Jazz artist Michelle Manzo comes to town

Vibrant jazz performer Michelle Manzo with her exotic, warm voice and four-octave range will be a mainstay at the Park Lounge of the Park Hyatt Hotel Saigon in District 1.

The Miami-born singer, who also performs classical pieces, recalls hearing Cuban folk music as a child.

“Our family used to get together and play percussion instruments and chant. It is a spiritual connection that most Cubans have. But I had a special interest in classical music, especially Bach, Mozart and Beethoven.”

A self-taught pianist, Michelle developed a true passion over the years for jazz, a genre where the syncopated rhythms of her Cuban and African musical roots combined with the complex harmonies found in classical music. Michelle earned a Bachelors of Fine Arts in music as a scholarship student at City College of New York, and has received accolades for her singing and song writing.  

Michelle will perform Wednesday through Sunday evenings in the Park Lounge, from tomorrow where she will help guests celebrate the holiday season and welcome in the New Year.
 
Vietnamese student joins South East Asia music fest

20-year-old student Yen Chi will represent Vietnam at the grand finals round of the contest “Like performing, love Sony” which will be held in Singapore on December 3.

The competition is part of the music festival called “Uphoria - Party with Sony,” held by the Japanese multinational media corporation Sony for South East Asian fans of music from December 2 to 4.

The competition also attracts contestants from Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

US singer Mike Posner and the band Train, singers Haoren from Malaysia, Julia Abueva from Singapore and Slot Machine from Thailand will also perform at the festival.

Born in 1991, Chi won the first prize at the contest’s national qualifier round in Vietnam with the song “Bong May Qua Them” (Clouds over the front yard) last month.

She is a student at the Ho Chi Minh City’s University of Social Sciences and Humanities.

In the final round held in Singapore, Chi will perform the song “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga.

Hue Temple of Literature gate inaugurated

A ceremony was held yesterday to reveal the conservation and restoration of the Linh Tinh Gate in front of the Temple of Literature in Hue city.

The inauguration was attended by the Polish ambassador to Vietnam, Roman Iwaszkiewics, and the Economic and Commercial Counsellor at the Polish embassy in Hanoi, Wojciech Gerwel

The conservation, renovation and restoration of the Linh Tinh Gate was implemented by the Centre for the Conservation of Hue Relics in collaboration with the Phap Lam PC Limited Company at a total cost of VND2.1 billion (US$100,000), of which the Foreign Ministry of Poland funded VND 500 million (US$25,497).

Conservation training courses were also organised under the direction of Polish experts to help local conservationists improve their techniques for restoring and preserving Hue’s historic monuments.

Linh Tinh Gate stands on the bank of Perfume River at the opening of the path leading to Van Mieu Gate, the main gate of the Hue Temple of Literature. It had been devastated by time and historical changes until only crumbling columns remained.

At the inauguration, Chairman of Thua Thien – Huế province Nguyen Van Cao presented certificates of merit and conferred the “Good Person – Good Deeds” badge to both Ambassador Iwaszkiewics and Counsellor Gerwel.

This project demonstrates the Vietnamese Government’s efforts to consolidate and strengthen cooperation between Poland and Thua Thien - Hue province through the conservation of Hue’s valuable cultural heritage sites.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Iwaszkiewics appreciated the cooperation between the two countries during the restoration of Hue’s monuments. He affirmed that Poland will continue to support Thua Thien – Hue province and the Centre for the Conservation of Hue Relics in its future preservation projects.

3D comic book on Hanoi set for online release

A group of young artists from Hanoi has drawn attention to their project to produce the first 3D comic book series about the capital city, breathing a fresh air to the local market dominated by Japanese manga.

Titled “Dat Rong” (The land of Dragon), the 30-episode series made by the 3D Art Group tells the story of Phong, an orphan who is smart and good at parkour – a French street art that involves moving around or over obstacles at speed.

