 (Photo: The program's poster on Facebook) |
Performed by the Imagine Philharmonic Orchestra and conducted by Gen Z talented maestro Dustin Tieu, the concert will combine orchestral music with multisensory interactive elements to create a cinematic fairy-tale ambiance.
Conductor Tieu said that the music serves as a background to a musical-like experience, where every interactive moment, camera line, and singer’s appearance is live and close to a Broadway musical. “We make sure that the music connects with the story and creates a cohesive experience, not just separate pieces. I hope the audience will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the instruments and the interactive elements,” according to Tieu.
“Once Upon A Time” reimagines symphony through interaction and storytelling, transforming what is often seen as an elite art form into a shared communal experience.
 Gen Z talented maestro Dustin Tieu (Photo: The program's Facebook) |
The concert retells beloved Disney stories such as Frozen, Moana, Coco, Toy Story, and The Lion King through orchestral music, inviting children to participate alongside fairy-tale characters, while adults reconnect with childhood nostalgia.
Luong Nha Thi, also known as Kathy Luong, the founder of OrcheStars, the company behind the concert, emphasized the mission to make symphony accessible to everyone. Thi told VOV, “When people hear ‘symphonic music,’ they often think it’s beautiful but not for everyone. I’m confident that through shows like this, people will realize symphony is not just for a few but deserves to be enjoyed by many.”
“Our orchestra doesn’t just play classical pieces; we also arrange contemporary music in a symphonic style to help audiences connect better. We want to bring symphony out of theaters and into the community through entertainment and experience,” Thi confirmed.
 Kathy Luong (Photo: The program's Facebook) |
The concert unfolds in four emotional chapters, beginning with RISE, a gentle awakening with Disney melodies that stir the inner child amid life’s busiest days. It then moves into DREAM, where the music kindles passion and courage, inspired by iconic Disney heroes who remind us to hold onto our dreams and aspirations.
The experience reaches its climax in BRAVE, a powerful segment where soaring orchestral themes push the audience beyond fear and doubt. Finally, the concert closes with LOVE, an intimate finale celebrating the transformative power of love, whether from family, friends, or childhood memories, that fuels us on our journey to realize our dreams.
Kathy Luong, who is also a longtime Ho Chi Minh city resident, talked about what inspired her to stage the show “Once Upon A Time”. “As a mother of two music-loving children, I wanted to create a space that’s both entertaining and educational, easy to approach for all ages. This concert helps families create beautiful childhood memories together while delivering meaningful messages,” Thi said.
“Once Upon A Time” pioneers a new approach to live performance by taking symphonic music beyond concert halls and making it an interactive, narrative-driven experience for the whole community.
The show brings together creative director Le Xuan Ky and Vietnam’s youngest conductor Dustin Tiêu, supported by the Imagine Philharmonic Orchestra, an exceptionally talented young orchestra. The project is presented by OrcheStars, a music production company committed to innovative classical music presentation, and S-World Media, a leader in innovative, technology-driven events.
Tickets are available now at: orchestars.vn/events/disney-25. There’s a 10% discount for purchasing 4 or more tickets using the code LOVE.