Attendees of the Art Program included: Mr. Le Duc Thinh, Director of the Department of Cooperative Economy and Rural Development - Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; Mr. Nguyen Xuan Dai, Member of the City Party Committee, Director of the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development; Mrs. Le Thi Phuong, Director of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum at the Presidential Palace; Mrs. Cu Thi Minh, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum at the Presidential Palace; Mr. Nguyen Van Chi, Deputy Chief of the Standing Office of the New Rural Coordination Office of Hanoi; Mr. Ngo Van Ngon, Deputy Chief of the Special Office of the New Rural Coordination Office of Hanoi; Mrs. Vu Huong, Director of the Hanoi Agricultural Promotion Center; Mr. Nguyen Van Thang, former Secretary of the Tay Ho District Party Committee; Professor, Ph.D. Tran Duy Quy, President of the Vietnam Association of Rural Development Science; Associate Professor, Ph.D., Academician Dao The Anh, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Associate Professor, Ph.D. Dong Dang Van, Deputy Director of the Central Institute of Vegetable Research; Mr. Nguyen Viet Thang, Deputy Director of the Office for Registration of Activities and Technology - Ministry of Science and Technology; Dr. Le Thanh Y, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Vietnam Journal of Rural Development Science; Journalist Xuan Ban Vu, Vice President of the Editorial Board of the Electronic Magazine Rural and Development; Colonel Nguyen Thanh Do, Office of the General Department of Politics of the Vietnam People's Army; Colonel, Ph.D., People's Artist Nguyen Thi Thu Ha - Director of the Performing Arts Theater - University of Military Culture and Arts; Dr., People's Artist Nguyen Thi Thanh Ngoan, Chairwoman of the Advisory Council of the Institute of Economics, Culture, and Arts; Dr. Nguyen Van Giap, Deputy Dean of the Vocal Department, University of Military Culture and Arts; Journalist Vuong Xuan Nguyen, Director of the Institute of Economics, Culture, and Arts; Nguyen Thi Diep, Director of the Institute of Global Educational Science, along with a large number of people and audiences from the capital.
Some delegates took souvenir photos with artists and singers during the "Tình Sen" Art Program.
Accordingly, the "Tình Sen" Art Program was content-directed by Journalist Vuong Xuan Nguyen - Director of the Institute of Economics, Culture, and Arts, and was directed by Lieutenant Colonel, Meritorious Artist Huong Giang - Vocal Lecturer at the University of Military Culture and Arts, with the participation of famous artists and singers: People's Artist Thanh Ngoan, Meritorious Artist Huong Giang, Meritorious Artist Ngoc Dung, Singer Van Giap, Sao Mai 2022 Champion Trinh Nui, Singer Nguyen Anh, Singer Minh The, Singer Hoang Hiep, Singer Hoang Lien, Singer Nhu Quynh, Singer Ha My, Singer Diem Thanh, Singer Bao Tram, Singer Hai Yen, Singer Viet Dung, Singer Le Khanh, MC Thuy Duong, and the Spring Dance Troupe.
In the program, the artists performed 12 songs with themes praising the love for the homeland, pride in the country, the glorious Party, and the great Uncle Ho, such as: "Giai Điệu Tự Hào" (Composer: Pham Hong Bien); "Đất Nước" (Composer: Pham Minh Tuan); "Sóng Đàn Hà Nội" (Composer: An Thuyen); "Hà Nội Ngày Trở Về" (Composer: Phu Quang; Xam); "Dạo Chơi Long Thành" (Arranged: People's Artist Xuan Hoach); "Bài ca Hồ Chí Minh" (Composer: Ewan MacColl/Vietnamese Lyrics: Phu An); "Tình Sen" (Music: Meritorious Artist Huong Giang, Lyrics: Vuong Xuan Nguyen); "Khúc Hát Sông Quê" (Composer: Nguyen Trong Tao, Poetry: Le Huy Mau); "Đường Lên Phía Trước" (Composer: Luong Ngoc Trac); "Hào Khí Biển Đông" (Composer: Lam Pianist & Jar-D); "Một Vòng Việt Nam" (Composer: Dong Thien Duc); "Thênh Thang Đường Mới" (Composer: Ho Trong Tuan).
Singer Mai Nguyen Anh from the Military Region II Arts Troupe opened the program with the song "Giai Điệu Tự Hào," bringing the audience feelings of pride in the country and the nation. The poem describes the process in which the mother taught her child from a young age to love and be proud of the melody of the song "Đoàn quân Việt Nam đi," one of the beautiful musical symbols of Vietnam. The song is not only for the child but for the entire nation, a wonderful and sacred symbol that millions sing together, creating unity and strength for the country.
