At 2:00 PM on September 2, the exquisite sounds of the national concert Things Everlasting echoed throughout the Ho Guom Opera House and into millions of homes via live broadcast on VTV1. The 2025 edition of this much-anticipated annual event left a profound impression on music critics and cultural experts alike.

Music critic and composer Tran Le Chien: ‘Things Everlasting’ preserves its identity

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Singer Tung Duong delivered two impressive performances: Spring returns to the Dak Krong River and A journey around Vietnam.

The Ho Guom Opera House was chosen as the venue for this year’s Things Everlasting, bringing pride to its entire staff and performers. For music lovers, the concert has, over the past 15 years, become an eagerly awaited celebration each National Day - a familiar yet ever-evolving artistic feast.

The enduring appeal of Things Everlasting stems from the credibility and dedication of its artists and organizers, who consistently prioritize artistic integrity and musical aesthetics. Among the numerous performances marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the nation, Things Everlasting continues to uphold its brand and prestige through sophistication, creativity, and class, though not without its own strengths and limitations.

A standout this year was composer Tran Manh Hung’s remarkable arrangements. Though reserved in daily life, his music is vibrant and profound, grounded in strong cultural and academic foundations, and executed with meticulous care. His perfectionism has yielded works of lasting value.

The opening piece, Que Me (Homeland), composed for dan bau and symphony orchestra, was a testament to this. It skillfully blended folk melodies from Vietnam’s three regions - North, Central, and South - into a composition that was both tender and resolute, expressing a yearning for a peaceful, youthful nation. The dan bau, performed by Meritorious Artist Le Giang, resonated with poignant delicacy, combining lyrical sensitivity with technically demanding arrangements, moving the audience deeply.

Another highlight was the reimagined Truong Ca Song Lo (Song Lo Epic). Though a familiar piece, Hung’s new arrangement for piano and symphony orchestra breathed fresh life into it. While preserving the spirit of the original, the new orchestration offered the pianist space to showcase virtuosity and emotional nuance.

In terms of performances, singer Tung Duong delivered two captivating renditions: Song Dak Krong Mua Xuan Ve (Spring Returns to the Dak Krong River) and Mot Vong Viet Nam (A Journey Around Vietnam). Known for his dynamic energy, Duong displayed restraint and balance in the solemn atmosphere of the Ho Guom Opera House, blending technique, emotion, and stage presence. His performances became focal points of the concert, earning extended applause. Mot Vong Viet Nam even had many older audience members singing along.

Meritorious Artist Lan Anh reaffirmed her stature with a distinctive, refined, and elegant performance style. Her voice harmonized Western classical vocal techniques with Vietnamese folk ornamentation, bridging academic rigor and cultural familiarity.

However, from a critical perspective, the concert’s finale could benefit from tighter composition and a more climactic conclusion. For example, following Mot Vong Viet Nam, a chorus could have delivered an a cappella rendition of Viet Nam - Ho Chi Minh to close the program more powerfully, rather than extending the spoken closing remarks.

Cultural management expert Nguyen Dinh Thanh: A world-class production

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With the appearance of new faces such as Ha An Huy, Luong Khanh Nhi, and Bach Tra… a fresh breeze has been brought into "Things Everlasting".

The concert succeeded in offering a fresh perspective and innovative presentation on a familiar theme. Its high-level fusion of instrumental and vocal elements created a unique and compelling artistic space.

What struck the audience most was the portrayal of a modern Vietnam to international friends. While traditional images like ao dai and conical hats are well-known, this concert proved that instrumental and vocal music, when reimagined and elevated, can serve as a universal language to showcase Vietnamese culture to the world - no translation required.

With the participation of new faces like Ha An Huy, Luong Khanh Nhi, and Bach Tra, Things Everlasting was revitalized by youthful energy.

In terms of quality, the concert met every criterion of a professional symphonic performance. Artists and musicians performed with humility and devotion to their audience. The organizers demonstrated openness by selecting songs from composers across the country, including iconic works from southern Vietnam before 1975, and refreshing them with distinctive new interpretations.

Many performances left a lasting impact. Pianist Luong Khanh Nhi’s rendition of Truong Ca Song Lo and cellist Phan Phuc’s performance of Huong Ve Ha Noi (Toward Hanoi) were both technically and emotionally compelling. Tung Duong, with his passionate and powerful voice, once again ignited the stage. Notably, all the performers maintained humility - they avoided overshadowing others and performed with a sincere focus on the audience.

A key highlight was the performance by the Mặt Trời Symphony Orchestra under the baton of conductor Olivier Ochenine. He elevated familiar Vietnamese pieces to new artistic heights. Music director Tran Manh Hung also left a strong impression with his modern, sophisticated orchestrations.

Audiences were particularly moved by the fusion of traditional Vietnamese music with Western instruments. The opening dan bau performance was especially memorable and could serve as a defining symbol of contemporary Vietnamese culture for global audiences.

The essence of the concert could be summed up in four words: excellence, innovation, openness, and humility.

Dr. and MC Kim Nguyen Bao: The brilliance lies in the new arrangements

Things Everlasting 2025 was truly a fitting national concert to mark the 80th National Day. Its national spirit was reflected not only in scale and ambition but also in the themes and artistic materials chosen.

The program achieved a perfect harmony between global classical music and traditional Vietnamese elements. From the royal tones of Hue and the sounds of Cham music to the lively rhythms of the southern region, everything revolved naturally around the theme of patriotism - simple yet romantic and profoundly inspiring. This blend not only maintained the stature and credibility of Things Everlasting, but also elevated its artistic significance.

Things Everlasting represents not just timeless compositions, but also reflects grand and humble moments in everyday Vietnamese life - from military parades on national holidays to acts of kindness shared among citizens. Music distilled and retold these moments with persuasive power.

With the participation of young artists like Ha An Huy, Luong Khanh Nhi, and Bach Tra, the concert was infused with a refreshing new spirit. The real beauty lay in the fresh arrangements and the heartfelt performances of this new generation, truly turning each masterpiece into something that will indeed endure.

Tinh Le - My Anh