Over the years, "Things Everlasting" has become a cherished cultural event, drawing audiences nationwide to the Hanoi Opera House every year at 2 PM on September 2nd, coinciding with the moment when President Ho Chi Minh declared the independence of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

This concert serves as a special artistic space where today's generation honors and preserves the precious musical heritage of Vietnam, extending the spirit of national pride and love for the homeland through each note and lyric. The dedication and passion of those who have brought this program to life over more than a decade are evident in every performance.

Notable guests at "Things Everlasting" 2024:

The concert concluded with the rousing performance of "Vietnam Que Huong Toi" by composer Do Nhuan, arranged for the orchestra by Tran Manh Hung, and performed by all the artists involved in the program. This final performance was a fitting conclusion to a concert that celebrated both the cultural heritage and the enduring spirit of the Vietnamese people.

3:30 PM: Performances of "Return to the Capital," "March to Hanoi," and "The People of Hanoi"

These songs, filled with a passionate love for Hanoi, were not just a tribute to the city’s historical significance but also a reflection of the optimism and determination of the people who believed in the eventual victory and liberation of the capital.

Khanh Ngoc’s stirring rendition of "Nguoi Ha Noi," performed in a meticulously embroidered pink ao dai, was a highlight of the evening. Her powerful, emotional performance left the audience with goosebumps, demonstrating her deep connection to the music and the city it honors.

For the first time, the "Things Everlasting" concert featured an international element, with the participation of the Sun Symphony Orchestra and French conductor Olivier Ochanine. This collaboration between Vietnamese and international artists added a fresh dimension to the concert, as they told musical stories of the past, present, and future. The presence of international artists highlighted the global reach and significance of Vietnam's musical heritage, and their contributions brought a new perspective to the performance.

3:20 PM: Performance of "The Ballad of Ho Chi Minh"

Oplus, a popular Vietnamese band, delivered a spirited rendition of "The Ballad of Ho Chi Minh," originally made famous by artist Ewan MacColl. Their performance breathed new life into the classic song, infusing it with modern energy while maintaining its traditional spirit. The audience was captivated by the way Oplus managed to honor the original composition while adding their unique flair to the performance.

3:10 PM: Performance of "Tình ca Tây Bắc" (The Song of Northwest)

The musicians have composed memorable songs about the liberation of Dien Bien, capturing the joyous spirit of the ethnic groups in the Northwestern region. These songs have become part of the collective memory and pride, celebrating the beauty and significance of life and love in a peaceful and prosperous country: "Together we live joyfully and peacefully with the mountains and forests. Our country is peaceful and happy like spring." The piece *Tình ca Tây Bắc* (Music by Bui Duc Hanh, based on the poetry of Cam Giang) was performed by saxophonist An Tran, the youngest artist to participate in *Things Everlasting 2024.*

Saxophonist An Tran, the daughter of musician Tran Manh Tuan, captivated the audience on the stage of Things Everlasting.

Last year, An Tran impressed with her performance while wearing an ao dai, and this time, the 20-year-old artist chose a stylized ethnic brocade outfit to bring the classic Tình ca Tây Bắc to life with her outstanding saxophone skills.

3:04 PM: Performance of "Qua miền Tây Bắc" - "Chiến thắng Điện Biên Phủ"

Following this was the performance of Qua miền Tây Bắc - Chiến thắng Điện Biên Phủ (composed by Nguyen Thanh - Do Nhuan, led by Trinh Thanh Binh, and performed by the Kosmos Opera Chorus).

Songs that have stood the test of time, born from the days of fire, smoke, and bombs, resonate like a brass bugle call, intensifying the spirit of the liberation soldiers and igniting a deep sense of patriotism in the hearts of young soldiers.

3:00 PM: Performance of "Marching Under the Military Flag"

Through the flow of time, these songs continue to stir hearts and evoke a profound sense of national pride for a heroic period in our history. Today, we will immerse ourselves in these powerful melodies, which echo the resolute pledge of soldiers determined to defend the Fatherland and its people.

Marching Under the Military Flag (composed by Doan Nho, performed by the Ao Linh Group) is one of the traditional songs of the Vietnam People's Army.

