VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnamese soprano Ha Pham Thang Long will perform in a presentation of the Requiem by Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi at the Ha Noi Opera house this week.

The Roman Catholic funeral mass for four soloists, double choir and orchestra was composed in memory of Italian poet and novelist Alessandro Manzoni, who was much admired by Verdi.

Requiem was first performed in Milan on May 22, 1874, to mark the first anniversary of Manzoni's death.

The concert will feature a 150-member choir and the Viet Nam National Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Japanese conductor Honna Tetsuji. Other noted singers will include Swedish alto Anna Einarsson along with Japanese tenor Ohara Keiroh and bass Ono Kazuhiko.

* First Japanese food festival served up in capital city

Over a hundred local and foreign food lovers participated in the first Japanese Food Festival at the Movenpick Hotel Ha Noi yesterday, Sep 12.

The irresistible and authentic Japanese gastronomic experience, prepared by Japanese Master Chef Kittisukd Sujaritvetee, will run until Friday.

The chef from the Movenpick Hotel Sai Gon invites gourmets to sample an extensive selection of traditional and creative Japanese delicacies, featuring a lavish buffet display of over 20 kinds of Japanese classics.

During the five-day festival, Master Chef Sujaritvetee will prepare Japanese dishes using only the freshest ingredients in order to tantalise the taste buds of Ha Noi's food connoisseurs.

The Japanese Food Festival will not only showcase an array of authentic and sumptuous Japanese cuisine but also feature elements of Japanese culture and art.

Nicolas Martin, executive assistant manager of the Movenpick, said: "With a strong focus placed upon freshness and natural flavours, Japanese cuisine is nutritionally well-balanced and healthy. It is known for the high quality of the food products and ingredients used."

* Miss Ethnic Viet Nam pageant in hunt for potential contestants

Vietnamese citizens aged 18-28 from one of the country's 54 ethnic groups have been invited to compete in the second edition of the Miss Ethnic Viet Nam pageant 2011.

Co-organised by the Committee for Ethnic Affairs and CIAT Advertising and Trade Fair JSC, the event aims to honor the cultural heritage and the traditional values of each ethnic group as well as praise the physical beauty and intellectual gifts of young ethnic women.

The pageant, the only national beauty contest to be held in the country this year, also aims to seek three representatives to take part in international competitions, said Doan Thi Kim Hong, chairwoman of CIAT company and head of the contest's organising board.

The final round and awards ceremony will be held on December 10 at Hoa Binh Theatre in HCM City.

Applications will be accepted until October 15. For more information on the application requirements and other information, visit the website www.hoahaucacdantocvietnam.vn.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News