ABOUT

Welcome to the International Choir & Orchestra of HCMC

Since 1996, the International Choir & Orchestra of Ho Chi Minh City has been bringing people together through the joy of music. What started with a handful of singers at the British Embassy has grown into a vibrant community of around 60 voices and 30 instrumentalists—a mix of Vietnamese locals and international expats, all united by a shared love of performing.

We sing and play it all: majestic classics by Handel, Mozart, Haydn, and Vivaldi; show-stopping musical theatre numbers; traditional songs from around the world; and festive carols in many languages. Every season is a chance to explore something new, to challenge ourselves, and to create something beautiful together.

Under Artistic Director Craig Haggart, with Orchestra Director Ian Alexander and Assistant Choir Director Cullen Lockwood, we bring together amateur singers and players to achieve a polished, professional standard—while keeping the joy, energy, and sense of community at the heart of every rehearsal.

And we’d love you to join us. Whether you’re an experienced performer or haven’t sung or played in years, you’ll find a warm welcome here. Come along to a rehearsal, meet new friends, and be part of the music that fills Ho Chi Minh City with energy, colour, and heart.

Find Out More About Our Leaders…

Craig Haggart – Artistic Director

Craig Haggart is an accomplished singer and freelance artist whose work spans an impressive range of performance platforms. As a member of the National Youth Choir of Scotland, he has appeared in many of the UK’s leading concert halls and has been featured in broadcasts for BBC Radio and national television. In 2017, Craig joined the choir for Hans Zimmer’s International Tour, performing the composer’s epic film scores to sold-out audiences worldwide. He has also collaborated with the National Theatre of Scotland on the development and workshop of new works, and appeared with The Old Vic in The Divide Parts I & II during the Edinburgh Festival at the King’s Theatre.

In Vietnam, Craig’s recent solo appearances include Imagine Philharmonic Orchestra’s production of La La Land, his debut performance of Finzi’s Let Us Garlands Bring at the international Nổ Cái Bùm festival in Da Lat, and numerous chamber performances with Saigon Soul.

Alongside his performance career, Craig is a sought-after vocal coach, répétiteur, and accompanist. He has coached and accompanied Britten’s Noye’s Fludde at the Lammermuir Festival in partnership with McOpera, and worked with Pacific Ocean Partners and YOUniverse to stage Vietnam’s first Broadway production, Shrek: The Musical, in Hanoi. He has also served as guest coach for Impact Theatre Saigon, with accompaniment credits for Legally Blonde, The Addams Family, RENT, We Will Rock You, Spamalot, Shrek, Guys & Dolls, Beauty and the Beast, Oliver!, Jesus Christ Superstar, Mamma Mia!, and The Mystery of Edwin Drood.

Craig is currently Artistic Director of the International Choir and Orchestra of Ho Chi Minh City, and teaches at the British International School HCMC and Auftdart Academy of Performing Arts.

Ian Alexander  – Orchestra Director

Ian began to play brass instruments at a young age within the British Brass Band tradition, starting on tenor horn and later switching to cornet and trumpet. Following completion of a degree in music, Ian has played trumpet in many orchestras, show bands and pop and soul bands in the UK, alongside his career teaching Music.

Since moving to Asia, Ian has worked as Director of Music in Thailand and both Head of Instrumental Music and Director of Music at the British International School, Ho Chi Minh City. The school has a vibrant music programme and Ian leads many ensembles, along with implementing the new Juilliard collaboration. Ian is also the ABRSM representative for HCMC, organising instrumental music exams.

Ian joined the International Choir in 2007 and soon after founded and directed the International Orchestra to run alongside the choir. He has also conducted various Broadway style shows in the community and the Saigon Chamber Orchestra. He also played bass with the popular local band, the ‘Pho Fighters’.