Alan Gilbert and the New York Philharmonic just took another giant step forward in its establishment as a self-proclaimed goodwill ambassador for the U.S. Presenting two concerts in Hanoi last weekend. The event marked their first visit to communist Vietnam since the war between our countries ended over three decades ago. An estimated one-third of the tickets went to sponsors and government officials, with the remainder sold to the general public. Reportedly, the cheapest tickets were around two million dong, or $115 US.

Even though ticket prices were sky high, the concerts nevertheless did sell out. But this did not wholly exclude the remaining music lovers in the area, as they could watch for free on two large screens with speakers set up outside the Hanoi Opera House. AFP spoke with laborers and cab drivers who gave up a nights work to watch the concert.

The program included Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4, with Emanuel Ax as soloist, as well as Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7. A full account from AFP writer Ian Timberlake after the break.

NY Philharmonic Holds Debut Performance In Hanoi

Posted on October 21st, 2009 at 10:12 am | Filed under General |