On social media platforms, BOND has posted a poster for their upcoming performance at the National Convention Centre in Hanoi, Vietnam, on October 5, announcing that all ticket proceeds will be donated to support the victims of recent Typhoon Yagi.
It is very rare for international music bands to donate their profits for such a noble charitable cause, unless it is part of the "Good Morning Vietnam" series initiated by Nhan Dan Newspaper and IB Group Vietnam.
“Vietnamese people are very warm and friendly”
If last year, during the first edition of the event, only a portion of the ticket sales from "Kenny G Live in Vietnam" programme was used for charitable activities, this year the organisers have decided to donate all proceeds from the "Bond Live in Vietnam" show to assist the people in the northern region affected by Typhoon No. 3. This is a rare occasion where an international artist's show in Vietnam is not for commercial purposes but aimed at benefiting the community.
From the UK, the four beautiful members of BOND Quartet recorded a short clip to greet the Vietnamese audience: "Hi! We are Bond. Come to see us play at the National Convention Centre in Hanoi on October 5. See you there. Love you!"
A warm greeting from the girls of BOND from the UK. |
According to the plan, the quartet will meet with Vietnamese media on October 4, one day before the concert, to share about their largest-scale concert in the world, held in Hanoi.
The most successful string quartet of all time has performed in Vietnam twice before, but this is their first show aimed at the general public. Eight years since their last performance in Vietnam, the quartet has still held fond memories. Eos Counsell (violin) shared: “We loved our time in Vietnam. I think besides the scenery and food, which are my favourite in the world, the most lasting impression was from the people and the beautiful language. We found everyone so warm and friendly, and we're very excited to come back”.
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BOND will perform in Hanoi on October 5. |
Tania Davis (violin) also reflected on the special moments or memories that have stuck with her from their previous two tours in Vietnam. “I love the vibrancy in Vietnam, the friendliness of the people, and of course, the amazing food! We've performed in Vietnam a few times before, and it was incredible to perform for such a passionate and enthusiastic audience. That really made the performances special for us. On this trip, we definitely plan to visit a beautiful landmark in Vietnam, a world-famous site that we've all been eager to experience. I'd love to come back to Vietnam for a holiday and travel around to explore more of this amazing country”.
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The members of Bond are all excited to return and perform in a special show in Vietnam. |
Elspeth Hanson (viola) shared that the quartet had magical experiences during their previous visits to Vietnam, and with this return, BOND hopes to feel the same way. "We are looking forward to the respect of the people, the enthusiasm of the audience, the wonderful culture, and of course, the delicious food. We’re very lucky to be able to see a bit more this time since we’ll be in Hanoi".
Meanwhile, Gay-Yee Westerhoff (cello) mentioned that after the Hanoi official performance on October 5, she will definitely have to eat some Vietnamese food because she really loves ‘Pho’(noodle soup) and ‘Banh Mi’ (bread). She also revealed that she is eager to explore some of Vietnam’s natural wonders during this trip.
BOND will wear ‘Ao Dai’ during Vietnam concert
In a special surprise for fans, BOND will wear ‘Ao Dai’(Vietnamese traditional long dress) during their performance in Hanoi, a rare sight for globally influential artists performing outside of diplomatic events.
Eos Counsell said they are honoured to wear Vietnamese traditional long dress because it is so elegant and beautiful. They expressed their hope to perform in that clothing, but they need their arms and shoulders to be comfortable to play music.
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During this return to Vietnam, the renowned string quartet will don the traditional ‘Ao Dai’ while performing. |
Tania Davis added that they are very excited to have outfits made for them. “Vietnamese women look very stylish in their attire, so we are really looking forward to performing in those outfits”.
While the quartet has not provided specific details, it can be confirmed that BOND will appear on stage in ‘Ao Dai’. Known for their modern stage outfits, seeing BOND perform live in the modest ‘Ao Dai’ of Vietnam will undoubtedly be an exciting experience for the thousands of audiences in the capital city.
This is a fantastic initiative by the organisers of “Bond Live in Vietnam” concert to suggest creating ‘Ao Dai’ for the quartet’s members to wear during their performance. Not only does it serve as a bridge to bring world-class music to local audiences, but the "Good Morning Vietnam" organisers also aim to connect international artists with the local culture, spreading the image of Vietnam to the world through music, true to the meaning of the band's name.