This year marks the first time that the 'Things Everlasting' National Concert has introduced an international element to the program. This includes the participation of the Sun Symphony Orchestra, conducted by French conductor Olivier Ochanine. Both Vietnamese and international artists will come together to narrate musical stories of the past, present, and future.

In addition to the appearance of veteran singers, this year's stage also featured the debut of several young and talented voices in the performances we have just enjoyed, including singer Nguyen Bao Yen and the Ao Linh Group, consisting of five artists who are all active in the military arts. This represents a generational continuity, strongly conveying messages of love for the homeland, and the resilient spirit of the Vietnamese people in both combat and labor.

2:25 PM: Performances of "Ho Keo Phao" and "Be Van Dan Lives Forever"

This special artistic program, along with millions of hearts, turns toward the homeland on this grand national day. It is a moment when every Vietnamese reflects on the heroic years and feels a renewed pride in the country and homeland through the following works: "Ho Keo Phao" (composed by Hoang Van, performed by singer Phuc Tiep and the Kosmos Opera Chorus), "Be Van Dan Lives Forever" (Music by Huy Du - based on the poetry of Trinh Duong, performed by singer Trong Tan), and the Symphonic Poem Dien Bien Phu (composed by Tran Manh Hung, performed by the Sun Symphony Orchestra).

2:17 PM: Performance of "Song on the Mountain"

Singer Nguyen Bao Yen made her debut at the Things Everlasting 2024 National Concert. Having spent 10 years studying in Russia, Bao Yen had only watched Things Everlasting from afar, but each program left a unique and emotional impression on her. Now, standing on the Things Everlasting stage for the first time, Bao Yen brought a fresh energy to the program.

The audience continued to be immersed in music with the performance of "Song on the Mountain" (composed by Nguyen Van Thuong), presented by singer Bao Yen, accompanied by the Sun Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Olivier Ochanine.

2:13 PM: Performance of "Hanh Quan Xa"

The piece "Hanh Quan Xa" (composed by Do Nhuan), arranged by musician Tran Manh Hung, was performed by the Ao Linh Group alongside the Sun Symphony Orchestra and conductor Olivier Ochanine.

This year’s Things Everlasting concert not only commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory but also marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army. Therefore, the song "Hanh Quan Xa" performed by the Ao Linh Group brought a heroic atmosphere to the event.

2:10 PM: Performance of "Praise to President Ho Chi Minh"

The program opened with the song "Praise to President Ho Chi Minh" (composed by Van Cao), performed by the Kosmos Opera Chorus and the Sun Symphony Orchestra.

2:06 PM: Performance of "Tien Quan Ca"

The performance of "Tien Quan Ca" during the flag-raising ceremony is both a symbol and an integral part of the Things Everlasting National Concert. The song was orchestrated by musician Tran Manh Hung and performed by the Sun Symphony Orchestra under the baton of conductor Olivier Ochanine. Following the flag-raising ceremony, VietNamNet Editor-in-Chief Nguyen Van Ba delivered the opening remarks for the program.

"Every year at this moment, the organizing committee of the Things Everlasting National Concert is honored to reunite with you in the auditorium of the Hanoi Opera House and on national television."

"In 2024, our country commemorates significant events: the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory, the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of the Capital, and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army. These illustrious milestones in history have inspired the program creators to tell a story through music, with revolutionary songs that bear the marks of a glorious and victorious era of our nation, to appreciate the value of independence, and to express gratitude to the generations before us—those who will live on in our hearts forever."

"For the first time, the Things Everlasting 2024 stage features French conductor Olivier Ochanine and the Sun Symphony Orchestra. The immortal works of revolutionary music, performed by both Vietnamese and international artists, will be creatively expressed in the most sophisticated form of music—symphonic chamber music. Music is a language without borders."

"Today, in this celebrated musical space, Things Everlasting will not only preserve and revive beautiful and heroic sounds but will also contribute to enhancing Vietnam's value in the eyes of international friends. We are proud to showcase our country to the world not only through golden histories but also through the path that millions of Vietnamese people are collectively building to make Vietnam a land of peace, prosperity, and beauty," said Editor-in-Chief Nguyen Van Ba in his speech.