Vietnam wins big prizes at APEC Photo Contest 2013

Vietnam has won third prize and had three other photos chosen into the 10 finalists of the APEC Photo Contest 2013.

A press release issued by the APEC Secretariat says that third prize of this year’s contest went to “Catching Sunlight” by Tran Van Tuy from Vietnam, which is on the theme: Sustainable Growth with Equity.

Also on that theme, “Spinning” by Vo Chi Trung of Vietnam was among the top ten finalists.

Two entries by Vietnamese photographer Vo Thi Xuan Ha, namely “Silhouette Works” (theme: Sustaining the Momentum towards Free and Open Trade by 2020) and “Concrete Waves” (theme: Improving Connectivity) were among the 10 finalists.

The press release quotes Ambassador Yuri Thamrin, Chair of the APEC 2013 Senior Officials’ Meeting and one of the judges, as saying: “With some 600 photos submitted from all over the APEC region, all three images uniquely reflect our theme for this year.”

The Ambassador added, “We appreciate the photographers’ interpretation of our work at APEC in a way that is both immediately accessible and artistic.”

The first prize winner will receive SGD2,000, while the second and third prize winners will receive SGD1,500 and SGD1,000, respectively. These photos are being showcased during the 2013 APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in Bali in October as well as in key APEC publications.

The Partner aired in Japan, Vietnam to celebrate friendship

Two-hour movie The Partner which is a co-production between Vietnam Television (VTV) and the Tokyo Broadcasting System, was aired in Japan and on VTV1 Channel in Vietnam at 8 p.m. last Sunday to celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

The film honors the friendship between the famous Vietnamese revolutionary Phan Boi Chau and Japanese doctor Asaba Sakitaro which started 100 years ago and features Chau’s activities in Japan while he was seeking ways to liberate his homeland.

The film was shot in just two months in both countries. It is designed to be a meaningful gift for the good relations between the countries.

Vietnamese youth philharmonic to perform tree of life piece

Rhapsody Philharmonic, an orchestra of young Vietnamese musicians, will stage a concert entitled ‘Tree of life’ at Cong Nhan theatre in Hanoi on October 8.

The concert will be divided into three movements to tell the story of a life cycle, including the formation, the experience and death and regeneration. Guest performer Uyen Linh, the winner of the 2010 Vietnam Idol singing contest, will be the sole singer at the show.

The concert is the ninth in a series staged quarterly by the orchestra, celebrates the third anniversary of the group’s foundation. The curtains go up at 8pm on October 8, at 42 Trang Tien street in Hanoi. Tickets to the event are priced from VND200,000 to VND1 million.

Rhapsody Philharmonic was established in September 2010 by Luu Quang Minh and his 9X-generation friends. Started with nearly 30 members aged 17-25 from the Vietnam National Academy of Music, the orchestra is now made up of more than 70 instrumentalists who delight audiences with various musical genres – classical, fusion, jazz, pop/ rock and R ’n’ B.

UK Week in Vietnam

A banquet and a fashion show were held by the British Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City on October 2.

At the function, British Consul General Douglas Barnes emphasized that the relations between the UK and Vietnam have improved significantly since the two Governments signed an agreement on strategic partnership in 2010.

According to the Ho Chi Minh municipal People’s Committee, the city has 95 investment projects run by British businesses with a total capitalization of over US$628 million and the UK is placed 11th on the list of countries and territories investing in the city.

In first nine months of this year, the two-way trade turnover between the UK and Ho Chi Minh City reached more than US$495 million.

Le Manh Ha, Vice Chairman of the HCM municipal People’s Committee, expressed his belief that the trade and investment cooperation and other activities between Ho Chi Minh City and the UK will continue to grow and flourish in the near future.

“UK Week in Vietnam” started on September 29 with a Fun Run charity event attracting 8,500 participants and trade activities taking place in Hanoi and HCM City.

Norwegian conductor, violinist in Hanoi double-header

Alf Richard Kraggerud will conduct Norwegian concert ‘In The Footsteps Of Edvard Grieg’ with the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra at Hanoi Opera House at 8 p.m. on October 26 and 27.

