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| At a concert marking Vietnam's 80th National Day__Photo: VNA |
The Vietnam Musicians’ Association (VMA) will transform the Hanoi Opera House into a vibrant stage for a concert celebrating Vietnam Music Day, alongside the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day, on September 3 evening.
The origin of Vietnam Music Day lies in a singular moment on September 3, 1960 when President Ho Chi Minh, with a conductor’s baton in hand, led an orchestra, choir, and a gathering of Hanoi citizens in a stirring rendition of “Ket doan” (Solidarity) at Bach Thao Park. The performance, marking the 15th anniversary of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and the third National Party Congress, was snapped by Vietnam News Agency photojournalist Lam Hong Long. That iconic photo later earned the prestigious Ho Chi Minh Prize for Literature and Arts.
It was not until September 26, 2014 when the Prime Minister issued a decree formalizing September 3 as Vietnam Music Day, a designation intended to spur composers and performers to keep revolutionary and traditional musical heritage alive, produce new works, kindle the enthusiasm of younger generations, and foster a sense of national unity and pride.
Yet, the VMA had already begun celebrating the date in 2010, with annual concerts in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other localities.
Assoc. Prof. Do Hong Quan, Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Literature and Arts Associations, noted that modern Vietnamese music spans over 90 years, beginning with the first marching song “Cung nhau di hong binh” (“Together We March”) by Dinh Nhu in 1930. From that spark, thousands of tracks, ranging from songs and chorales to operas and instrumental works, emerged in the crucible of wars against French colonialists and US imperialists, and flourishing further after the 1975 national reunification and through the Doi Moi (renewal) era.
Since 1975, Vietnamese music has honored its roots while embracing global influences. Folk and classical traditions have intertwined with pop and rock, creating a vibrant soundscape that mirrors the country’s cultural evolution.
This year’s National Day celebrations have seen a surge of new songs, music videos, and grand-scale concerts, blending iconic revolutionary pieces with contemporary works. These works, steeped in themes of patriotism and national pride, assert Vietnam’s cultural identity on a global stage.
Across Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hue, Quang Tri, Nghe An, Phu Tho, and Hanoi, massive concerts drew hundreds of thousands of fans and struck a particular chord with younger audiences.- (VNA/VLLF)
