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“Once Upon a Time – Where Dreams Begin” is a large-scale interactive art concert – with over 3,200 attendees – aimed at all generations, especially children and families. Taking place in the open space of the Ho Xuan Huong Gymnasium (Ho Chi Minh City) on July 19th & 20th, 2025, organized by OrcheStars, it marks a pioneering step in performing arts: bringing symphony music out of the theater and closer to the community through interactive storytelling and musical narratives.
Under the direction of the talented young conductor Dustin Tieu and the Imagine Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO), the program opens up an artistic space imbued with cinematic and fairytale elements, combining chamber music with a multi-sensory experience. This is the first time in Vietnam that audiences will not only listen to the symphony, but will truly become a vibrant part of the concert.
Conductor Dustin Tieu
A journey to revitalize symphonic music through interactive art.
As the world searches for a balance – between modernity and emotion, between technology and humanity – Once Upon a Time is more than just a concert. It's a declaration of a new artistic trend: blending traditional values (symphonic music) with innovation (interaction, theatricality, mass engagement) – creating a modern yet distinctive cultural experience.
This is a declaration of innovation from Vietnam's young creative generation, including conductor Dustin Tieu – Vietnam's youngest conductor – who has made his mark with groundbreaking concerts and a cast of incredibly talented young artists by bringing symphonic music closer to the community – especially young families and children who are just starting to explore the world of art. In a context where chamber music in Vietnam is still considered "unfamiliar" to the majority, the program represents a powerful shift – bringing symphonic music out of the confines of theaters and closer to the community through the format of "telling fairy tales through music." The choice of the Ho Xuan Huong Gymnasium, instead of a traditional theater, is also a bold step, ensuring that "Symphony is no longer the privilege of a select few – music knows no boundaries and reaches the hearts of all."
“We believe that quality music – even symphonies – when told in an accessible, interactive, and sincere language, will touch people's hearts, especially the younger generation,” shared Ms. Luong Nha Thi, Representative of OrcheStars.
Ms. Luong Nha Thi
This is the first time in Vietnam that a concert program uses symphonic music as its primary language to retell familiar fairy tales such as Frozen, Moana, Coco, Toy Story, The Lion King, and more. In particular, young audiences will participate in interactive activities with vivid fairy tale characters, while adults will find themselves reflected in their childhood memories. Art and music will not only resonate from the stage but also permeate the experiences and emotions of each participant. The program also serves as a bridge connecting generations – where entire families are bonded through an emotional and meaningful artistic journey.
A modern-day fairytale world – where generations of families live amidst music.
With "Once Upon a Time," each piece of music is not just a performance, but a gateway that takes the audience into the magical world of Disney, divided into four emotional chapters – corresponding to moments that everyone has experienced in their lives:
RISE - When peace returns
A gentle journey that takes viewers back to inner peace, through familiar Disney melodies that awaken the child within us – even in the busiest days.
DREAM - When a journey begins with a wish
Audiences are transported back to their purest passions and initial aspirations – the place where they once dared to dream of becoming someone. Disney characters, with their magic and courage, become a reflection of that very journey.
BRAVE - When you dare to overcome your fear
The climax of the concert – where the music explodes, powerful, taking listeners beyond boundaries and allowing them to find themselves.
LOVE - When love becomes the most wonderful thing
It concludes with lingering emotions, where love—for family, friends, childhood—becomes the foundation upon which we continue our journey to realize our dreams.
In an age where children grow up surrounded by technology, Once Upon a Time is an attempt to bring families back together through art, where every generation can share vibrant, gentle, and magical moments.
Program information: Once Upon a Time - Where Dreams Begin
Date: July 19 & 20, 2025
Location: Ho Xuan Huong Gymnasium, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
