French conductor to lead “The Little Prince” musical in Vietnam

The musical, which will be jointly organised by Hanoi Opera House along with the French Embassy and the French Institute in Vietnam, is part of activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-France diplomatic relations (April 12, 1973 - 2023) and 10 years of their strategic partnership (2013 - 2023).

The programme will be performed in combination with illustrations by artist Joann Sfar.

This is also the first time the famous work has been shown in the form of a musical combined with visual arts in Vietnam. The Vietnam Symphony Orchestra will perform under the direction of conductor Marc - Oliver Dupin, along with the participation of artist Hua Thanh Tu.

"The Little Prince" or "Le Petit Princedo" was written and illustrated by  Antoine de Saint Exupéry. It was first published in English and French in the US in 1943. The year 2023 marks the 80th anniversary of the birth of the story.

“The Little Prince” is the third most-read literary work in the world and translated into nearly 250 languages, including Vietnamese.

Marc-Olivier Dupin, former director of France Musique, began his career at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris, where he won many prizes. He is a renowned symphonic composer, having written operas, music for ballet, film, and theater.

He has held positions at several conservatories and is currently the director of the Ile de France National Orchestra.