Pianist Luong Khanh Nhi: "SSO is a wonderful, professional orchestra"

PV had an interview with Luong Khanh Nhi after she returned from the Leeds International Piano Competition 2024.

Artist Luong Khanh Nhi returns to Hanoi with a highly anticipated performance with the Sun Symphony Orchestra (SSO) in the music night "From Struggle to Triumph"

PV: How do you feel about returning to Vietnam and preparing to perform at the SSO's "From Struggle to Triumph" Concert?

Luong Khanh Nhi: Every time I return to my hometown, I have a very special feeling - both familiar and emotional.

Success at Leeds is a milestone, but for me, music has always been about the journey, not just the destination but the experiences along the way. Performing with the SSO in a special show as meaningful as "From Struggle to Triumph" has made me appreciate the journey even more.

PV: "From Struggle to Triumph" carries a message of resilience, struggle and victory. Do you personally see any similarities between your artistic journey and the spirit of the show?

Luong Khanh Nhi: I think every artist has a challenging journey. I have had moments of self-doubt, especially when entering major international competitions where the pressure is heavy. But it was those difficult moments that helped me realize why I chose music - not to win but to share and connect with people.

I always remember the saying of People's Artist Dang Thai Son: "Music is not for fighting, but to lift people up higher". And that is also what helps me continue to go further.

PV: In the concert, Khanh Nhi will perform Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 3 - the work that helped you make your mark on the international arena. What is the reason for choosing to perform this work again in the concert?

Luong Khanh Nhi: This is a work that I have been attached to since I was a child and perhaps it clearly reflects my artistic journey - challenging but also very liberal and intense.

With each performance, I discover new aspects of Prokofiev's music. This time, with an orchestra as emotional as the SSO, I believe the work will have a different, very special breath.

According to Luong Khanh Nhi, SSO is a wonderful orchestra with an extremely professional working spirit. (Illustration photo).

PV: Can you share a little about your rehearsal process with the SSO? Is there anything that impresses you about this orchestra?

Luong Khanh Nhi: SSO is a wonderful orchestra with a very professional working spirit. I was particularly impressed with their versatility - they don't just play music, they really listen and blend together to create a harmonious whole.

This reminds me of how the world's top orchestras work, and I feel truly fortunate to experience it right here in Vietnam.

PV: As a young artist, how do you evaluate the development of symphonic music in Vietnam today?

Luong Khanh Nhi: I feel very happy to see more and more young people interested in classical music. Music education projects like the SSO or the Schubert in a Mug project have contributed to bringing classical music closer to Vietnamese audiences.

I hope that in the future, there will be more playgrounds for the young generation to have the opportunity to interact and develop in this environment.

PV: After your success in Leeds, what are your plans for the future? Can the audience expect more of your performances in Vietnam?

Artist Luong Khanh Nhi hopes to have more opportunities to perform in Vietnam.

Luong Khanh Nhi: I really hope to have more opportunities to perform in Vietnam. In the near future, I will have personal projects such as performing at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music in Singapore, working with Dame Imogen Cooper in France, and returning to Leeds. But I will definitely find a way to return to Vietnam with more meaningful programs as soon as possible.

PV: Finally, what message would you like to send to the audience who are looking forward to the performance at "From Struggle to Triumph"?

Luong Khanh Nhi: I am very excited to meet and share music with the audience in this program. I hope that whether in the exciting or quiet moments, the audience will find their own story in the music of the show.

And most of all, I hope that "From Struggle to Triumph" is not just a concert, but an inspiration for us to believe in our own journey.

PV: Thank you for sharing, Luong Khanh Nhi. Wishing you and the SSO orchestra a successful performance!

Source: https://www.baogiaothong.vn/nghe-si-piano-luong-khanh-nhi-sso-la-dan-nhac-tuyet-voi-chuyen-nghiep-192250326093618391.htm