Audiences will be entertained with famous works of H. Sæverud, J. Sibelius and Grieg (1843–1907) himself who is regarded as one of the world’s top composers.

The show will also feature the talents of Norwegian violinist Henning Kraggerud.

Alf Richard Kraggerud is a well established conductor. He is presently artistic leader of Norwegian Youth Symphony Orchestra, Barratt Due Symphony Orchestra, Young Norwegian Festival Strings and is working regularly with the Chamber Orchestra Musica Vitae in Sweden. With these and other ensembles he has toured all over Asia, Africa and Europe.

Henning Kraggerud is a naturally gifted artist who combines an unusually sweet tone and beauty of expression with impressive virtuosity, drawing audiences and critics alike towards the genuine quality of his playing.

Tickets are priced from VND200,000 to VND500,000 and available at the Opera House, 1 Trang Tien Street in Hanoi.

Russia presents historic documents to Ho Chi Minh Museum

Russia has presented the Ho Chi Minh Museum in Hanoi with six historic documents related to Vietnam and President Ho Chi Minh during the 1945-1952 period.

At a ceremony to receive the documents in Hanoi on October 2, Ho Chi Minh Museum Director Chu Duc Tinh said the documents are rare and precious materials for the research on the relationship between the two countries.

On his part, Russian Ambassador to Vietnam A.G Kovtun said the archival copies reflect the deep historic root of the relationship between Vietnam and Russia which is built on the foundation of friendship and mutual assistance.

The documents include a report dated August 20, 1945 on Indochina-related issues of the Embassy of the Soviet Union in France and a message dated September 22, 1945 from President Ho Chi Minh to I.V. Stalin asking for help over dyke breakage, among others.

The documents will be put on display at the museum.

Vietnam – Japan Festival to take place in Ho Chi Minh City

A wide variety of activities has been scheduled in celebration of the 2013 Vietnam-Japan Festive Day, to be held on October 6 in Ho Chi Minh City.

The highlights of the event are a traditional Japanese drum performance featuring eight professional artists from the drum band Dadadadan Tenko and an exhibition of contemporary Japanese paintings.

Visitors to the festival can learn Yosakoi dancing, take part in the Japanese singing contest, dress up in a Yukata (an informal, unlined kimono made of cotton), learn to wrap gifts with furoshiki cloth, play with yo-yos and more.

The festival will also feature an introduction to Iaido, a modern Japanese martial art and a stand providing information about studying abroad in Japan.

The 2013 Vietnam-Japan Festive Day has been organised to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties and the 2013 Vietnam-Japan Friendship Year.

German culture celebrated in pictures

A photo exhibition entitled “Life Worlds”, introducing aspects of life in Germany, is being held at the German Embassy in Hanoi, to mark the 23rd German Reunification Day (October 10).

The 20 large size photos, displayed on the embassy's wall on Tran Phu Street, portray different parts of Germany’s land, people and culture  including, festivals, travel, sports, music and food.

The exhibition introduces the friendship and cooperation between Germany and Vietnam through a picture of Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and German Chancellor Angela Merkel during her official visit to Hanoi in 2011.

Visitors will be able to see images of a boy dressed in traditional leather trousers, lederhosen, sitting on his father's shoulder, as well as two famous novelists Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller.

They also have the opportunity to feel the rhythm of life in the ancient city Erfurt and walk around the Oktoberfest beer festival 2013 through a series of photographs.

“Through the exhibition, the wall of the German Embassy is turned into a window into another world, showing different aspects of a diverse society in the heart of Europe. The exposition aims to cherish diversity and to highlight similarities and differences between street life in Hanoi and Germany,” said Jutta Frasch, German Ambassador to Vietnam.

Japanese rock vocalist to perform in Vietnam

Well-known Japanese singer May’n will take part in the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) TV Song Festival at the Hanoi Opera House on October 26.

She has become famous within the Asian media for her speciality in singing Japanese anime films.

May’n performed as the dubbing singer of Diva of the Galaxy, Sheryl Nome, in the anime TV series “Marcross Frontier” in Japan in 2008.

