At precisely 2:00 PM on September 2, at the Hanoi Opera House, the "Things Everlasting" concert began with the solemn sounds of the National Anthem, commemorating the moment when President Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam’s independence in 1945.

The National Anthem, arranged by composer Tran Manh Hung and performed by the Sun Symphony Orchestra under the direction of French conductor Olivier Ochanine, marked a unique and unprecedented start to the concert.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen The Ky, Chairman of the Central Council for Literature and Arts Theory and Criticism:

"I have been fortunate to attend 'Things Everlasting' from its early years. Every year, regardless of the length of the National Day holiday, I always choose to stay in Hanoi to experience these beautiful sounds. This program is significant in terms of politics, culture, and art. It is meticulously planned, combining both academic and contemporary elements. 'Things Everlasting' has become a brand, a cultural event of national stature, held only once a year, allowing us to relive the nation's history through music and art."

He expressed gratitude to VietNamNet for instilling a deep sense of national pride and connection among the people through this event.

This year’s inclusion of the Sun Symphony Orchestra and a French conductor was a unique highlight. On the nation’s Independence Day, artists from two countries shared the stage as friends, illustrating how music and art bring people together and promote peace.

Composer Doan Nho:

"The entire program exudes modernity, on par with global standards, yet retains a distinctly Vietnamese essence that appeals to even the most discerning audiences. Each piece was arranged with creativity and elevated through modern organization, performance, and musical language, especially in the orchestration by composer Tran Manh Hung. This is clearly a new milestone for Vietnamese music, a cause for celebration."

Professor Seo Jung Rock, Head of Theory Department at the Korean National University of Arts:

"Experiencing this concert in Vietnam during such a significant moment was very special. I found the way Vietnam celebrates its National Day with a concert to be very impressive. In Korea, such events are usually centered around traditional music, but at 'Things Everlasting,' I was thrilled to see a harmonious blend of traditional and modern music."

Media expert Tran Dinh Thanh:

"I regret not having extra tickets today, as I would have loved to bring my child to witness the elegance of this concert. The entire performance was perfectly balanced, showcasing the artists' skills without any unnecessary showboating. The new arrangements were surprisingly fresh and delightful."

The performance of "Symphonic Poem Dien Bien Phu" left a particularly strong impression. Thanh marveled at the piece’s quality, saying, "While listening, I couldn't tell if it was composed by a Vietnamese or a foreign artist because it was so beautifully crafted, evoking the entire story of the historic Dien Bien Phu victory through music."

Upon learning that the piece was composed by Tran Manh Hung, Thanh was deeply impressed and pondered, "If we could turn back time and have legendary composers like Van Cao, Do Nhuan, or even Mozart in the audience today, what would they think?"

"A French conductor leading the orchestra in a performance about the Dien Bien Phu Victory brings a profound sense of humanity, transcending national boundaries - it's no longer about being French or Vietnamese, but about human connection. That's the beauty of it!

It's no coincidence that the concert hall is always full, with tickets constantly in high demand. This is a truly remarkable concert, well worth the anticipation.

Thank you, VietNamNet, for organizing such an exceptional concert, worthy of national prestige. Thanks to the Sun Symphony Orchestra and the artists for showcasing their mastery, elevating Vietnam on the international stage."

Tinh Le - Minh Ngoc

Photos by Pham Hai - Hoang Ha