Through adventures of Phong and his friends, the book depicts Hanoi’s landscape and the lives of people there.

“The most important thing of a comic book is its setting,”Dinh Viet Phuong, leader of the group said. “We want to show readers how beautiful Hanoi is.”

Phuong has also revealed that Phong and his friends will also have adventures to Hoang Sa (Paracel) Islands, My Son holy land and Sai Gon Harbor.

“Each adventure to a place will be a story about the place’s history and culture written with the youths’ perspective,” Phuong said.

Still, the group said the book might receive criticism since though its content is about the traditional and cultural values, but is drawn with modern manga techniques and often uses youth slangs.

It took the group with 10 members around 24 months of hard working to finish the series.

The first 10 episodes will be released for free on the Internet for initial feedbacks from the public. Under the plan, the group will release the first three episodes in December then each episode every next month.

Phuong said if the book receives positive responses, they will publish the book and adapt it into a cartoon.

HCMC conservatory to strum guitars on 55th birthday  

The Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music will host a guitar festival from December 8 to 18 to celebrate its 55th anniversary.

Tran Hoang Minh, Vietnamese-Australian Le Hoang Minh, Kozo Tate from Japan, and John Jiang from Taiwan will be among those performing there, playing world-famous works.

There will be a week-long guitar master class and a workshop on December 15.

The highlight will, however, be two performances on December 16 and 17 by 55 guitarists from around the country.

The HCMC Conservatory of Music is located on 112 Nguyen Du Street, District 1.

HCMC needs to save traditional water puppetry from oblivion  

Traditional arts were always preserved as an intangible knowledge handed down through generations; however, some of these crafts are being threatened by oblivion, as in the case of water puppetry in Vietnam.  
                   
Water Puppetry is a unique traditional stage art of Vietnam. Today Vietnamese water puppetry is a unique variation of the ancient Asian puppetry tradition.

Travel companies in Ho Chi Minh City usually take international visitors to theaters to enjoy this folk art, though local residents are hardly impressed with the stage craft as over the years it has failed to evolve due to lack of any investments.

The two water puppetry theaters in the city are in the Vietnam History Museum and Rong Vang (Golden Dragon) Water Puppet Theater of the Thai Duong Theater Arts Company in the Labor Cultural Palace.

Most of the water puppetry plays are based on historical stories which have repeatedly being showing with no new gimmicks or interesting features added to them.

Script writers need to create new stories and have a more in-depth knowledge of the techniques of water puppetry to be able to produce inspiring shows. However, we can count on our fingers the number of talented script writers for water puppetry shows in the country.

In addition, ill equipped and very small stages, lack of essential infrastructure facilities and low income are but some of the reasons that several water puppetry artists have moved on to other careers.

The art of water puppetry has been handed down through generations and there are no training classes for this traditional folk art in the country.

The government and local authorities need to make an effort in restoring and preserving Vietnamese water puppetry which is on the registration list of UNESCO world cultural heritage.
 
Young children receive prizes at Vietnam-Denmark writing contest  

Vu Huong Nam from the central highland province of Dak Lak and Vu Thi Thuy Dung from Dong Nai Province won first prizes at a writing contest which was part of a joint Vietnam-Denmark children literature project.  

Vu Huong Nam got the highest marks for her work titled “Miraculous snail shell” in the prose category for age 10-14, themed “Green dream”.

Chu Thanh Huong from the northern province of Lang Son and Tran Duc Tien from the coastal city of Vung Tau in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province won the second and third prizes respectively in the category “Dream in a storm” and “The little angel in blue dress”.

Vu Thi Thuy Dung won over the jury for her work “The spider has fallen into oblivion” in the comic category for age 3-6, themed “First friend”.

Two second and third places belonged to “Best friend forever” by Tran Huynh Phu Khanh and a compiled double comic “Gathering bats” and “Little worm” by Dang Ngoc Minh Trang of Ho Chi Minh City.

