Hanoi to mark liberation day with 30 firework displays

Hanoi plans spectacular firework displays in 30 locations to celebrate 60th Anniversary of the capital’s Liberation (October 10, 1954 – 2014), according to Hanoi People’s Committee.

Five high-range firework displays will be set off in Hoan Kiem Lake of Hoan Kiem District, Thong Nhat Park in Hai Ba Trung District, Nguyen Hoang Ton Garden, Van Quan Lake in Ha Dong District and My Dinh National Stadium.

25 low-range firework displays will take place in towns and districts throughout the city.

Every firework shows will run 15 minutes from 9pm to 9.15pm on October 10.

Besides, Hanoi will organize a series of cultural and arts activities such as exhibition, a ‘Book Street’ program, the 2014 Festival for Traditional Handicraft Villages, the Hanoi Cuisine Festival, the 2014 Hanoi Fashion Week and more.

Ethnomusicologist honored with PM's Certificate of Merit

Ethnomusicologist and master of don ca tai tu Nam bo (southern amateur music), Nguyen Vinh Bao received the Prime Minister's Certificate of Merit for outstanding contribution in preserving and promoting the form of art as well as conserving traditional culture.

Mr. Bao, 96, was born in the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap. He is the first person who introduce the traditional music to audience. He could play various folk musical instruments by age 10.

He is one of the founders of the National Music School (now known as Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music) and taught music here for 10 years from 1956 to 1966.

He is the only remaining master of don ca tai tu Nam bo to teach foreigners in English, French, Cambodian, Japanese, Chinese and other languages.

The musician has spent several years in trying to improve and perfect Dan Tranh , the Vietnamese 16-string zither. The common 16-stringed Dan Tranh had disappeared since the appearance of 17, 19 and 21 stringed instruments, which were Nguyen Vinh Bao's innovation in 1950.

Japan to host final round of Miss Vietnam World 2014

Yen Thai – Miss Vietnam World 2014 in Dallas, the US.

The culmination of the 2014 Miss Vietnam World pageant will find the nine most beautiful and charming final contestants competing in Tokyo, Japan, on October 12.

The climax of the pageant, which was launched five months ago, with over 200 candidates from Japan, the US, and Vietnam, is expected to be awash with the glitz and glamour of famous celebrities from around the globe.

Nomination round of the 20th Golden Apricot Blossom Awards officially kicked off today and the round will last from October 2 to November 30, announced Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper.

The Golden Apricot Blossom Awards was held annually, aims to honour individuals and groups of artists who have made outstanding contributions in culture and art.

This year’s awards will include 15 categories such as the best male and female pop singers, favourite movie actor and actress, best male and female stage artists, favourite master of ceremonies, favourite TV actor and actress, favourite country singer, favourite band and favourite song in the music group, best comedian, favourite TV film, and favourite TV program.