At the Hanoi Opera House on the evening of June 20, before concluding his visit, Presidents Putin and To Lam participated in significant cultural and people's diplomacy activities.

After a friendly meeting with the Vietnam - Russia Friendship Association and former Vietnamese students in Russia, the two leaders enjoyed an art program with strong Vietnamese - Russian themes.

President To Lam described the event as a warm and trusting meeting of close friends, with sincere feelings shared "from heart to heart."

The concert to welcome the Russian President was performed by the Hanoi Philharmonic Orchestra, featuring renowned artists. The program, a blend of academic music and traditional Vietnamese instruments, created a jubilant and profound musical experience.

People's Artist Bui Cong Duy, Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Academy of Music, served as the art director and soloist. Alongside the symphony orchestra, traditional Vietnamese instruments like the t'rung and monochord were highlighted.

The nine works performed included: Overture "Ruslan and Lyudmila," Ave Maria, Melodie, Dance of the Central Highlands, Russian Fields, Hope, Song of the Distant Fatherland, Hanoi People, and Festive Overture. These pieces, by composers like Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich, Glinka, Nguyen Dinh Thi, and Hoang Dam, were carefully chosen for their profound meanings.

The performances featured the beautiful playing of People's Artist Bui Cong Duy, the emotional monochord of Meritorious Artist Bui Le Chi, and the unique t'rung sound of People's Artist Nguyen Thi Hoa Dang, all under the direction of conductor Tran Nhat Minh.

Deputy Director of the Institute of Music Tran Hai Dang, who edited the program, noted that each work was chosen for its significance. For instance, "Russian Fields," performed by Nguyen Truong Linh and Meritorious Artist Bui Le Chi, evoked the beauty of the peaceful Russian landscape. The song "Hope," performed by Dao To Loan and Nguyen Truong Linh, was filled with optimism and resilience.

"Hanoi People," by Nguyen Dinh Thi, recreated the heroic and splendid atmosphere of Hanoi, while works by talented Russian musicians reflected the deep connections between Vietnamese and Russian cultures.

Mr. Tran Hai Dang emphasized that the authors of the selected works are all talented Russian musicians. These works have significantly influenced generations of Vietnamese people who have connections to Russia, especially those who have studied art there.

People's Artist Bui Cong Duy expressed pride in participating in the program, having lived, studied, and worked in Russia for 15 years. This was his second performance for President Putin, the first being during the President's state visit to Vietnam in 2013.

The concert was attended by nearly 400 guests who share a deep affection for Russia and a strong appreciation for Russian music. This included many Vietnamese artists trained in Russia, with more than 80 performers having connections to the country.

"President To Lam and President Putin are true appreciators of art and music. The Tchaikovsky Conservatory, where I studied, has often welcomed President Putin as an audience member," artist Bui Cong Duy shared.

VIDEO: Performance of "Russian Field" by Meritorious Artist Bui Le Chi and tenor Nguyen Truong Linh.

The success of the concert was a collective effort, including those behind the scenes, particularly the sound engineering team. Artist Bui Cong Duy noted that both President To Lam and President Putin stood up and applauded for a long time, with President Putin expressing his pleasure and praising the dedication of the artists.

The concert served as a gesture of gratitude from Vietnam to Russia, adding a perfect note to the symphony of friendship between the two nations.

Tran Thuong