Vietnam’s national concert “Things Everlasting” kicks off its 15th edition, blending traditional folk sounds with symphonic beauty ahead of National Day.
On August 31, artists gathered for their first official practice session for the highly anticipated concert, now in its 15th year. Notably, this year marks the first time the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs has been involved in its direction.
Composer Tran Manh Hung shared that the first rehearsal of the national concert “Things Everlasting 2025” had already “reached 9 to 10 in musical expression.”
Under the baton of French conductor Olivier Ochanine and music director Tran Manh Hung, the rehearsal took place in an atmosphere both urgent and inspired.One standout performance was the piece “Luu Thuy - Kim Tien - Xuan Phong - Long Ho,” a medley of traditional and royal Hue music arranged for performance with the Sun Symphony Orchestra. Performed by Meritorious Artist Le Giang and the Net Viet ensemble, the piece fused Vietnamese folk traditions with modern symphonic texture. Composer Tran Manh Hung commented, “This combination could pave the way for a new direction in contemporary folk music.”Cellist Phan Phuc delivered a moving interpretation of the lyrical piece “Huong Ve Ha Noi,” arranged to highlight its soft, emotional, and introspective tones.Young artist Luong Khanh Nhi, newly returned from Europe, expressed deep emotion at being part of the concert, especially during the 80th National Day celebrations: “I’m thrilled to perform with the Sun Symphony Orchestra and to work again with Uncle Tran Manh Hung.”Composer Tran Manh Hung praised the contributions of both Phan Phuc and Luong Khanh Nhi: “These are instrumental arrangements based on vocal pieces, now elevated to full-fledged orchestral works. The performers had to train intensively, and even I spent considerable time perfecting the full score - but it was worth every effort.”The rehearsal also marked the return of Tung Duong, who will perform two songs: “Song Dak Krong mua xuan ve” and “Mot vong Viet Nam.” With his seasoned experience, he quickly found harmony with the orchestra.Singer Ha An Huy rehearsed the song “Hue – Saigon – Ha Noi” for his debut in “Things Everlasting.” He described it as an honor to sing in tribute to the past, with gratitude for the present, and hope for the future. His performance will be accompanied by the Kosmos Opera Choir, which also rehearsed diligently to support him.Singer Viet Danh brought high energy to his practice session with the song “Gio long bon phuong,” contributing to the show’s diverse soundscape.Meanwhile, Dinh Trang and Hoang Ke had their first rehearsal with the Sun Symphony Orchestra for the piece “Thei Mai” – a work rich in both traditional Vietnamese and contemporary symphonic elements.This year, singer Pham Khanh Ngoc will perform “Nha Trang mua thu lai ve.” Comfortable with orchestral accompaniment, she blended in seamlessly and earned praise from conductor Olivier Ochanine for her performance.Vocalist Bach Tra, known for her expressive voice, passionately rehearsed “Gui em chiec non bai tho” – a North Vietnamese folk-inspired piece with a symphonic twist.The Ao Linh group quickly adapted to the orchestra, reporting a productive session with conductor Olivier Ochanine and the ensemble.Summing up the rehearsal, composer Tran Manh Hung stated: “The musical expression reached a 9 to 10 from the very first session. I hope this year’s concert will leave a lasting impression on the audience, celebrating traditional Vietnamese music, patriotic songs, and the elegance of classical Western instruments.” The entire cast will hold a second rehearsal at the Hanoi Opera House on September 1. A full dress rehearsal is scheduled for the morning of September 2, followed by the live performance at 2:00 PM the same day at Ho Guom Theatre. The national concert “Things Everlasting 2025” will be broadcast live on VTV1.
Vietnamnet.vn
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