The Vietnam-Denmark children literature project was launched a year ago by Kim Dong Publishing House and the Danish Writers’ Association, receiving about 290 submissions from young readers.

Joint activities between the two countries aim to encourage children to read books and practice writing, as well as maintain children’s reading clubs and publish children’s literary works created by the two countries’ young writers.

In addition, a series of cultural activities celebrating the 40th anniversary of Vietnam-Denmark bilateral relations will be held in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City from now until December 7, such as Denmark film week, art performances and exhibitions.

Festival to promote Hanoi’s special dishes

A culinary festival will be held in Ho Tay Water Park from December 30, 2011, to January 2, 2012, to honor Hanoi’s specialties.

The event will draw the participation of a variety of hotels and restaurants in the capital to showcase their traditional and modern culinary arts.

Among Hanoi’s famous dishes are Cha Ca (fried fish), Banh Cuon (steamed rolled rice pancake), Banh Tom (crisp shrimp pastry), Bun Thang (vermicelli and chicken soup), Nem (spring rolls) and Pho (noodle soup).

Different zones will be set up to display Hanoi’s culinary arts now and then, traditional folk games, and fine art products of craft villages.

Visitors will also enjoy specialties cooked by famous chefs, explore cultural identities in the north, and participate in folk games.

The event is one of the activities to introduce Hanoi’s culture and people to both local and international friends. It is expected to welcome up to 15,000 visitors per day.

French photographer’s ‘Land of Glances’ in city

‘Land of Glances - Our similarities in our differences’ by French photographer Yan Levral comes to Idecaf, 28 Le Thanh Ton Street in District 1.

Levral is based in HCMC but his passion for photography takes him all around the world to work for magazines and photographic agencies.

Being in close contact with a lot of people throughout the world is the favorite aspect of his job.  

“I have not seen two identical faces although we have similarities. For me, the camera is a useful tool helping me record all the meetings and moments that I have had the fortune of experiencing,” he said.

For the last 12 months he has been chasing his dream, a photo book about children’s glances around the world.

“I am lucky enough to visit so many countries and meet children from many places. But I found that, despite difference in geography, culture and races, children are all the same. We are actually all different but we are the same,” Levral added.

Yan has visited children in South Asia, Africa, India, the Himalayas and Europe. He will end his ‘Tour du Monde des Enfants’ (Children around the world) tour in South America at the beginning of next year.

The Consulate General of France and the French Institute in Vietnam (HCMC Antenna) have organized the photo exhibition which will be held from December 7-17.
 
Himalayan art comes to Hanoi

A collection of artworks and artifacts symbolizing Himalayan culture and art will on display for the first time at the Gallery Module 7 in Hanoi from Thursday.

Over 80 authentic artifacts from the region organized in a mandala structure will give the audience a glimpse into the spirituality embedded in the daily life of the people of the Himalayas, such as Buddhist statues, sacred objects such as towers, pagodas and brocade paintings or mandala artworks. All works are made by artisans from Nepal.

The Himalayas spread across the borders of China, Bhutan, Pakistan, India and Nepal. ‘The World’s Rooftop’ has long been seen by many as the holiest place on earth, with a unique culture that has been well preserved until modern times.

Himalayan art is indigenous to the Himalayas, and is primarily concerned with spirituality. Vajrayana Buddhism symbols and motifs can be found on materials like sculptures, thangka (scrolled paintings), mandala and ceremonial instruments conveying the inner realization of the artist.

Himalayan and Vajrayana artifacts in particular are not just unique, intricate art but can often create an inner and pure inspiration in the viewers.

The exhibition runs until December 4 at the gallery, 83 Xuan Dieu Street in Tay Ho District.

Gold businessman debuts album

‘Rains Of Impermanence’ penned by Moc Quoc Khanh (Tran Trong Quoc Khanh), director of ACB Gold Exchange Center, has been released in the city.

The album was a thought of Khanh’s a decade ago, when he saw a sudden rainstorm in the sunlight whilst working in the office.

