Japanese Orchestra AUN performs in Hanoi  

Japanese Orchestra AUN and artists from the Vietnam National Academy of Music will perform in a concert titled ‘The Miracle of Japanese Sounds’ at the Youth Theatre in Hanoi on February 14.  
 
AUN Orchestra includes young musicians who play Japanese traditional music. Their first performance presenting their creativity and artistry has been well received and was a tremendous success.

Japan’s traditional stringed, wind and percussion instruments have a history dating back a thousand years, during which time their uniquely beautiful sounds have been created and evolved. Mixing the traditional with the modern, the group has spawned a truly original fusion.

Tickets for the show can be picked up at the Japanese Embassy.
 
Kite-surfing contest kicks off in Mui Ne

From Tuesday to Sunday, kite-surfers from all over the world will converge on Mui Ne Beach for the much-anticipated international kite-surfing championship.

Both male and female athletes who have skilled techniques and speed in abundance will meet at Unique Hotel in the Ham Tien-Mui Ne tourism area of the coastal city of Phan Thiet in Binh Thuan Province. Competitors with the highest scores in qualifying will progress to the final round.

The event is co-organized by worldwide kite groups such as Evason, Cabrinha, Ozone, Evanson Six Senser Spa, Kiteworld Magazine, IKA and International Sailing Federation (ISAF).

The opening ceremony is at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow at the Unique Hotel and the closing/awarding ceremony on Sunday is at the same venue.
 
Vietnamese musicians bring home medals

All of three representatives from the Vietnam National Academy of Music have won prizes in the second Asia-Pacific Electone (electronic organ) Festival (APEF) in Hong Kong which ended on Feb. 13.

Nguyen Thi Minh Phuong secured first prize in the pop music section for entrants over 22, Le Thi Quynh took third prize in the over 22’s classical music section and Le Hoang Thao won third in the pop music section for under 18.

APEF is an annual competition spotlighting the skills and talents of Electone virtuosos. This year’s APEF attracted more than 200 musicians from many countries and territories including Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Taiwan, Thailand and Singapore./.

Hanoi exhibition celebrates Vietnam – S.Korea relation

An exhibition featuring works made by Vietnamese and Korean artists is opening in Hanoi today to celebrate the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relation between Viet Nam and South Korea.

The event, held by the Hanoi-based Korean Cultural Center, showcases oil paintings, lacquer paintings, graphic designs and ceramics of Vietnamese artists including Ngo Quang Nam, Doan Hong, Nguyen Van Cuong, Tran Yen The, Vu Bach Lien, Cong Quoc Thang, Ha Anh Tuan, Vu Viet Cuong along with Korean artists like Min Gi Hi, Lee Myung-Ah, Jang Jin, Han Hyung Lim, Ro Hae Sin and Kim Jong In.

On February 17, the artists will have a workshop to exchange knowledge and experiences at the center.

The exhibition at the center at 49 Nguyen Du Street will run until February 18.

Ba Ria-Vung Tau to host seaports festival

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has authorised the southern coastal province of Ba Ria - Vung Tau to host the country’s first international seaport festival, from April 27-29.

The event is to raise the public’s awareness of Vietnam’s sovereignty over its waters and islands and the importance of the maritime-based economy to the nation as well as its security and defence role.

Visitors to the event will have the chance to enjoy a variety of activities, including a carnival , an amateur golf tournament, an exhibition on ports and the potential of the country’s seas and islands, an international seminar on the development of ports and investment opportunities as well as a series of concerts.

PM Dung also directed the provincial People’s Committee to work with local agencies to ensure the event is cost effective, safe and productive.

The organisers will fund the event without financial assistance from the State budget.