First string: This file photo shows Sarah Chang performing in the Hennessy Concert at Ha Noi Opera House in 2010. The artist will perform again with local musicians tomorrow. — File Photo

HA NOI — Violin virtuoso Sarah Chang will return to Viet Nam tomorrow to perform with local musicians.

Chang will perform Vivaldi's The Four Seasons which she has performed many times before.

"This is a very special piece which inspires me whenever I perform it. This time I'll be able to share the experience with Vietnamese musicians," she said at a press conference held in Ha Noi yesterday.

The violinist recorded The Four Seasons several years ago. "I chose this piece for the performance in Ha Noi because it is one of the most popular classical works. It is not too long but it is very technical," she said.

Her recording of the piece in 2007 attracted international acclaim, with BBC Music Magazine stating: "She has never made a finer recording."

Chang will be joined by 19 musicians from the Viet Nam National Academy of Music, and she has been impressed by her colleagues in practice.

"They are very talented musicians. It is very hard piece but they are so enthusiastic," said Chang.

The Four Seasons poetry and colours will help listeners enjoy the music with their senses, according to Chang. "Vietnamese musicians are not known for being that technical, but they are very natural. I can learn from them and it's lucky for me," Chang said.

Chang is recognised as one of the world's great violinists. She started to study the violin with her father at the age of four. Since her debut with the New York Philharmonic at the age of eight, she has performed with the greatest orchestras and conductors.

Chang's most recent recording for EMI classics of Brahms and Brunch violin concertos received excellent critical and popular acclaim and was her 20th album for the label.

She was honoured as a Young Global Leader for 2008 by the World Economic Forum for her professional achievements, commitment to society and potential in shaping the future of the world.

She was given the honour of running with the Olympic Torch in New York, and became the youngest person ever to receive the Hollywood Bowl's Hall of Fame award.

She has been named the US Embassy's Artistic Ambassador from 2011.

Performing in the Hennessy Concert Series for the second time is exceptional because Chang never has repeated performances at the same event. "The main reason is that I wanted to come back to Viet Nam - a beautiful and friendly country. I love the buildings in Ha Noi City and I love the food here," Chang said.

Chang recalls her last performance in the Hennessy Concert in 2010 when it rained heavily. She was afraid that people would not come to see the show due to the bad weather, but she was really moved when she saw the packed theatre and expressed her desire to the concert organisers to come back.

The Hennessy Concert Series has been held in Viet Nam since 1996. Each year the series has produced sophisticated and diverse programmes showcasing the most sought-after artists of modern time.

The concert will kick off at 8pm at Ha Noi Opera House. The concert will be broadcast live on a large screen outside the theatre. — VNS