HCM CITY— Composer and pianist Việt Anh of the HCM City Ballet and Symphony Orchestra and Opera (HBSO) plans to organise a concert for fans celebrating his 20-year career.  

The show will feature pop stars Đàm Vĩnh Hưng, Quang Dũng and Uyên Linh as well as Vietnamese-American singer Thu Phương.

Around 1,500 people are expected to attend the Dòng Sông Lơ Đãng (Slow River) show, named after the musician’s favourite song. Eighteen love songs that shot Anh to fame in the 2000s will be part of the repertoire.

“I’ll also introduce my three latest songs, which were written after I returned from New Zealand in 2011, with support from the orchestra and conductor Trần Nhật Minh,” the 40-year-old Anh said.  

"I’m not a simple man with just a piano anymore. I’ve changed, but my music is still here,” said Anh during a recent interview with local media.  

The show’s highlights will include Dòng Sông Lơ Đãng, Những Mùa Hoa Bỏ Lại (Flower Seasons are Left), Chưa Bao Giờ (Never) and Hoa Có Vàng Nơi Ấy (Flowers Are Going to Die).   

Singer Phương will perform Đêm Nằm Mơ Phố (Dreaming of Streets), a top hit which made her famous in both Việt Nam and the US.

Born in Hà Nội, Anh showed his talent in music when he was a student. His first song, Mưa Phi Trường (Rain in the Airport) was written in 1992 when he was only 16.

The song became a hit with then top singer and pop star Lam Trường’s performance.

Anh began his classical music career after graduating in piano from the HCM City Music Conservatory in 1996. 

He has composed dozens of songs, which were performed by famous artists, including Việt kiều (overseas Vietnamese) singer Tuấn Ngọc.

In 2007, Anh studied composing at the University of Auckland and later completed a master’s degree in composing at the University of Waikato.  

He has worked with several music and film producers and entertainment companies.

Last year, Anh signed a contract with Dragon League (TDL Media), a private entertainment agency, to sell 50 products for 20 years beginning in 2016.

His show Dòng Sông Lơ Đãng will be held at 8pm on July 29 at Hòa Bình Theatre at 240 Ba Tháng Hai Street in District 1. 

Tickets are VNĐ400,000 (US$19) to 2.3 million (about $100). They are available at website www.ticketbox.vn.  — VNS