The rich emotional world of two Slavic Romantic masters will be brought to life in the concert “Dvořák & Rachmaninov: The Masterpieces of Slavic Romanticism," held at the Ho Guom Opera House on November 8. The performance will feature the Hanoi Symphony Orchestra, Korean pianist Suah Ye, and conductor Yury Tkachenko.
A Journey into the Soul of Slavic Romanticism
Music scholars describe Slavic Romanticism as a distinctive branch of 19th-century European Romanticism. While Western European composers often explored the individual's inner world and spiritual freedom, Eastern European Romanticism was rooted in love for homeland, national identity, and collective memory.
Slavic music draws heavily from folk traditions—its scales, rhythms, and dances capture the spirit of the Eastern European people: passionate, profound, and deeply lyrical. Within this tradition, Antonín Dvořák (Czech) and Sergei Rachmaninov (Russian) stand as towering figures.
Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) is regarded as the founding father of Czech national music. He skillfully wove the folk melodies of Bohemia—the lively polka, furiant, and dumka—into his compositions, transforming them into a rich symphonic language imbued with national color. His music shines with purity and simplicity, evoking a deep love for homeland and an unwavering faith in beauty.
Rachmaninov, the eminent Russian composer and pianist of the early 20th century, captivated the world with his emotional depth and extraordinary expressiveness. Often called a “storyteller in sound," his concertos and symphonies convey the eternal tension between memory and desire, sorrow and hope, pain and the pursuit of beauty.
At the concert “Dvořák & Rachmaninov: The Masterpieces of Slavic Romanticism," audiences will experience two iconic works: Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 2 and Dvořák's Symphony No. 9 “From the New World."
For Rachmaninov, the Concerto No. 2 was a work of rebirth. Composed after a long period of depression and creative crisis—with the support of Dr. Nikolai Dahl—it stands as a profoundly humanistic creation. Its melodies are both mournful and triumphant, expressing the struggle to rise from darkness and rediscover the light.
Dvořák's Symphony No. 9 “From the New World," written in 1893 during his time in the United States, exemplifies his ability to harmonize European tradition with the spirit of the New World. The work is infused with Bohemian folk motifs, interwoven with African-American spirituals and Native American melodies—becoming a symbol of cultural fusion and the unifying power of music across nations.
Hanoi audiences will be reunited with conductor Yury Tkachenko, an Honored Artist of Russia and Professor at the Novosibirsk State Conservatory. Currently the Principal Conductor of the International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians, Tkachenko has long been a mentor and source of inspiration for generations of talented young artists.
Conductor Yury Tkachenko, who has led numerous concerts in Vietnam, will once again take the podium
Audiences will also be introduced to Suah Ye, a young Korean pianist recognized by Forbes Korea as one of the most promising classical talents of her generation. Rising to prominence at just 15 when she won First Prize at the Tchaikovsky International Competition for Young Musicians, Suah Ye has since graced prestigious stages such as the Mariinsky Theatre, Salle Cortot (Paris), and Carnegie Weill Recital Hall (New York).
Pianist Suah Ye
Alongside these two guest artists, the Hanoi Symphony Orchestra will form the heart and soul of the evening. With their artistry, precision, and passion, the musicians will recreate the romantic world of Dvořák and Rachmaninov—rich with the lyrical intensity and expressive spirit that define Slavic music.
Cultivating the Beauty of Life Through Art
The concert “Dvořák & Rachmaninov: The Masterpieces of Slavic Romanticism" continues the Hanoi Symphony Orchestra's enduring mission to bring classical music closer to Vietnamese audiences—with the support of ROX Group.
Beyond its role in urban development, ROX Group is devoted to nurturing the beauty of life in the spiritual and cultural realm. By helping to share the world's artistic treasures, the Group believes that art can make life more compassionate, uplifting, and full of light.
This philosophy reflects the enduring values that guide ROX Group in every endeavor: spreading inspiration for a refined way of living, fostering humane and sustainable communities, and inspiring individuals to live with greater kindness, creativity, and love.
As Hanoi continues to strengthen its cultural identity and connect with global art, cultural bridges such as “Dvořák & Rachmaninov: The Masterpieces of Slavic Romanticism" serve as living links between world heritage and the Vietnamese soul. A city's greatness is not measured solely by its expanding skyline or modern infrastructure—it grows through knowledge, emotion, and the pursuit of beauty. That is the vision ROX Group and many like-minded enterprises are helping to build: a Vietnam that flourishes both in form and in spirit.