The duo will perform nearly 30 pieces, including classics like "You Raise Me Up," "Nocturne," and "Song From A Secret Garden." The concert is divided into three parts: Nature and scenic beauty, Humanity, and Religion and culture.

Director Pham Hoang Nam aims to create a dreamy and mystical stage design that complements Secret Garden's music. "I listen to their music every day; it feels as familiar as breathing, and I want the audience to feel the same. The notes, combined with romantic sounds and lighting, will transport listeners to otherworldly realms," he said.

Secret Garden artists Fionnuala Sherry (left) and Rolf Løvland. Photo: *Secret Garden Official*

The producer has invested two million USD in equipment. Additionally, Secret Garden is bringing their own equipment, including two vintage mixers, which will arrive in Hanoi 10 days before the performance. The group's technicians will be there early for setup and testing.

Following the concert, Secret Garden will film a music video in a Vietnamese province to promote tourism. The organizers haven't revealed the exact location, only saying it's a place "previously featured in a Hollywood film."

Secret Garden comprises Norwegian pianist and composer Rolf Løvland and Irish violist Fionnuala Sherry. The group rose to fame after winning the 1995 Eurovision Song Contest with "Nocturne," a piece infused with Celtic influences. Their debut album, "Songs from a Secret Garden" (1996), quickly gained recognition, achieving platinum status in Norway and South Korea and remaining on the Billboard New Age chart for 101 weeks. Many tracks from the album became familiar melodies, deeply embedded in East Asian culture. For instance, "Adagio" was featured in Wong Kar-wai's 2004 film *2046*. This year, the group has recorded an updated version of the album.

Secret Garden's "You Raise Me Up" (music by Rolf Løvland, lyrics by Brendan Graham) has become an inspirational anthem covered by over 100 artists. Westlife's version transformed the originally chamber music piece into a pop culture phenomenon, reaching number one on the UK music charts in 2005.

New Age Voice Magazine once commented: "In a noisy world, Secret Garden provides much-needed tranquility. They are masters of healing melodies,".

Thuy Duong (left, producer's representative) and director Pham Hoang Nam. Photo: *Hai Duong*

Secret Garden's music has been popular in Vietnam since the 1990s and 2000s. "Song from a Secret Garden" and "Nocturne" have frequently served as background music for radio and television programs. Many appreciate the group's work for its gentle, profound melodies, which offer relaxation.

The concert is part of the annual "Good Morning Vietnam" concert series initiated by *Nhan Dan* newspaper. Previously, they brought saxophone legend Kenny G and the string quartet Bond to Vietnam to perform and film music videos.

Le Quoc Minh, Editor-in-Chief of *Nhan Dan* newspaper and head of the program's steering committee, said "Good Morning Vietnam" is a long-term project aimed at promoting cultural exchange between domestic and international artists, combined with charitable purposes.

Le Quoc Minh - Editor-in-Chief of *Nhan Dan* newspaper and head of the program's steering committee - at the concert's press conference on the afternoon of 19/9 in Hanoi. Photo: *Hai Duong*

Ha Thu