At that time, she released two singles which instantly became huge hits, each reaching the top 3 of the Oricon Weekly Chart in their debut week.

May’n also achieved great success in the Asian tour and “Japan Expo 2011” - the largest Japanese culture and entertainment event in the Europe.

She has been recognised as the New Generation Female Rock Vocalist.

The ABU TV Song Festival is initiated to welcome the 50th Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union General Assembly to be held in Hanoi over October 23–29.

Hanoi festival highlights Luu Quang Vu’s plays

Luu Quang Vu is one of the most prominent figures of Vietnam’s contemporary drama scene. A festival last month in Hanoi featured his 13 plays, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the death of the famed playwright. The Voice of Vietnam (VOV) reports.

Hanoians were treated to a special theatrical event, the festival of plays by talented playwright Luu Quang Vu in early September. The festival, which commemorated the 25th anniversary of the death of Vu, featured his 13 plays. Vu’s works now remain relevant to the present days and still appealing to the audiences.

The festival, organised by the Vietnam Stage Artists Association, took place from September 9 to 16 in Hanoi, involving nine art troupes, including the Vietnam Drama Theatre, The Youth Theatre, the Hanoi Cheo (traditional opera) Theatre and Hai Phong Cheo Theatre.

The best-known plays performed included "Hon Truong Ba Da Hang Thit" (Truong Ba’s Soul in a Butcher’s Body), "Trai Tim Trong Trang" (Pure Heart), "Ong Khong Phai La Bo Toi" (You Are Not My Dad), and "Mua Ha Cuoi Cung" (The Last Summer).

The newly-arranged performances, which combined cinematic and language techniques, greatly impressed the audience.

Written in the 1970s and 1980s, Vu’s plays tell stories about real life, containing lessons about honesty, courage, struggle and shunning the bad and the wrong ideas, which are still vitally relevant now.

Truong Nhuan, Director of the Youth Theatre, told VOV: "Luu Quang Vu was one of the most prominent figures of Vietnam’s contemporary drama scene. He has not yet been replaced in his role as the nation’s most important contemporary dramatist."

The week-long festival saw crowds of audiences with major venues in Hanoi such as Workers’ Theatre, Dai Nam and Youth theaters all being fully occupied. Audiences of different ages experienced a range of different tones and moods.

The play "Truong Ba’s Soul in a Butcher’s Body" reflects the struggle between the soul and the body, between the lusts and the ideals in order for a person to become him/herself.

Family relations, changes in social norms, moral degradation and the lust for money are all themes of the play "You Are Not My Dad".

Nhuan was much appreciative of Vu’s works: "Many professional theatres and troupes continue to stage Vu’s plays, demonstrating that his works unleashed the breath of life and connected with the public. His works bear humane characteristics and aggressively rage against the evil and wrong and yearn for social fairness."

Killed in a traffic accident aged 41, when his talent had reached its maturity, Vu left a huge legacy of 50 scripts. They were of various genres and "Truong Ba’s Soul in a Butcher’s Body" became an eternal part of Vietnam’s theatrical history.

People’s Artist Doan Chau, former Director of the Vietnam Drama Theater, a friend and colleague of playwright Vu, told VOV:“We performed 'Truong Ba’s Soul in a Butcher’s Body' in a drama festival in Moscow in 1986. After watching it, a German critic said: 'This is a bomb in the middle of the festival.' It has stirred an explosion in Vietnam’s dramatic theatres.

"Later on, the play was staged in 30 states across the US and won acclaim from American audiences, most of whom were young people and students. So I think 'Truong Ba’s Soul in a Butcher’s Body' is a piece of work by Vu that will last forever."

The Hanoi festival once again highlighted the stature of Luu Quang Vu, who helped elevate Vietnam’s drama to a peak that some contemporary artists can only dream of.

VN, Thai artists exchange ideas

Fourteen Vietnamese artists and 13 of their Thai counterparts will be able to share tricks of the trade at the "Thai-Viet Art Exchange" exhibition, following a similar exhibition held in Thailand recently.