Singer Mai Nguyen Anh and the Spring Dance Troupe
Continuing the patriotic theme, Meritorious Artist Huong Giang brought the audience the song "Đất Nước" by composer Pham Minh Tuan, a song that every time it is sung feels like a solemn ode, praising the sacred and immortal image of Vietnamese mothers, carrying the heroic, resilient, loyal, and capable bloodline of the Trung sisters, Trieu Thi Trinh, and so forth. Throughout the nation's history, whenever the homeland needed, they were not only ready to sacrifice their blood but also bore the pain of sending off their beloved sons to the battlefield for the greater good. The song is a gentle yet profound reminder to today's and future generations to deeply imbibe the nation's principle of "when drinking water, remember its source," to appreciate the people who planted the trees. The lyrics have touched the hearts of many Vietnamese people whenever they remember their mothers, their hometowns, and the sacred, proud land.
In these historical July days, the song "Đất Nước" becomes even more emotional as it commemorates Martyrs' and War Invalids' Day, celebrating the heroic achievements of previous generations, and expressing boundless gratitude for the sacrifices made by the military and civilians nationwide that created a time of "Blood and Flowers," shining the revolutionary heroism of the Ho Chi Minh era. With her extensive performance experience, Meritorious Artist Huong Giang delivered this song emotionally, interpreting the work accurately to elevate the emotions and touch the audience's hearts. She skillfully applied academic vocal techniques to handle this revolutionary lyrical song full of meaning.
Young artists Như Quỳnh, Hải Yến, Hoàng Liên, Bảo Châm, Diễm Thanh, Hà My, and Tuyết Hà surprised the capital audience with an impressive performance of the song "Sóng Đàn Hà Nội," a famous composition by An Thuyen based on Nguyen Chinh's poetry. The song evokes deep emotions and connects with the beauty and rich history of Thang Long - Hanoi. It recalls the special images, sounds, and feelings of the city of a thousand years of civilization, profoundly honoring the culture, history, and traditions of Vietnam, especially through the imagery and music of Thang Long - Hanoi. It represents the enduring values of culture and spirit throughout thousands of years of history. The song stirs pride and respect for the cultural and spiritual beauty of the nation. The impressive performance, combined with light art, LED effects, and background visuals, helped the audience feel more of the subtlety that composer An Thuyen conveyed in this song.
Singer Van Giap, Deputy Dean of the Vocal Department - University of Military Culture and Arts, continued the flow of emotions about Hanoi with the song "Hà Nội Ngày Trở Về" by composer Phu Quang based on Thanh Tung's poetry, depicting the return and memory of Hanoi, a place full of emotions and familiarity. Whenever feeling desolate, lonely, or tired, the author hurriedly returns to find peace and dawn in the hometown memories, reminiscing about the streets, the fragrant evenings, and the beautiful past days.
With his warm baritone voice, singer Van Giap took the audience back to the feelings of autumn in Hanoi, with the winds, moss, and old trees; not only images of the scenery but also emotions and memories of the homeland. The military singer conveyed the full emotions and deep connection with Vietnam's land and people. It is a celebration of the beauty and the cultural and spiritual values of Hanoi, an integral part of the lives and beautiful memories of those who have ever been attached to it.
The stage of the "Tình Sen" Art Program became explosive, captivating, and vibrant with the performance of People's Artist Thanh Ngoan with the xam piece "Dạo Chơi Long Thành." The veteran and talented artist left a special impression on both domestic and international audiences through traditional folk music. Her performance took the audience back to the essence of Hanoi's 36 streets.
The evening program to welcome the Hanoi Lotus Festival 2024 was a success, demonstrating the dedication of the artists and singers who performed. It not only brought to life the traditional and contemporary values of Vietnam's music and culture but also deeply touched the hearts of the audience. The event reaffirmed the importance of cultural exchange and artistic expression in celebrating and preserving the rich heritage of Vietnam.
The evening performance continued with young military singer Mai Nguyễn Anh through the song "Bài Ca Hồ Chí Minh," a famous composition by Ewan MacColl with Vietnamese lyrics by Phú Ân. This song was composed by the British musician in 1954, inspired by the victorious Điện Biên Phủ campaign, which "resounded throughout five continents, shaking the earth." Mai Nguyễn Anh, with his tenor voice, emotionally performed this song, bringing the audience back to a sense of pride and praising the sacrifices of Hồ Chí Minh, along with the determination and resentment nurtured by the Vietnamese workers in their struggle for national liberation. He led the Vietnamese people to glorious victories in the fight for independence and freedom.
