It will feature two of Haydn’ finest choral pieces: “Te Deum in C” and “Paukenmesse,” also known as “Mass in Time of War” or “Mass No. 9 in C major.”

The Mozart contribution was to have been “Symphony No. 40 in G-minor” but it has been replaced by another of Mozart works, to be performed by the Ho Chi Minh City International Choir.

The HCMC Ballet and Symphony Orchestra will not be backing them as originally planned. A small ensemble of local musicians will fill in for the orchestra.

The cost of admission has also been changed.

Instead of VND150,000-350,000 (US$8.44-19.70) for a ticket, the promoters suggest the concertgoers make a donation of around VND150,000, when they enter the church at 44 Tu Xuong Street in District 3.

Proceeds from the concert will be used to help underprivileged children through the charities Loreto Vietnam Australia and Poussieres de Vie (Dust of life).

People who have already bout tickets can arrange for a refund y phoning Amaury le Blan on 0903 930 907. The old tickets can also be used to get into the new venue.

As reported in Thanh Nien Daily, soprano Kara Florish, mezzo soprano Maeve Duddy and bass/baritone Laurence Pulley will sing at the concert.

Florish and Duddy trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and have played with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.

Pulley, who has taught in various music schools in Australia, received the Order of Australia in 1991 for his contributions to music and youth development.

Made up of expats from many countries, the HCMC International Choir scored a hit with the Broadway musical “Annie Get Your Gun” last November.

Reported by Trong Kha