The Vietnam Theatre of Ballet and Drama will start its 2007 season next week with two nights of music under the baton of American conductor Daniel Perkins.

Perkins, professor of music and director of choral activities at Plymouth State University, will conduct the New Year Romance concert at the Hanoi Opera House on January 12 and 13.

Part I of the concert, organized with support from the US embassy, will feature F. Mendelssohn’s concertos performed by violinist Tuan An, cellist Thu Van, and pianist Dan Perkins, and J. Brahms’s four Gypsy Songs.

In the second part, Vietnamese audience will, for the first time, have the opportunity to enjoy the ballet Westside Story with music by L. Bernstein and choreography by Lisa Travis.

The ballet is based on a famous musical which won 10 Oscar awards and has often been considered a modern Romeo-and-Juliet.

World renowned ballet artist Cao Chi Thanh will play the part of Tony, Quynh Nga that of Maria, Thi Ngoc that of Riff, and Duc Toan that of Bernardo.

Daniel R. Perkins was named principal guest conductor for the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet’s orchestra and chorus in 2005.

The invitation came following a three-week visit to Vietnam during which Perkins conducted three performances for the orchestra and chorus and with members of the New Hampshire Master Choral, which he also conducts.

The concerts took place in Hanoi and Halong Bay as part of celebrations to mark 30 years since the end of the war in Vietnam.

As guest conductor, Perkins has worked with Vietnamese musicians and conducts concerts, beginning with a program of American symphonic works in January 2006.

Source: Thanhnien