Toong x Maestoso: A Year of Concerts Honoring Classical Music
Over the past year, the Toong space at 51 Phan Bội Châu has become a familiar meeting place for classical music lovers in Hanoi, thanks to the collaboration with Maestoso. Here, each month, a concert has provided Toongers with wonderful musical experiences, along with a desire to connect and spread enduring artistic values
The collaboration between Toong and Maestoso – Bringing classical music closer to the public
Maestoso, a pioneering concert organization established in 2018, was founded by talented artists with a vision to elevate Vietnamese classical music. Under the leadership of pianist Lưu Đức Anh, Nguyễn Đức Anh, conductor Nguyễn Phú Sơn, and executive director Dương Vũ Minh, Maestoso has created many memorable concerts at major venues such as the Hanoi Opera House, Goethe Institute, Heritage Space, and especially the monthly concert series at Toong 51 Phan Bội Châu.
Toong, with a desire to create unique and inspiring workspaces, has found a deep resonance with Maestoso through their mission of spreading and connecting. Since October of last year, Toong has become the regular venue for Maestoso's monthly concert series, aiming to create a space that is both creative and rich in artistic value. The concerts at Toong not only provide audiences with a refined experience but also serve as a bridge to bring the community closer to classical music, allowing them to explore emotions through each melody.
Winterrise and the first harmonies between Toong and Maestoso.
To kick off the journey of collaboration between Toong and Maestoso, the first concert featuring the classic work Winterreise (Winter Journey) by Franz Schubert took place in October of last year at Toong 51 Phan Bội Châu. With performances by pianist Lưu Đức Anh and tenor Shaun Lee from Singapore, Winterreise provided a complete artistic experience for the audience.
Winterreise is Schubert's masterpiece, telling the story of a lonely young man's journey through winter as he grapples with the despair of lost love. The somber, profound melodies of the piece not only depict a cold winter landscape but also convey the deep sorrow of the main character. The concert left a strong impression, opening a musical journey where each audience member could listen and feel the deepest layers of emotion.
For Toong, Winterreise was not just the first concert in this collaborative series, but also a commitment to creating a space where art and emotion intersect. The concert marked a promising beginning, and from then on, each month audiences have had the chance to immerse themselves in the world of music at this special venue.
Choosing to partner with Maestoso goes beyond merely organizing events. With a vision to become a creative community hub, Toong recognizes the importance of nurturing cultural and spiritual values within the workspace. Classical music enriches the spiritual lives of listeners while building a meaningful workspace where individuals can find balance between work and art.
Maestoso, with the aspiration to bring Vietnamese classical music to the world, has consistently worked to make academic music more accessible to audiences. Toong, committed to continuously improving its creative space, has found a connection in vision and mission with Maestoso. For Toong, each concert is not just an event, but an opportunity for individuals to get closer to art, thereby expanding their awareness, nurturing their emotions, and further exploring themselves
Die Schöne Müllerin” – Celebrating one year in the journey of nurturing emotions through music
The concert Die Schöne Müllerin (The Beautiful Miller's Daughter) on October 19th took place at Toong 51 Phan Bội Châu, marking a milestone of one year of collaboration between Toong and Maestoso. The concert program featured Die Schöne Müllerin—one of Schubert's classic works—performed by tenor Shaun Lee from Singapore and pianist Lưu Đức Anh. The piece tells the story of a young miller, expressing a range of emotions from hope and love to disappointment, loss, and ultimately acceptance.
In each song, the audience not only listens but also deeply feels each emotional stage of the miller—from the joy of first love to the pain of heartbreak. The work delicately portrays the journey of confronting and nurturing feelings of loss, something that Toong believes every individual must experience in life. For Toong, loss is not a negative thing but a part of growth, helping individuals gain a better understanding of themselves and what they cherish.
The sounds that will echo endlessly
Reflecting on a year of collaboration with Maestoso, Toong is not only proud to bring classical music closer to the public but also to create a workspace where art and life intertwine. Each concert serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding emotions and nurturing the soul, fostering a strong community where work and art coexist.
Toong and Maestoso will continue this journey, providing even more unique musical experiences that help audiences explore, connect, and nurture their emotions