Reflecting on the Journey of Spreading Artistic Values at Dream Concert Vietnam 2025

15 Dec, 2025

From December 8 to 12, the international classical music concert series "Dream Concert Vietnam 2025" was held with resounding success, attracting over 4,000 attendees across four venues: the University of Transport and Communications in Hanoi, the National Economics University, the HCMC Student Cultural House, and the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City. The event not only left a deep artistic impression and brought peaceful melodies ahead of the Christmas season but also marked another successful year of collaboration between the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) and the New York Classical Music Society (NYCMS).

Throughout its nearly 50-year journey, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) has not only focused on educational quality but has also pioneered the building of a "Community of art inspirers and changemakers for sustainable development." In line with this orientation, "Dream Concert Vietnam 2025" was organized, marking a new step in fostering cultural connections between Vietnam and the international community. The program featured 22 talented artists from the NYCMS, who performed classical masterpieces such as Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 "Ode to Joy," Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 21, K.467, and Vivaldi's "Winter," RV 297, among others.

Highlights of Dream Concert Vietnam 2025 in Vietnam

University of Transport and Communications – Building a Classical Music-Loving Community

The tour's first stop at the University of Transport and Communications in Hanoi on December 8 attracted over 600 attendees, providing a wonderful opportunity for young people to experience world-class classical music and explore timeless artistic values.

The concert at the University of Transport and Communications drew over 600 students.

The performance was attended by leaders from both universities, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Chuong - Secretary of the Party Committee, Chairman of the University Council; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Hung, Rector; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Hoai Duc - Vice Rector. From UEH leadership: Prof. Dr. Nguyen Khac Quoc Bao, Chairman of the UEH Council; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung, UEH Interim President; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Bich Nguyet - Chairwoman of the UEH Alumni Executive Board. Distinguished guests included Mr. Park Noh Wan, former Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Choi Seung Jin, Director of the Korean Cultural Center in Vietnam; and Mr. Lee Jae Eun - Chairman & CEO of Everon.

Representing UEH, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung shared: "Not limited to Ho Chi Minh City, the journey of artistic inspiration wishes to reach further to students in Hanoi City. The classical concert 'Dream Concert Vietnam 2025' promises to be an ideal event for young music lovers, especially classical music. I believe that UEH will always accompany you on the path of exploring and cultivating unique cultural and artistic values."

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung speaking at the event

National Economics University – Creating a Space for Mental Relaxation

Following the success of the first night, the concert at the National Economics University on December 9 drew over 1,000 attendees, including lecturers, students, and local residents.

The concert at the National Economics University attracted over 1,000 students

The event was graced by the presence of Mr. Park Jeong-hwan, Defense Attaché at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Vietnam, Mr. Bok Deokgyu - Director of Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA); Mr. Lee Jae Eun - Chairman & CEO of Everon; and Mr. Kim Han-yong – Former Chairman of the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam. From NEU: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho - Secretary of the Party Committee - Chairman of the University Council; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong - Director of the University; and Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu - Vice Director of the University. From UEH leadership: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung - UEH Interim President; Prof. Dr. Nguyen Dong Phong - Chairman of the UEH Development Strategy Council; Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh - Chairman of the Science and Training Council; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Bich Nguyet - Chairwoman of the UEH Alumni Executive Board.

Opening the program, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung affirmed UEH's strategic orientation to become a Multidisciplinary and Sustainable University, focusing not only on education and training high-quality human resources but also on building a community that spreads artistic inspiration and leads change for sustainable development. He emphasized that through activities like the "Dream Concert Vietnam 2025" program, UEH is realizing its vision of connecting art with other fields, contributing to creating sustainable cultural and artistic values in the community. Particularly, with the cooperation between NEU and UEH, the program will be spread more widely to the community, promoting cultural development in the locality.

HCMC Student Cultural House – A Hub for Classical Music Lovers

Returning after the success of the 2024 program, the concert at the HCMC Student Cultural House on December 11 attracted over 900 students from the VNU-HCMC area, creating an annual traditional arts space for the classical music community to gather.

