Several works of French composer Georges Bizet will be performed by theHo Chi Minh City Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera this weekend.

The orchestra will perform Bizet's Roma Symphony in C Major, one of the composer's most popular pieces, to open the event.

Bizet wrote the work while he is studying at the Paris MusicConservatory under composer Charles Gounod. It is evidently a studentassignment.

He started work on the symphony on a day in 1855, only four days after turning 17, and finished it a month later.

The Roma Symphony in C Major is recognised by music critics as a workin melody invention. Young conductor Tran Nhat Minh will lead theorchestra.

The show's second part will feature members ofHBSO's ballet, including Nguyen Thu Trang, Ho Phi Diep and Dam DucNhuan, performing in Carmen, an opera in four acts by Bizet, whocomposed the work in 1875.

Carmen tells the story of Don Jose, a naive soldier who is seduced by the wiles of the fiery gypsy Carmen.

Its depiction of proletarian life, immorality and lawlessness, and thetragic outcome in which the main characters die on stage, broke newground in French opera and is highly controversial.

The ballet is choreographed by Cuban Alberto Alonso, who is famous for his sensual dances.

The show will begin at 8pm on June 9, at the Opera House, 7 Lam Son Square , District 1.

Tickets, ranging from 150,000 VND (6 USD) to 300,000 VND (15 USD), are available at the theatre's box office.-VNA