Vol.1 ‘Rains Of Impermanence’ presents the hope and will of humanity. The album has eight songs Duoc hoa ruc hong (Burning wedding candles), Nhu la thu nhac (An undispatched music letter), Duoi anh sang mat troi (Under the sunlight), Tro lai mua xuan (The return of spring), Da vu vuong chan em (A dancing night with you), Anh van hat ben kia cuoc doi (He still sings in the other life), Nhung con mua vo thuong (Rains Of Impermanence) and Buoc sang ky nguyen moi (On the threshold of a new era).

The songs are performed in Vietnamese by My Le, Hong Ngoc, Doan Trang, Nhu Y, Song Giang, Thai Tran and Tran Vu Ha My.

Khanh started composing music since his university days and he said that music is not only a passion, but also the perfect way to balance his life as the gold market is a stressful business.

The album is also a gift to his seven-year-old daughter, Moc Khuyen as a way to express his love for her.

Conductor Nguyen Bach said: “The beginning and the end of each song are sweet, pure and harmonious melodies as if the sound of rain were accidental but constant.”

The CD is released by Phuong Nam Film and is being sold at VND69,000.

Hanoi exhibition showcases Buddhism artifacts

An exhibition showcasing over 80 artifacts of the Himalayan Buddhism School opened Thursday in Hanoi.

The items, which include 14 Buddhist statues, 7 Thangka paintings, 5 Mandala carving pieces, 5 towers, and 12 altars, belong to a collection in Nepal and were created by first class Nepalese craftsmen.

Held by Nha Nam Books and the Vietnam branch of Tibetan Buddhism’s Drukpa Lineage, the exhibition will run until December 4 at Gallery Module 7, 83 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho District.

HCMC museum showcases paintings from Hanoi

The Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum is hosting an exhibition showcasing the most recent works by 17 artists of all ages from Hanoi.

The paintings from veteran artists such as Le Thi Hoan as well as younger ones like Nguyen Xuan Luc and Pham Thi Hong Sam depict natural sceneries and life in different places in northern Vietnam from Sa Pa to Hanoi.

At the exhibition, Ngo Cao Giang will also display a number of works painted on silk using the pastel painting technique.

The exhibition will run until December 15 at 97A Pho Duc Chinh, District 1.

Vietnamese ao dai to be showcased in London

A collection featuring ao dai designed with patterns from the UK’s royal costumes by Vietnamese designer Minh Hanh will be showcased in London next week to mark the occasion that Vietnam Airlines opens direct flights to London from December 8.

The collection includes 100 ao dai made by Vietnamese traditional fabrics like silk, brocatelle and jute and decorated with hand – embroidered patterns.

The show will take place on December 9 at the Gatwick Airport, the destination of direct flights by Boeing B777-200ER aircrafts from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

In related news, Vietnamese fashion designer Vo Viet Chung also brought his ao dai collection named “Qua Tang Cua Thuong De” (The Present from God) inspired from the James Cameron’s blockbuster “Avatar” to the show titled “J Autumn Fashion Show” in London in October.

The event, featuring the latest collections by global designers including Bettie Page and Ina Soltani from America, Razu Mikhina from Russia, Addy van den Krommenacker from Netherlands, Paul Costelloe from UK and Kenzo from French, took place on the 61m-long walkway of England's iconic London Tower Bridge.

Alvin & The Chipmunks to be dubbed in Vietnamese

Emcee Tran Thanh will dub for the naughty male chipmunk Alvin The third 3D sequel to the successful animated series “Alvin & The Chipmunks” will become the fourth this year, and the sixth so far, to be dubbed in Vietnamese.

The other films that have been dubbed are Finding Nemo, Open Season, Rio, The Smurfs and Puss in Boots, which is being screened in cinemas.

Emcee Tran Thanh will dub for Alvin, a naughty male chipmunk, the lead singer of the band The Chipmunks, while singer Bao Thy will provide the voice of the female singing chipmunk Britanny, leader of the band The Chipettes.