The concert at the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Cultural House attracted over 900 students

The concert was attended by a representative of the Vietnam Student Association: Comrade Nguyen Dang Khoa, Deputy Secretary of the HCMC Youth Union, President of the Vietnam Student Association of HCMC. From UEH leadership: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung - UEH Interim President. Guest attendees included: Mr. Tran Anh Cuong, M.A. - Deputy Head of the Student Affairs Department, HCMC National University. From the New York Classical Music Society: Dr. Park Young June - Former Vice Minister of the Ministry of Economy and Knowledge of the Republic of Korea, Honorary Rector of UEH College of Technology and Design, as well as the presence of 22 international artists from the USA, Korea, and Japan.

Representing the New York Classical Music Society, Dr. Park Young June - Former Vice Minister of the Ministry of Economy and Knowledge of the Republic of Korea, Honorary Rector of UEH College of Technology and Design, shared: "The New York Classical Music Society sincerely thanks the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City for supporting and co-organizing the 'Dream Concert Vietnam 2025' classical concert program. Through this program, we want to bring a unique artistic space to the audience, where participants can feel the music with their hearts and true emotions. Aiming to celebrate the 32nd anniversary of Vietnam - Korea diplomatic relations, I wish the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City continued development, training excellent students for the nation and the world."

Dr. Park Young June speaking at the event

UEH Campus A – An Annual Traditional Concert Program at UEH

As a familiar destination for classical arts, UEH was the final stop of the "Dream Concert Vietnam 2025" tour. Before the final performance, Ms. Lynn Czae, head of the artist delegation and a leading pianist, gave a public lecture on the history of Western music - from simple foundations to peak techniques. She also unveiled the "soul" of the symphony orchestra through an introduction to the instruments.

Ms. Lynn Czae giving a public lecture on classical music

The concert attracted over 1,000 attendees, including faculty, students, alumni, and partners. of UEH, Vietnamese and Korean businesses, and sponsoring enterprises. The program was honored by the attendance of Mr. Kim Kyoo Chul - Chief Executive Officer of the National Housing Organization; Mr. Bae In Han - General Director of Hyosung Group; and Mr. Dang Quoc Bao - Director of Trung Nam Group. From UEH leadership: Prof. Dr. Nguyen Khac Quoc Bao - Chairman of the University Council; Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh - Chairman of the Science and Training Council; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Bich Nguyet - Chairwoman of the UEH Alumni Executive Board. From the New York Classical Music Society: Dr. Park Young June - Former Vice Minister of the Ministry of Economy and Knowledge of the Republic of Korea, Honorary Rector of UEH College of Technology and Design, Chairman of the Dream Strategic Cultural Exchange Association.

The concert at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City attracted over 1,000 attendees

In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh, representing UEH, shared: "Returning in 2025 after two previous successful years, 'Dream Concert Vietnam 2025' is not just a musical event but a vivid testament to UEH's core message: 'A community that inspires art and leads change for sustainable development.' It is hoped that UEH and NYCMS will continue this partnership to spread art even further to destinations across Vietnam."

Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh speaking at the event

In addition to the wonderful performances, the NYCMS also awarded two scholarships, each valued at 50 million VND, to UEH to help students affected overcome the difficulties caused by the recent natural disasters and floods; and to support outstanding students to pursue their dreams at UEH.

Dr. Park Young June, representing NYCMS, presenting educational scholarships to UEH to support students affected by the floods in Central Vietnam

Dream Concert Vietnam 2025 stands as a vivid testament to the connecting power of music, where art and culture intertwine to create sustainable values. With this dedication, UEH hopes to continue its collaboration with the NYCMS to bring these sublime melodies to more provinces across Vietnam. This is not just a performance tour but a strong commitment to nurturing an art-loving community and collectively moving towards an inspired and sustainable future.

Images from the performances: