The exuberance of Strauss, the dramatic depth of opera, the contemplative sound of guitar, and the grandeur of film music converged to create an emotionally rich musical evening. New Year Concert 2026 not only ignited belief, hope, and an inspiring sense of new beginnings for the year ahead, but also opened up a more accessible pathway for symphonic music to permeate urban life.
Brilliant Sounds to Welcome the New Year
The emotional narrative of New Year Concert 2026 unfolded like a seamless flow, as the music continuously shifted in mood—from lively and dramatic to reflective, then rising to powerful climaxes.
The fresh, buoyant melodies of Die Fledermaus opened up a liberated and vibrant symphonic space. Building on that emotional foundation, opera excerpts by Verdi and Mozart resonated with dramatic depth, brought to life by two international guest soloists, Nazym Sagyntay and Rassul Zharmagambetov. Their performances delivered moments of powerful intensity and earned prolonged applause from the audience.
Soprano Sagyntay Nazym Zhalgasbaikyzy—soloist of the Astana National Opera and Ballet Theatre—possesses a bright voice, solid technique, and an impressive record of international awards. Meanwhile, Rassul Zharmagambetov, a bass-baritone who has won numerous international vocal competitions, left a strong impression with his warm, resonant, and powerful timbre. The collaboration of these two young Kazakh talents not only achieved technical and emotional brilliance, but also affirmed the borderless dialogue of operatic art within the space of New Year Concert 2026.
Guest artists Nazym Sagyntay and Rassul Zharmagambetov shine in New Year Concert 2026
Amid the program's energetic flow, the guitar sound of Hoang Tung introduced a moment of refined stillness. A jazz guitar lecturer at the Vietnam National Academy of Music, with formal training in both classical and jazz guitar in Vietnam and Europe, Hoang Tung presented Adagio from Concierto de Aranjuez and Asturias with distinct emotional depth. His unadorned guitar tone, engaging in a nuanced dialogue with the orchestra, was regarded by many audience members as one of the most memorable moments of the evening.
The emotionally rich guitar performance by artist Hoang Tung
High-energy works such as Largo al factotum and Conga del Fuego Nuevo continued to elevate the atmosphere with their lively and expansive rhythms. Interwoven among them were familiar lyrical songs of the 20th century such as Over the Rainbow and Hallelujah, emotionally charged duets like The Prayer, and the distinctive musical colors of Kazakhstan in Nightingale. Together, they created layered emotions that continuously refreshed the audience's listening experience.
The powerful Suite from Gladiator by Hans Zimmer resonated as a bold affirmation of aspiration and the spirit of conquest. The inclusion of film music in a symphonic program demonstrates how the reach of classical music is expanding, engaging more naturally in dialogue with contemporary public sensibilities.
The concert concluded with O Sole Mio—a familiar, radiant, and deeply emotional melody. The piece sounded like a warm farewell, leaving lingering resonance in the hall and bringing to a complete close a musical journey that was both formal and approachable.
Under the baton of conductor Tran Nhat Minh, the Hanoi Symphony Orchestra delivered a performance marked by solidity, vitality, and a growing alignment with international standards.
Conductor Tran Nhat Minh brings a fresh, youthful, and open spirit to the New Year concert
Efforts to Integrate Classical Music into Urban Life
Symphonic and chamber music have long been regarded as “selective" genres, often associated with formal settings and a relatively narrow audience. This reality poses a challenge for professional arts organizations: how to ensure that classical music does not remain on the periphery of contemporary life, but instead becomes a natural part of the urban rhythm—especially for younger audiences.
With New Year Concert 2026 and a series of concerts throughout 2025, the Hanoi Symphony Orchestra has demonstrated a proactive and consistent approach. From repertoire selection and the invitation of international guest artists to program structures that harmonize classical standards with contemporary emotion, symphonic music is gradually entering daily life as an engaging cultural experience.
The Hanoi Symphony Orchestra and guest artists deliver an inspired performance
Alongside the orchestra's artistic efforts is the support of partners, including ROX Group. This backing enables concerts to be organized on a continuous and systematic basis, helping to cultivate habits of classical music appreciation and contribute to the enhancement of community aesthetic sensibilities. Fully occupied concert halls and prolonged applause after each piece not only reflect organizational success, but also signal a shift in the cultural consumption needs of urban audiences.
The brilliant sounds welcoming the New Year at New Year Concert 2026 are also opening up a long-term journey for classical music within Vietnam's urban life. As symphonic and chamber music gradually move beyond formal spaces to become accessible cultural experiences, music not only enriches spiritual life but also helps shape the city's “soft infrastructure"—where people find balance, dialogue, and connection amid the dynamic pace of modern living.