Directed by Mike Mitchell, “Alvin & The Chipmunks 3: Chip-Wrecked” tells the adventures of the two bands when they take a luxury cruise ship and then get lost in a tropical paradise.

The first two parts of the series, which were released in 2007 and 2009, attracted a large number of audiences worldwide thanks to its funny plots, cute characters and successful covers of hit songs at the time like “Right Round” by Flo Rida, “Single lady” by Beyonce Knowles, and “Hot and cold” by Katy Perry.

The third part is scheduled to be premiered in the U.S. on December 16 and in Vietnam on December 23 in both subtitled and dubbed versions.

Fans of the little chipmunks will have a chance to join a dubbing competition at MegaStar cinemas at Ho Chi Minh City’s Hung Vuong Plaza at 126 Hung Vuong Street in District 5 and Hanoi’s Vincom City Towers at 191 Ba Trieu Street in Hai Ba Trung District.

Italian jazz concert to be held in Vietnam

A jazz concert called Dialektos will take place in Hanoi on December 9 and HCM City on December 11, announced the Italian Embassy in Vietnam.

Well-known pieces will be performed by Italian singer and composer Maria Pia De Vito, who is one of the best jazz talents in the country.

De Vito has worked closely with famous choreographers and musicians such as John Taylor, Enrico Rava, and Paolo Fresu.

Italian pianist Huw Warren will also take part in the concert.

The event is part of the Vietnam-Italy program to mark Italy’s 150th Unification Day.

Music show raises funds for poor overseas Vietnamese

A charity music was held for the third time in Ho Chi Minh City on December 1 to raise funds for poor overseas Vietnamese (OV) in Laos and Cambodia.

The show was co-organized by the Sponsor Committee, the Fund for Overseas Vietnamese Communities (FOVC), IMC Vietnam JSC and other sponsors and enterprises.

On the occasion, contributors who have supported poor OV and helped strengthen links among Vietnamese were also honoured.

Truong My Hoa, Chairwoman of FOVC and former Vice President, said the overseas Vietnamese are an inseparable part of Vietnam and it is necessary to help them improve their lives and promote cultural exchanges.

The previous shows in 2009 and 2010 raised VND30 billion for Vietnamese residents in Laos and Cambodia.

FOVC has contributed VND60 billion to 120 OV projects so far.

My Son World Heritage Site on brink of collapse

Despite huge investment in its restoration, the towers at of the historic Cham holy site of My Son, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are rapidly aging.
The site, in the central province of Quang Nam’s My Son Village, has had to cope with several severe floods.

Serious damage to the Cham towers has occurred through the flooding, with the famous Garuda Bird statue also suffering.

Cracks have been found on the walls, doors and foundations of several of the towers, requiring immediate restoration work.

According to the site’s management board, a total of 30 towers, including key architectural sites in the central area of the site are on the brink of collapse.

“If no drastic measure is taken, we may have to ban visitors from entry to some places,” the board noted.

Currently, My Son Sanctuary welcomes over 1,000 visitors per day.

Hoi An remains among top ten food destinations in Asia

Hoi An town in the central province of Quang Nam ranked sixth among the top ten Food & Wine Destinations in Asia.

The lists of best hotels, resorts, beaches, destinations and food and wine destinations in the world in 2011 were announced by well-known online tourism worldwide web Tripadvisor on November 22.

Tripadvisor says, “The cuisine of Hoi An is lavish in both flavour and appearance. Western tourism has brought a shift toward fusion cuisine, but traditional Vietnamese fare like Cao lau, white rose, fried wontons and My Quang is abundant and tasty. No visit would be compex without a taste of crispy fried banh xeo pancakes”.

Hoi An, which was recognized bu UNESCO as a world cultural heritage in 1999, and the world natural heritage of Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh province are among Asia’s top 25 tourist destinations.