HA NOI — Proceeds from the Viet Nam National Symphony and Orchestra (VNSO) Spring Jazz concert were donated to Japanese earthquake and tsunami victims. VNSO representative director Ngo Hoang Quan and other representatives went to the Japanese Embassy in Ha Noi to hand over about VND83 million (US$4,000). The sum included proceeds from a two-night concert last weekend plus honorariums from the artists.
The concert was performed by Japanese conductor Tetsuji Honna and pianist Yamashita Yosuke at the Ha Noi Opera House. The two artists were unable to contact their families before the performance but they still managed to entertain the audience.
VNSO members wanted to share in the loss and hope of the Japanese to overcome their difficulties, said Quan.
Veteran artists release new ca tru album of ceremonial singing HA NOI — Musician Nguyen Phu De and well-known singer Pham Thi Hue have released a new ca tru (ceremonial songs) compact disc.
The six-song disc titled Ca tru – Singing House was first proposed five years ago when singer Nguyen Thi Chuc and artist Nguyen Phu De accepted Hue as a professional ca tru singer.
The artists hope the disc will not only be a bridge to link audiences inside and outside the country but will also foster the loving career of ca tru singers.
De and Hue are from two different generations. De, who is 88 years old, began learning how to play the dan day three-stringed lute at the age of 10 while singer Hue only began singing ca tru after meeting Chuc in 2001.
Unique ethnic minority food festival held in Central Highlands
KON TUM — Hundreds of people enjoyed a variety of food during an ethnic minority food competition on Thursday. Participating minority groups included Ba Na, Se Dang and Gia Rai.
Eight teams introduced unique styles of wine and 40 types of traditional food which are typically cooked at festivals and used to feast distinguished visitors. — VNS