The event, organized by VietNamNet under the direction of the Ministry of Information and Communications, will take place at 2pm on September 2nd at the Hanoi Opera House and will be broadcast live on VTV.

Patriotic love through majestic melodies

At a press conference on August 21st in Hanoi, Mr. Nguyen Van Ba, Editor-in-Chief of VietNamNet, shared that the audience highly praised the traditional pieces that were given a modern, elegant makeover in the 2023 National Concert “Things Everlasting.” Building on that success, VietNamNet is confident in organizing the 2024 edition of the concert.

According to Editor-in-Chief Nguyen Van Ba, 2024 marks several significant anniversaries: the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory, the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of Hanoi, and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People’s Army. The works featured in the 2024 National Concert “Things Everlasting” will reflect deep and passionate love for the homeland, pride in the nation's victorious history, and the great achievements of the country's renovation period.

These themes will be conveyed through the majestic and lyrical melodies of various generations of Vietnamese composers, allowing the audience to relive the nation’s heroic years and discover the beauty of the Vietnamese soul.

"Music knows no borders and should not be confined to any framework; it must touch the listener’s emotions. We have worked very seriously and meticulously with Music Director Tran Manh Hung. Therefore, we are confident that we will bring the most beautiful and captivating sounds to the audience on the nation's most joyous day - National Day on September 2nd," affirmed Mr. Ba.

A monumental musical event

For the second time, musician Tran Manh Hung has been entrusted as the Music Director of the National Concert “Things Everlasting.” He described the concert as a special musical event of the year that honors both familiar instrumental works and young, rising artists within a luxurious musical setting.

Hung revealed that he "lost sleep and appetite for two months" while coming up with ideas, editing the program, and working on the musical scores.

"I always give 100% in every program I do, but with ‘Things Everlasting,’ I am aware that I need to do even more because this event gathers many great artists and famous orchestras. The participation of the Sun Symphony Orchestra, a regionally renowned ensemble, adds even greater responsibility and elevates the national brand," Hung expressed.

Music that connects nations

A special highlight of the 2024 National Concert “Things Everlasting” is the participation of French conductor Olivier Ochanine. Ochanine is a highly esteemed conductor, having won the top prize at the 2015 Antal Dorati International Conducting Competition in Budapest, Hungary, and the prestigious 2015 American Prize for Conducting. He also secured second place at the 2015 London International Conducting Competition.

“I am honored and proud to be a part of “Things Everlasting 2024” - a program that allows the audience to relive the nation's heroic years, taking place on September 2nd, Vietnam’s National Day,” said Olivier Ochanine.

Having lived and worked in Vietnam for seven years, Ochanine expressed his love for the country, especially for its warm and friendly people: “One thing that impresses me is that I can talk to anyone on the street, something that’s not possible in France or the United States.”

Ochanine shared that he and Music Director Tran Manh Hung have a great working relationship, often understanding each other without the need for translation, thanks to the universal language of music.

“We both prioritize the quality of the music and care deeply about the final outcome. Tran Manh Hung and I have a similar approach to work and music. He has a deep understanding of the orchestra and creates unique, beautiful arrangements. We have collaborated on many projects, including film scores, and have achieved excellent results. When I learned that Tran Manh Hung was the Music Director, I agreed to participate in the 2024 National Concert “Things Everlasting” immediately,” Ochanine emphasized.

Fresh talent and new performances

At the press conference, singer Nguyen Bao Yen, who will be performing in the concert for the first time, shared her excitement. After 10 years of studying in Russia, she had only watched the concert from afar, but each performance left a deep impression and emotional impact.

“The National Concert ‘Things Everlasting’ holds great significance in terms of both content and venue. Every artist aspires and feels honored to be part of the program on such an important day, at such a meaningful time for the entire nation... This is my first year participating, so I feel a lot of pressure. Musician Tran Manh Hung and conductor Olivier Ochanine are both very strict in their expertise and meticulous in their work. Therefore, I have to prepare thoroughly for my performance,” shared Nguyen Bao Yen.

If the 2023 concert surprised audiences with performances by saxophonist An Tran and the group Oplus, this year, in addition to their return, the event will see the debut of the group “Áo Lính.” This troupe consists of five military artists: Nguyen The Anh (Army Theater), Nguyen Huu Hoang Son (Army University of Culture and Arts), Lai Duc Tuan (Air Defense and Air Force Art Troupe), Vu Ha Son (Army Theater), and Nguyen Ngoc Linh (Army Theater).

“For our first participation in ‘Things Everlasting’, the five members of Áo Lính will perform military-themed songs like ‘Hành Quân Xa’ and ‘Tiến Bước Dưới Quân Kỳ’ to honor previous generations in a grand and solemn space, accompanied by the Sun Symphony Orchestra. Each member must practice thoroughly, paying attention to every detail, while remaining confident and relaxed to let the emotions flow,” revealed Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen The Anh, leader of Áo Lính.

In addition to Áo Lính, Meritorious Artist Vu Thang Loi from the Military Zone 2 Art Troupe will also participate in the program, performing two songs: “Sẽ Về Thủ Đô” and “Tiến Về Hà Nội.” Singer Trong Tan, who has participated in previous editions of “Things Everlasting” but had to miss recent ones due to personal reasons, will return this year, even canceling other shows to join the program.

The program will also feature performances by Meritorious Artist Pham Khanh Ngoc and singer Phuc Tiep. Following last year’s success, the Kosmos Opera Choir will once again showcase their talent through five compositions.

The 2024 edition of “Things Everlasting” promises to be an “integrated” stage, bringing together international and Vietnamese artists to tell musical stories of the past, present, and future in a setting that is both elegant and rich with modern and traditional elements.

The renowned pieces that will be performed in “Things Everlasting 2024” include: "Hành Quân Xa" (Do Nhuan), "Bài Ca Trên Núi" (Nguyen Van Thuong), "Hò Kéo Pháo" (Hoang Van), "Bế Văn Đàn Sống Mãi" (music: Huy Du, lyrics: Trinh Duong), "Qua Miền Tây Bắc - Chiến Thắng Điện Biên" (Nguyen Thanh - Do Nhuan), "Tình Ca Tây Bắc" (music: Bui Duc Hanh, poem: Cam Giang), "The Ballad of Ho Chi Minh" (composition: Ewan MacColl, Vietnamese lyrics: Phu An), "Tiến Bước Dưới Quân Kỳ" (Doan Nho), and "Việt Nam Quê Hương Tôi" (Do Nhuan).

The 2024 National Concert “Things Everlasting” will also feature beloved songs about Hanoi, including "Sẽ Về Thủ Đô" (Huy Du), "Tiến Về Hà Nội" (Van Cao), and "Người Hà Nội" (Nguyen Dinh Thi).

Since its first edition in 2009, the National Concert “Things Everlasting,” organized by VietNamNet Newspaper (Ministry of Information and Communications), has become an essential cultural event in Hanoi during Independence Day.

Scheduled for 2pm on September 2nd at the Hanoi Opera House, adjacent to the historic August Revolution Square, “Things Everlasting” has evolved beyond a mere concert into a special event that expresses national pride through music.

The program serves as a bridge, bringing audiences closer to symphonic music and awakening the deep-seated patriotism within every Vietnamese citizen.

Tinh Le

Photos: Le Anh Dung