Hà Nội — Inspired by a newly published book entitled Hồi Ký Chạy Thận (Memoir of a Dialysis Patient) by author Hồ Hồng Việt, a charity concert titled Nắng Hoàng Hôn will be held on August 10 in Hà Nội.

The concert is a coordination between the author’s family and the National Economic University (NEU) Philharmonic Club.

Its aim is to bring to readers of the book and classic music lovers a touching story about the good values of life in music, telling a long journey to overcome fate by dialysis patients.

The concert will be performed by pianist Hoàng Hồ Thu, violinist Hoàng Hồ Khánh Vân and musicians from NEU Philharmonic Club.

Artists Hồ Thu and Khánh Vân have joined efforts to organise the concert, which will portray different feelings, starting from honest works of the 20th century to beautiful music pieces imbued with humanity and romance, taking inspiration from the book.

Sisters Hoàng Hồ Thu (piano) and Hoàng Hồ Khánh Vân (violin) will be performing at Nắng Hoàng Hôn Concert to be held in Hà Nội on August 10. Photo courtesy of Thu's family

The concert script is close to the book’s spirit and content, telling the story of a dialysis patient who has been treated for 17 years. His dialysis journey, like that of other dialysis patients, has been filled with many adversities and difficulties.

“Despite having great wishes and aspirations, we still couldn’t fight against the rule of time: born, grow old, get sick and die,” said author Việt.

“Until facing ailments and being at death’s door, as a sunset sun of a human life, what we will choose are suffering, giving up or doing the best for each day we are still alive."

Artist Thu added: "Luckily, the patient, who has fought so many times, has chosen to stand up and be ready to face adversities, accepting everything so as to enjoy life each day. This becomes a key inspiration for the concert."

Thu and Vân are now lecturers at the Việt Nam National Academy of Music (VNAM). They both completed a Master of Music course from the Liszt Academy in Hungary.

They have played solo with the Việt Nam Symphony Orchestra (VNSO) at VNAM’s Music Hall and participated in many different musical concerts.

They are also members of Schubert in a Mug Project, an initiative that creates an intimate, cosy atmosphere where artists and audience share their love, curiosity and stories for classical music

“We aimed to play together to bring classical music closer to audiences,” said Thu.

The concert will start on Saturday, August 10, at 8pm at the A2 Hall, National Economics University.

Tickets will be freely given to those who buy the book Memoir of a Dialysis Patient. Profits from book sales during the concert will be used to support dialysis patients in the most disadvantaged circumstances at the hospital where the author is treating dialysis.

For more information, please contact organisers via email at nanghoanghonconcert@gmail.com, Hotline: 0342 099 798 or Tiktok: nanghoanghonconcert. VNS

Extract from Nắng Hoàng Hôn poem of Đào Ngọc Lan, 2020“Sunset Sun, a final sun,Thin, light, soft but not faintlyStill bright over the sky, rivers and sand banksStill don’t want to sink in the nightThose passed things should not try to findLast legs have had been although coming, should never be depressed Let’s try most effort for each day you’re still aliveTo offer to life a little of Sunset Sun!"