On the afternoon of August 25, in Hanoi, VietNamNet hosted a press conference to introduce the 2025 edition of the National Concert “Things Everlasting” (Dieu Con Mai). Marking its 15th year, this edition is especially significant as it is the first time the Ministry of Ethnic Affairs and Religions is participating in the event’s direction.

Attendees included Deputy Minister of Ethnic Affairs and Religions Y Thong, Editor-in-Chief of VietNamNet Nguyen Van Ba, music director and composer Tran Manh Hung, and Meritorious Artist Lan Anh.

A cultural and artistic rendezvous for the nation

Speaking at the press conference, Deputy Minister Y Thong emphasized that “Things Everlasting” is not merely an annual art program but has become a vital cultural and artistic landmark with broad societal influence. He highlighted the unique importance of this year’s concert as it coincides with the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2, as well as the 50th anniversary of national reunification.

According to the Deputy Minister, this symbolic alignment bestows a sacred meaning upon the concert, turning each performance into a tribute to history and a testament to the enduring vitality of Vietnam’s national spirit. He expressed gratitude to sponsors and encouraged continued partnership to ensure the program’s long-term development.

Editor-in-Chief Nguyen Van Ba noted that this year’s concert must stand out, especially as it is held during a season full of highly acclaimed cultural events. He explained that the organizing committee had tasked composer Tran Manh Hung with creating a program reflecting 80 years of national independence, spanning regions across the country. In addition to instrumental music, the program will feature folk songs from all three regions of Vietnam and showcase the talents of many young artists.

Narrating history through symphonic expression

Music director Tran Manh Hung shared that since its inception, “Things Everlasting” has committed to celebrating Vietnamese music through the refined lens of academic and symphonic styles. Revolutionary songs, folk tunes, patriotic anthems, and lyrical music, familiar to the public, are reimagined in a symphonic format that offers a unique identity.

This year, the concert continues this tradition while refreshing many compositions to align with the commemorative atmosphere. The program seeks to tell the story of Vietnam’s culture using refined musical language that is both gentle and grand, all while covering key historical milestones.

For example, the epic song Song Lo will be performed as a piano concerto by young talent Luong Khanh Nhi. The piece To Hanoi will be interpreted through the delicate tones of cellist Phan Phuc, a U.S.-trained doctoral musician who brings a fresh perspective to the image of the capital.

“Phan Phuc’s cello playing is exquisite. While his name may not be widely known domestically, professionals both in Vietnam and internationally are well aware of and admire his artistry,” emphasized composer Tran Manh Hung.

Other works celebrating Hanoi and the homeland will be performed by top vocalists such as Hong Nhung and Tung Duong, who are expected to bring emotional depth and vibrant national spirit to the stage.

Composer Tran Manh Hung reaffirmed that “music about our homeland has never been interrupted. It remains a natural current flowing through the soul of every Vietnamese, from older generations to the youth.”

Challenging choices in curating the program

During the Q&A session, journalist Vuong Ha from the People's Army Newspaper raised a question about the pressures of selecting pieces in a year filled with monumental events.

Editor-in-Chief Nguyen Van Ba responded that the organizing team had worked for months with composer Tran Manh Hung to develop the concert's concept. The greatest challenge was balancing the audience’s desire for freshness with the academic standards of the program.

“There are pieces that work well on conventional stages but do not translate into the symphonic space. We had to be extremely selective to ensure each performance preserved its character while reaching the highest artistic value,” Ba explained.

Composer Tran Manh Hung added that not all compositions are suitable for symphonic arrangement, given the structural and tonal differences between pop and symphonic music. Likewise, not all singers are a match for this musical environment. Therefore, the selection process for both works and performers is exceptionally rigorous.

Among the featured artists, Meritorious Artist Lan Anh stands out with her return to perform Singing in Pac Bo Forest by composer Nguyen Tai Tue.

Lan Anh shared, “Returning to the ‘Things Everlasting’ stage fills me with immense joy. This is not just a place where I sing, but a space where I can immerse myself in the flow of traditional music within a refined symphonic setting.” She noted that “Things Everlasting” was a pioneering effort in bringing revolutionary and traditional songs into the symphonic arena, something unheard of 15 years ago.

Artists' dedication, audience's appreciation

Editor-in-Chief Nguyen Van Ba also confirmed significant improvements in sound quality during live broadcasts of “Things Everlasting.” The technical team has closely coordinated efforts to ensure audiences enjoy the best experience in both visuals and audio.

“We remain committed to the core values of ‘Things Everlasting’ - honoring the great works of Vietnamese music performed by passionate and responsible artists. Many participants see this not just as a performance but as an offering of music to the public on a momentous national occasion,” he said.

He cited composer Tran Manh Hung as a prime example - a strict professional who prioritizes artistic excellence. Working with the Sun Symphony Orchestra and international musicians demands extremely high standards, requiring intense focus from the entire team. To prepare for the event, artists underwent two days of rehearsal and a long dress rehearsal, an enormous challenge, especially with performances scheduled close to National Day on September 2.

Some artists even arranged to stay at hotels near the Hanoi Opera House for easier access to rehearsals and performances.

“That reflects their sacrifice and dedication to our collective success. For VietNamNet, the pressure is immense, and we’ve felt discouraged at times. But the commitment and passion of the artists inspire us to continue striving and preserving the value of ‘Things Everlasting,’” Ba said.

The concert is not just a voice of music but a song of unity, spreading a spirit of community cohesion. This also aligns with the mission of the Ministry of Ethnic Affairs and Religions. Since its establishment in 2025, VietNamNet, as its official mouthpiece, is more aware of the responsibility to honor national identity and provide accurate information.

Ba concluded that “Things Everlasting,” beyond being an art program, serves as a voice of unity and Vietnamese identity. The involvement of the Ministry of Ethnic Affairs and Religions reinforces this message, as music becomes a bridge connecting spiritual, cultural, and communal values.

As the nation commemorates historic milestones, “Things Everlasting,” under the baton of conductor Olivier Ochanine and featuring vocalists such as Meritorious Artists Lan Anh and Le Giang, Hong Nhung, Tung Duong, Dinh Trang, Viet Danh, Bach Tra, Ha An Huy, Luong Khanh Nhi, Phan Phuc, Hoang Ke, and the groups Ao Linh and Net Viet, stands as both a celebration of art and a powerful affirmation of Vietnamese cultural vitality. As the name suggests, what resounds during the concert will echo far beyond the moment - becoming a “thing everlasting” etched in the soul of the nation.

Tinh Le