances in other countries.
People seem happy to pay VND1 million (US$60) to see a live performance by a well-known singer but reluctant to spend VND150,000-300,000 ($9-18) for a ballet and chamber music performance.
Many artists and observers say Vietnamese people’s disinterest in classical music and ballet is a result of a low level of awareness of the art.
They also point out the sponsors could have done more to publicize the show.
But people will not buy tickets and sit for hours in a concert hall if they will not get any enjoyment out of the performance.
But, if children study chamber music from a young age, they will gradually learn about the music and learn to appreciate it.
Reported by Nguyen Van |
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