The capital's audience that evening was also treated to the golden voice of Nghệ An – Meritorious Artist Hương Giang through the song "Tình Sen," her debut composition set to the poetry of Journalist Vương Xuân Nguyên. This was also the theme song of the Art Program. The song is written in a 2/4 rhythm, based on the traditional Vietnamese Ca Trù material, bearing a contemporary folk style, with a gentle and profound melody rich in Vietnamese cultural identity. It praises the pure and noble beauty and the profound cultural significance of the lotus in the life and soul of the Vietnamese people. The lotus, with its thin petals and enchanting fragrance, is beautiful compared to the traditional Yếm Đào and the pink color. The lotus is not only beautiful but also emotionally and spiritually superior. The pure white lotus blooms gracefully without fear of hardship, flourishing when summer arrives, emitting a fragrant scent when it buds, and rising strongly amidst challenges. The lotus shines quietly and sweetly, without competing in the ephemeral life, but still offers affectionate flowers, sweet beauty, and dedication to life. The lotus evokes memories of ancient lullabies, nurturing us to grow with strong willpower. Though it does not boast a vibrant display like lilies, phoenix flowers, or night jasmine, the lotus possesses a unique and meaningful beauty. The lotus embodies the essence of life, the more it shines, the more beautiful it becomes, containing the strength from the quintessence of heaven and earth, contributing to building the national spirit and forever shining with the descendants of Lạc Hồng.
Male singer Minh Thế from Military Region II Art Troupe, with his warm and sweet folk voice, brought the audience back with the song "Khúc Hát Sông Quê" by composer Nguyễn Trọng Tạo. Here, the homeland river is depicted as an ever-flowing green river, symbolizing the lasting and eternal values of the homeland, people, and nature. Minh Thế, with his skilled performance, took listeners into the emotional flow of youthful memories full of innocence and simplicity, such as waiting for his mother, playing by the riverbank, or enjoying rustic snacks like sesame rice crackers. The song brings us back to the familiar countryside after half a life of wandering, returning to the homeland river as a place of peace and love. The homeland river is not only a living place but also a symbol of a kind mother, caring and protective like a mother.
As a congratulatory note for the inauguration of the Institute of Economics, Culture, and Arts, the male group from the University of Military Culture and Arts performed the song "Đường Lên Phía Trước" by composer Tiến Minh, with a message praising the resilience, strong will, and courage of the soldiers, always ready to sacrifice for the country and people. The song evokes the image of Vietnam's landscape with patriotic hearts, always ready to face any challenge and danger.
Sao Mai 2022 Champion Trịnh Núi, with her light music style, appeared in the program with a new rock-infused arrangement, creating an extremely vibrant atmosphere through the song "Hào Khí Biên Đông," composed by musician Lâm Pianist & Jar-D. The song honors the beauty of the homeland's sea and islands, an inseparable and sacred part of the Vietnamese nation. Trịnh Núi successfully portrayed the image of soldiers facing challenges and dangers, determined to protect the sacred sovereignty of Hoàng Sa and Trường Sa islands. The song asserts the strong solidarity of the Vietnamese people, always ready to stand together to protect their homeland and islands with the spirit of "Vietnamese for the homeland, dedicated to the nation"; strongly opposing aggression, and affirming the determination to protect the sacred and inviolable sovereignty of the islands.
Meritorious Artist Ngọc Dung took the capital's audience on a tour of "Một Vòng Việt Nam," an impressive composition by musician Đông Thiên Đức, describing the memories and beloved images of the Vietnamese homeland, from the peaceful rivers to the fragrant golden rice fields; honoring the beauty and dignity of the Vietnamese people, with the image of "Vietnamese with brown skin, black eyes, gentle and resilient like the lotus," which also celebrates the strong and enduring character of the people. The song also reminds us of the mother's lullabies, the cherished songs tied to the country, the homeland, and the desire to explore the beauty of the nation.
Closing the "Tình Sen" Art Program to welcome the Hanoi Lotus Festival 2024 and the inauguration of the Institute of Economics, Culture, and Arts, all the artists participated in the performance of "Thênh Thang Đường Mới," a composition by musician Hồ Trọng Tuấn. The song describes the journey of the Vietnamese nation on the path of development, with the challenges and hardships that have passed, along with the desire to overcome obstacles to move towards a bright future; honoring the Vietnamese national identity with the image of "the dragon fairy rising high, the descendants of Lạc Hồng," the bright beauty of the country. This is also the message and best wishes that the artists participating in the program want to send to the Hanoi Lotus Festival 2024, as well as the inauguration of the Institute of Economics, Culture, and Arts on today's journey.
