HUEÁ — A singing contest of songs by Trinh Cong Son will be held on March 26-29 at Nam Chau Hoi Quan (Nam Chau Club House) in Hue city, according to an official statement from the Music Association of the central province of Thua Thien – Hue.
In addition to an award from the organising board, the winning contestants will be asked to sing in the live Trinh Cong Son – 10 Nam Tro Ve Cat Bui (Trinh Cong Son – 10 Years Since His Death) show at Nghinh Luong Dinh on March 30.
Trinh Cong Son lovers of all ages may register at the Thua Thien – Hue provincial Literature and Arts Association (26 Le Loi Street) until March 20.
Researchers eye Chieu Kinh shrine
HUE — The Hue Royal Citadel Preservation Centre has started to research the Chieu Kinh shrine archaeological site in the first step of a project to restore the relic.
Guided by extensive research, experts from the Architecture Department of Waseda University in Japan will conduct the work directly. Japan has provided US$70,000 of the project's total price tag of VND3.2 billion ($147,500). Viet Nam will provide the remaining funding.
The restoration is expected to be completed in 2015.
Chieu Kinh shrine in the Hue Royal Citadel was built during the first period of King Gia Long's reign. This 160sq.m shrine consists of one compartment and double lean-tos. It was destroyed in the historical upheavals of the early 20th century, leaving only the foundation behind.
Swiss Food Festival kicks off
HA NOI — Hundreds of guests including representatives from the Swiss Embassy in Ha Noi attended the opening of the Swiss Food Festival on Monday at Movenpick Hotel.
"Although the food culture of Switzerland tends to be influenced by its neighbours, particularly Italy, France and Germany, the nation also has its own high-quality, locally produced ingredients that make the cuisine itself unique," said Executive Chef Nguyen Ngoc Lam, who has worked for several five-star hotels in New Zealand.
Swiss foods include the internationally renowned cheese fondue and cheese raclette as well as veal zurichoise, riz casimir, various roestis, alpine herdsman's macaroni, barley soup and many other dishes.
"If you have a sweet tooth, traditional home made tarts such as chocolate tartlets and carac, Swiss walnut tart, Swiss chocolate roll, pistachio panna cotta and many other sweet temptations will definitely enrich your dining experience," a couple from Switzerland said.
The festival will wrap up tomorrow.
Documentary on disabled kids screens
HA NOI — The video documentary Con Duong Hy Vong (Facing Forward) premiered at the Goethe Institute in Ha Noi last week before an audience of hundreds.
The documentary follows international and local experts in their work with children with disabilities and their families. The film shows the challenges of these families and how parents learn to better understand the special needs of their children and the importance of encouraging and stimulating their development through specially-designed interventions.
The film was produced by the Office of Genetic Counseling and Disabled Children, Rehabilitation Centre Peace Village and Deutsche Gesellschaft for Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). By bringing early intervention and rehabilitation to families, these agencies help boost the acceptance of these children by their families and the wider community. — VNS