Set to take place on July 19 and 20 at the open-air Ho Xuan Huong Stadium in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, this event will welcome over 3,200 spectators from multiple generations, with a special focus on children and families.
The concert reflects a fresh, international spirit and modern creativity that invites audiences to experience symphonic music in a close, inspiring, and participatory way.
Reimagining symphony through interaction and storytelling
Conducted by the young, talented maestro Dustin Tiêu and performed by the Imagine Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO), "Once Upon A Time" offers a cinematic and fairy-tale ambiance, combining orchestral music with multisensory interactive elements. Audiences won’t just listen - they will become an integral part of the storytelling.
Moving far beyond the traditional concert format, "Once Upon A Time" merges high art and entertainment with international flair, designed to engage all ages in a sensory and emotional journey. This event marks a bold step forward for young Vietnamese creatives who aim to make classical music accessible and relatable, especially for young families and children new to the arts.
Symphony in Vietnam is often seen as distant or inaccessible. This concert breaks that mold, removing music from its "elite" setting and transforming it into a shared communal experience one where stories like Frozen, Moana, Coco, Toy Story, and The Lion King are retold through the universal language of orchestral music.
"The concert space is designed as an open world, where audiences don’t just watch and listen, but also immerse themselves in tangible, interactive moments. At Once Upon A Time, you can touch the magical genie lamp, flip through the pages of a fairytale book, feel snowflakes falling, play among blooming magnolia petals, or even transform into a prince or princess in your favorite story. These interactive elements invite the audience - especially families and young children - to move beyond simply being spectators and become part of the storytelling journey." said Director Le Xuan Ky
Children will actively participate alongside beloved fairy-tale characters, while adults reconnect with the nostalgia and wonder of their childhoods. The music and storytelling will resonate beyond the stage, touching the hearts of every attendee, making this event a unique emotional bridge between generations.
As Vietnam emerges as a regional innovation hub, not only in technology but also in culture and education, this concert pioneers a new approach to live performance: taking symphony music beyond the confines of theaters and bringing it directly to the community through interactive, narrative-driven experiences rooted in beloved fairy tales.
"We believe that quality music even symphonic works when presented in a familiar, interactive, and heartfelt language, will touch everyone’s heart, especially the younger generation," shared Ms. Lương Nhã Thi, Founder of OrcheStars.
Behind the scenes, the show brings together a creative powerhouse: director Le Xuan Ky collaborates with Vietnam’s youngest conductor Dustin Tiêu, supported by an exceptionally talented young orchestra. The project is proudly presented by OrcheStars, a dynamic music company committed to innovating classical music presentation, alongside S-World Media, leaders in driving innovation and technology in major events.
A modern fairy tale for the whole family
"Once Upon A Time" unfolds as a rich emotional journey through four distinct chapters, each reflecting moments that resonate deeply with audiences of all ages.
The concert begins with RISE, a gentle awakening that brings listeners back to inner peace through beloved Disney melodies, stirring the child within us all even amid life’s busiest days.
It then moves into DREAM, where the music rekindles pure passion and courage, inspired by iconic Disney heroes who remind us to hold onto our original dreams and aspirations.
The experience reaches its climax in BRAVE, a powerful and dynamic segment where soaring orchestral themes push the audience beyond fear and self-doubt, encouraging personal growth and discovery.
Finally, the concert closes with LOVE, an intimate and moving finale celebrating the transformative power of love, whether from family, friends, or childhood memories, that fuels us on our journey to realize our dreams.
In an age where technology often pulls families apart, "Once Upon A Time" offers a magical opportunity for loved ones to reconnect through shared artistic experiences, creating tender, lively moments that transcend generations.
OrcheStars is a vibrant music company dedicated to bringing symphony closer to the community. With a philosophy that classical music should be "felt and lived, not just heard," OrcheStars creates immersive, narrative-driven concerts that break traditional concert hall boundaries. Their flagship ensemble, Imagine Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO), founded in 2024, unites Vietnam’s finest young musicians with a vision to blend performance, education, and international collaboration.
Tickets available now at: orchestars.vn/events/disney-25.
Families purchasing 4 tickets or more can use code LOVE at checkout to receive a 10% discount.
