Symphony bridges Austria–Vietnam friendship
Founded in 1842, the Vienna Philharmonic is regarded as a cultural ambassador of Austria, with prestigious conductors like Mahler and Karajan who shape its legacy. Its New Year’s Concert, broadcast to over 90 countries annually, stands as a global symbol of classical music excellence.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Austria Vu Le Thai Hoang has met with Daniel Froschauer, Chairman of the world-renowned orchestra Vienna Philharmonic (Wiener Philharmoniker), to discuss strengthening cultural ties through classical music.
Ambassador Hoang praised the Vienna Philharmonic’s growing interest in Asia and its role in bringing symphonic music closer to the public, fostering cultural exchange and understanding.
He introduced Vietnam’s vibrant cultural life and leading orchestras, including the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra and the Sun Symphony Orchestra, as well as world-class venues such as the Hanoi Opera House, the National Convention Centre, and the newly inaugurated Ho Guom Theatre. He expressed hope that the Vienna Philharmonic will soon perform in Vietnam.
For his part, Froschauer emphasised music’s powerful role as a bridge for peace and friendship. He noted Austria’s deep-rooted musical heritage, being the birthplace of musical genius Mozart and currently marking the 200th anniversary of talented composer Johann Strauss II, famed for The Blue Danube.
He shared that the orchestra has toured several Asian countries, including Japan, the Republic of Korea, and China. Performing in Vietnam is a long-held aspiration for him and many members of the orchestra. He agreed to closely coordinate with the Vietnamese side to make this cultural exchange a reality.
Founded in 1842, the Vienna Philharmonic is regarded as a cultural ambassador of Austria, with prestigious conductors like Mahler and Karajan, who shape its legacy. Its New Year’s Concert, broadcast to over 90 countries annually, stands as a global symbol of classical music excellence.
The meeting reflects the shared desire of Austria and Vietnam to use music as a conduit for friendship, mutual respect, and deeper cultural understanding./.