High School Music: Nord Anglia Performing Arts Festival - Hanoi

Our High School musicians travelled to Vietnam to participate in the Nord Anglia Performing Arts Festival.

Earlier this month 20 students from St Andrews International School Bangkok Choir and Orchestra attended the Nord Anglia Performing Arts Festival, hosted by the British International School in Hanoi. It was an amazing experience for all who attended and was very rewarding for the students involved. The young musicians were able to perform in a large scale orchestra and smaller ensembles such as chamber groups and a jazz band all been led by world-renowned conductor Radu Paponiu.

Among the students were string, brass and woodwind players and singers. The festival culminated in a concert at the National Academy of Music, Hanoi.

Here’s what some of our students had to say about the event:

“The trip was most definitely the best week of my life. Playing music practically non-stop for a week was fantastic, as was making friends with people from across Southeast Asia. The conductor, Radu, was simply spectacular - it was an honour to work with him. I sincerely hope that they run the trip again next year, and that Radu conducts again.” - Siddharth, Year 8

“Hanoi was one of the best weeks of my life; not only was the quality of music comparable to a world-class orchestra but the friends we made like our Concertmaster and the people in our sections that we gradually bonded with throughout the week were really rememberable.” - Tigger, Year 8

“For me, the Performing Arts Festival in Vietnam was an amazing experience. We got to meet so many interesting people that shared our interest in music and we got to explore music to levels we couldn't without such a big orchestra. A truly eye-opening experience.” Simon, Year 10