The exhibition, which opened on Tuesday, is part of an art exchange project fostering collaboration between artists in Viet Nam and Thailand. Artists will participate in art workshops, seminars and exhibitions showcasing art of diverse themes and materials; including acrylic on canvas, oil on canvas, lacquer, pencil, ceramic, wood and multimedia.

"Naresuan University Art Gallery has a mission to support, preserve and disseminate art and culture both in Thailand and on the international stage," said artist Jirawat Phirasant from Thailand's Naresuan University at the opening ceremony.

"The project has an important role in art creation. It aims at transferring art and culture between artists from both countries. In the opportunity, artists will learn technique, method or artwork and exchange concepts of art and culture."

"We, the artists, all want our works approach a wider public so such exchanges and exhibitions like this really work," said Vietnamese artist Bang Sy Truc whose Nude No 1 (oil on canvas) is on show at the exhibition.

"Perhaps we can't see the results straight away, but it's true that the more our art is exposed to the public, the better we feel," said the 46-year-old artist who has had two solo exhibitions at home and multiple group exhibitions abroad.

"To that end, we look forward to having support from national and international institutions like the University of Culture of Ha Noi and Naresuan University."

Art will be on display until October 6 at the Viet Nam Fine Arts Museum, 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Ha Noi.

Short film contest spotlights VN street food

Short films about Viet Nam's street food will compete at a contest launched for both individuals and groups.

Competitors can submit films, less than five minutes in length, featuring street food sellers, food stalls, restaurants and typical street dishes in Viet Nam. Films can be shot by smart phone or camera.

Entries can be sent to the websites www.sifs.edu.vn or www.amthuc247.com or send by post to Dien Quan Communications Company (34 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Da Kao Ward, District 1, HCM City); Sai Gon International Cinema School (15A Hoang Hoa Tham Street, Ward 6, Binh Thanh District) from October 7 to December 7.

Veteran artists honour the elderly

Thirty veteran artists of the HCM City Fine Arts Association are showcasing their paintings and sculptures to celebrate the International Day of Elderly People, which fell on October 1.

The exhibition, which opened on Tuesday, displays 64 works depicting landscapes and the lifestyle and people of Viet Nam.

The works include various styles, including realism, impressionism, semi-abstract and abstract art, on silk, lacquer or do (poonah) paper.

The highlights of the exhibition are the silk painting Thoi Sao (Flute Playing) by 79-year-old Truong Van Y, the oil painting Nang Sang Tren Song (Morning Sunshine in the River) by 76-year-old Quach Phong, and a watercolour painting on do paper, Hoa Sen (Lotus) by 78-year-old Bui Ngoc Tu.

The exhibition runs until on October 8, at 218A Pasteur Street in District 3.

Linh wins British Council award

Phan Gia Nhat Linh, the co-founder of the online short film festival Yxine Film Fest, was given the highest prize at the Young Creative Entrepreneur Screen/Multimedia Awards 2013 organised by the British Council yesterday.

The runner-up position went to Tran Hoang Hai, the founder of the HCM City-based Thuy Cat Commerce and Services Company.

Before winning the award, Linh worked as PR manager for two feature films; Bride of Silence by director Doan Minh Phuong and Hon Truong Ba, Da Hang Thit (Truong Ba Soul in a Butcher's Body) by Nguyen Quang Dung. He also managed the major movie forums Moviesboom and Yxine.

Linh was also the first Vietnamese person to receive a Ford Foundation fellowship in film production, allowing him to study at South California University's Cinematic Arts Faculty.

Madake Bar showcases top Asian movies

Madake Bar's weekly movie screening will feature the 2009 documentary Last Train Home directed by Lixin Fan tonight.

Attendees will be able to enjoy the movie in a chilled out atmosphere and leave the daily grind behind to explore something new.

The screening is a part of the bar's Under the Lan Tree project which introduces the best of Asian movies.

Starting from 8pm, the movie will be screened in Chinese with English subtitles in the open-air garden.

Free entrance.

Best-selling author hosts writing workshop

Following successful Cape Town, Johannesburg and London workshops over the past two years, bestselling British author Albert Jack is hosting another eight-week Writer Workshop between October and November in Ha Noi.

