Visiting the website of famous British conductor Paul Bateman, his working schedule for August is “Concert in Vietnam”. He has been invited to Vietnam by singer Duc Tuan, who recently went to Canada the second time for a semi-classic music project.

How is this trip important to you compared to your trip two years ago? And how is it significant for your “Music of Night” album?

They are all important. The first occasion, for the first time an opera expert instructed me in basic techniques from singing to performance. I applied that valuable experience in my shows. This time, I carefully practiced each song on the album with another expert. He was whole-hearted, followed me to every recording session and instructed me from singing techniques to how to accurately pronounce English and French.

Is it true that because you plan to sing songs in famous operas you have to study foreign languages?

I learn foreign languages to meet necessary standards, not try to force myself to pronounce exactly like English and American singers.

Famous opera singers in the world come from many countries and they sing English songs with Italian or Spanish accents and they are still attractive.

I will not lose my characteristics to be praised “singing English in standard”. I studied English methodologically so I know what is standard.

Who is your instructor? Why did you choose Canada, not the UK, France or the US, powerful countries of opera?

He is Marcin Brzezinski, a reputed vocal professor in Quebec and Canada. He invented the famous DVI formula, which combines new vocal techniques and traditional skills.

He is also known for helping singers to deal with problems in their larynx. Many opera artists from Broadway also learnt from him.

So I chose him. Canada is also a powerful country of opera. Many great operas are performed in Canada before Broadway (US) or West End (UK), the two musical centres of the world.

It is said that you paid $20,000 for “Music of Night” album, is it true?

Yes, to have a product meeting international standards and that can be distributed outside of the Vietnamese border.

You will give a live opera show in August 2009. Do you think that singing opera is less competitive and not so uninspired like other genres of music, because they are immortal songs?

The question is the answer.

Is it because opera requires foreign experts that you invited conductor Paul Bateman to join your live show?

This live show is very important to me. I want to do my best. I don’t accept the thinking “It is sufficient in Vietnam”. It is lucky that Mr. Paul Bateman enthusiastically agreed. He is a famous conductor and he has mixed many excellent semi-classic albums, the musical genre that I’m pursuing.

You plan to use the Symphony Orchestra of the HCM City Opera and Ballet Theatre, with around 60 instrumentalists. How much will you have to pay for the show?

I’m negotiating with some sponsors. Some have promised to fund my show. But with or without sponsors, the live show will take place on the planned scale.