Hanoi has welcomed a performance by the Royal Opera of Versailles, bringing a programme of classical music and opera to the Vietnamese capital. The concert, titled “Four Seasons With Love”, took place at Ho Guom Opera on the evening of October 29. It brought together instrumental music, arias and duets inspired by the works of several European composers.
The programme was arranged in four sections representing spring, summer, autumn and winter. It included works associated with Giovanni Antonio Guido, Antonio Vivaldi, George Frideric Handel, Jean-Philippe Rameau, Johann Adolf Hasse and Riccardo Broschi. The selection offered audiences a journey through different styles of European classical music and the traditions of opera.
The performance formed part of a wider cultural exchange between Vietnam and international artistic institutions. Bringing overseas performers to Hanoi gives local audiences access to productions that may otherwise be difficult to experience in person. It also creates opportunities for artists, organisers and cultural venues to develop professional relationships and exchange knowledge.
Ho Guom Opera has become an important venue for cultural events in the capital. Hosting an international performance there helps strengthen Hanoi’s profile as a destination for music, theatre and other forms of live entertainment. The city has been seeking to develop more cultural activities that appeal to both residents and international visitors.
Classical music events can also help introduce younger audiences to artistic traditions. A concert that combines well-known composers with a clear theme may make the programme easier to follow for people who are new to opera. Educational activities, programme notes and public discussions can further help audiences understand the history and musical ideas behind the works.
For Hanoi, cultural events have a role beyond entertainment. They can support tourism, encourage visits to local venues and contribute to the wider creative economy. Visitors who attend performances may also explore nearby restaurants, hotels and cultural attractions, creating business opportunities for the surrounding area.
International productions also provide a way to present Vietnamese audiences with different artistic approaches. Performers and organisers can exchange ideas about staging, music education and audience development. These connections may support future collaborations and encourage more international cultural programmes in the city.
The Royal Opera of Versailles performance added another international event to Hanoi’s cultural calendar. Its success will depend not only on audience attendance but also on whether such programmes encourage lasting interest in live music and cultural exchange. As the capital continues to expand its cultural offerings, international performances can help make its arts scene more varied and accessible.