His workshop will take place at the Bookworm Too, Lane 1/28, Nghi Tam Village, (Tel: 04-38292322) every Tuesday, from 6-8pm, from October 8.

During the course, Jack will reveal everything a writer should know and will welcome all-comers, from practising amateurs to would-be professional authors.

Jack has published 13 books with Penguin, Harper Collins and Random House, spending over 20 months on the UK Sunday Times and New York Times Bestseller Lists.

For more information go to www.albertjack.com/workshops

Brazilian band performs in city

The Brazilian indie rock band Turtle Giant will play their debut show in Viet Nam at Cargo Bar on October 10.

Formed in 2009, the band consists of Frederico Ritchie (guitar, bass, keys, vocals), Antonio Conceicao (vocals, guitar, bass), and Beto Ritchie (vocals, drums, guitar). They are now based in Macau.

Their music is a mixture of vintage rock with psychedelic elements. Their latest record is the self-produced All Hidden Places.

The show will begin at 7pm at 7 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street in District 4. Tickets can be purchased at www.keewi.me or at Asian Kitchen in District 1 and at the venue.  

German school organises fun day

The German International School will hold a fun day this Sunday to raise funds for The Christina Noble Foundation.

The event will feature a photo booth, arts activities, sports games, parents' coffee shop, food and ice-cream.

It will take place from 8.30am to 12.30pm at the venue at 730 F-G-K Le Van Mien Street in District 2.

Nordcham hosts crayfish party

The Nordic Chamber of Commerce (Nordcham) will hold its annual Crayfish Party at the Phu My Hung Restaurant this Sunday.

The event will feature Nordic cuisine and Swedish recipes from imported crayfish with a free flow of drinks and Norwegian wine.

Tickets are on sale at Nordcham Office at Bitexco Building in District 1, Au Lac do Brazil restaurant in District 3, and Storm P restaurant in District 1.

The restaurant is at Petroland Tower, 12 Tan Trao Street, in District 7.

Elderly artists come to fore

Works by 30 elderly artists on Tuesday were showcased for the public at HCMC Association of Fine Arts to mark the contribution of artists as well as to call on all citizens to respect the aged.

On display are not only paintings of varied materials such as oil, canvas, silk, mixed media, watercolor, wood printing, digital art and pen, but also many sketches and sculpture works, expressing the creativeness of artists.

Various themes are depicted from portraits, landscapes, daily activities as well as social issues. Artists also adventure into diverse studies from abstract to impressionism, semi-abstract, realism and expressionism.

Huynh Van Muoi, chairman of the association, said that the event is really meaningful, citing love and passion.

The show will run until Tuesday at the association, 218A Pasteur Street in District 3.

Northwest on display in town

Solo photo exhibition Chao Tay Bac! (Hi, Tay Bac!) by photographer Nguyen Thanh Tung will take place tomorrow at 53-55 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St., District 3. The event showcases 28 pictures captured in the northwestern provinces, and Ha Giang Province in particular, which are home to ethnic minorities such as Red Dao, Thai and H’Mong. All photos depict the daily life of locals and are made on canvas.

As a photographer with 15 years experience, he is now CEO and co-founder of vnphoto.net, a photographic website with 350,000 members across the globe.

First German Ball comes to town

A new event is being marked into this year’s Saigon social calendar with the advent of the first-ever German Ball Saigon bringing a touch of old Europe elegance to Vietnam.

The regal evening will be held like a traditional German Ball and is co-hosted by the German Business Association (GBA) and the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce in cooperation with Terra Verde Travel.

Taking place on November 23 at Intercontinental Asiana Saigon from 7:00 pm onwards, the unique program will feature a cocktail reception, an exquisite gala dinner, stunning entertainment acts, a classical dance orchestra and a German party band.

Aimed to become an annual premium event within the German and expat communities, the first German Ball in Saigon is expected to welcome more than 300 guests representing the local and expat business community.

All proceeds from the Silent Auction and Midnight Lucky Draw will be donated to a charity selected by the GBA board.

For more information contact Minh Anh - Event Coordinator - at +84 903 121 253 or email on info@german-ball-saigon.com, or alternatively check out www.german-ball-saigon.com.