On November 20, the Vietnam Musicians' Association held a press briefing to announce details of the upcoming fourth Asia-Europe New Music Festival, scheduled to take place from November 27 to December 1, 2025, in Hanoi.

Following its previous editions in 2014, 2016, and 2018, the festival has gained international traction, drawing over 200 artists from more than 40 countries at each event. This year, the scale is further expanded, with nearly 300 delegates and artists from both Vietnam and abroad.

Participating countries and territories include Russia, Tatarstan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Adygea, Denmark, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Japan, China, Australia, and Laos.

On the Vietnamese side, key institutions will take part, including the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra, the Vietnam National Academy of Music, the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet, and the Military University of Culture and Arts.

A tribute to young Vietnamese creativity

Do Hong Quan, Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Literature and Arts Associations, emphasized that this year’s festival will feature a dedicated concert evening honoring young Vietnamese composers. This is an opportunity to recognize a new generation of artists who, despite receiving modern training and having a forward-thinking approach, remain grounded in the country's traditional musical heritage.

According to Quan, all compositions presented at the festival are purely original creations by the authors themselves. The organizing committee ruled out the use of artificial intelligence and technology in composition, citing concerns that such techniques can expose a lack of artistic depth and are incompatible with academic musical standards.

The festival gives priority to works that draw from traditional Vietnamese folk material while interpreting them in a contemporary spirit.

The Asia-Europe New Music Festival 2025 will be hosted across three venues: the Vietnam National Academy of Music, the Military University of Culture and Arts, and the Heritage Park in Cao Phong (Phu Tho Province).

The program includes symphonic concerts, chamber music, and song performances.

The opening ceremony is set for 8 p.m. on November 27 at the Grand Concert Hall of the Vietnam National Academy of Music, featuring a symphony concert by the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra.

Subsequent days will include international chamber music concerts, a showcase of works by young Vietnamese composers, a concert by the Moscow Contemporary Chamber Orchestra, an arts exchange event in Phu Tho, and a closing ceremony on December 1.

The festival will also include several specialized sessions, such as a lecture by Professor Deqing Wen on East-West instrument integration (November 28), an orchestral conducting masterclass with conductor Borja Quintas (November 28), and a chamber music performance workshop by the Moscow Contemporary Chamber Orchestra (December 2).

Tinh Le