Composer Nguyen Thien Dao recently returned to Vietnam from Franceto arrange an opera ballet based on the famous Tales of Kieu, writtenby poet Nguyen Du (1766-1820).

In cooperation with theVietnam Opera Ballet Theatre, he has managed to create a traditional yetcontemporary piece including opera, ballet, poetry, theatre, film androck music.

The Tale of Kieu is an epic poem, widelyregarded as the most significant work in Vietnamese literature,translated into 31 languages and published in many countries around theworld.

In 3,254 verses, the work recounts the life, trialsand tribulations of Thuy Kieu, a beautiful and talented young woman. Tosave her family, she sells herself into marriage with a middle-agedman, a disguise, who subsequently forces her into prostitution for aperiod of 15 years after which she manages to again regain her dignity.

Kieu's stormy life and tragic love are both reflected in the 80-minuteopera ballet, entitled Dinh Menh Bat Chot (Unexpected Destiny). Thepiece was written for a soprano, who will recite several verses to helpthe audience understand the context, two baritones, one bass, a choirand a symphony orchestra.

Planned over an extended period of time, Dao said that the opera will be staged as a sequence of dreams from Kieu's life.

"To avoid monotony, I'm using different styles of music," the composer explained.

"People may argue, but I believe that there's no right or wrong inart," he added, saying, "I would like to bring new colour to amasterpiece."

Dao, currently residing in France , is arespected musician both locally and abroad. Throughout his career, thecomposer has written more than 80 musical works, extensively performedinternationally.

His opera ballet is scheduled to open in April 2012./.