The Vietnam Airlines Classic - Hanoi Concert 2026 program marks the fifth time the LSO performs in Hanoi. This classical music event is part of the "Touching Hanoi Autumn" series, organized by Vietnam Airlines in collaboration with the LSO and Ho Guom Theater. The activity continues its journey of bringing world-renowned orchestras and artists to the public, creating a space for enjoying top-tier art in the heart of the capital during autumn.

The stage of Vietnam Airlines Classic - Hanoi Concert 2025. Photo: Vietnam Airlines.

The highlight of this year's two performances is the presence of Sir Antonio Pappano on the podium. He currently serves as the LSO's Music Director. This conductor led the Royal Opera House for 22 years and received a knighthood in 2012 for his contributions to global music. Under his direction, the LSO promises an artistic experience that will captivate even the most discerning ears.

For this return, the LSO presents a repertoire specifically designed for the Ho Guom Theater stage. The program opens with the mystical, colorful beauty of "The Enchanted Lake," composed by Anatoly Lyadov. Following this, the orchestra performs classic melodies from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's "Sinfonia Concertante." The concert concludes with a dramatic moment from Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's "Symphony No. 5." The three works, each with distinct nuances, guide listeners through a multi-dimensional emotional journey.

Another distinct feature of this year's program is the appearance of two talented soloists, Benjamin Marquise Gilmore (violin) and Eivind Ringstad (viola). The two artists will join the LSO to perform "Sinfonia Concertante." This performance offers the Vietnamese public a direct opportunity to experience the exquisite technique of international soloists, blending with the sound of a large-scale orchestra.

The London Symphony Orchestra and conductor Sir Antonio Pappano. Photo: Vietnam Airlines.

Le Hong Ha, General Director of Vietnam Airlines and a representative of the organizing committee, stated that the LSO's return to Hanoi is a significant milestone for the program and the capital's cultural life. The enterprise aims to maintain this concert series as an annual international rendezvous, bridging the gap between the Vietnamese public and the world's musical elite.

Established in 1904, the LSO boasts a history of over 120 years and maintains its position as one of the leading symphony orchestras in the United Kingdom and globally. The general public knows the LSO not only through chamber concert stages but also through a series of blockbuster film score recording projects, such as Star Wars and Harry Potter. The orchestra previously performed in Hanoi in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2025.

The London Symphony Orchestra performing at Vietnam Airlines Classic - Hanoi Concert 2025. Video: LSO.

Thanh Thu