HA NOI — Acclaimed Vietnamese poet Nguyen Duy has been awarded this year's Grand Prize for Poetry by the Romanian Academy.
Founded by famous Romanian writers and poets, including two Nobel-prize holders, the prize is awarded to a foreign poet every year.
Duy was unable to be present at the awards ceremony in Bucharest, Romania last Friday due to health problems.
The 62-year-old poet, whose real name is Nguyen Duy Nhue, has published several works, including six volumes of poetry, a number of personal narratives and one novel. Many of his works have been translated into English.
He has given several lectures at universities in the US and has won several national poetry awards.
He recently finished a poetry collection that was published by the Nha Nam Publishing House.
City Opera House hosts rhythm and blues concert
HCM CITY — A rhythm and blues trio led by Roland Tchakounte will present a concert at HCM City's Opera House this evening.
Born in Cameroon, Tchakounte learnt percussion, guitar, piano and harmonica and creating a synthesis between his African roots, blues influences and his native dialect.
He has released four albums, the latest being Blues Menessen.
The trio with Tchakounte as the main vocalist, Mick Ravassat guitarist and Mathias Bernheim percussionist, has performed in many countries.
They were last in Ha Noi in 2008, organised by the French Embassy in Viet Nam. This tour is organised by the Institute for Culture Exchange with France. Tickets for the 8pm performance range from VND50,000 (for students) to VND100,000; they are available at the Opera House, 7 Lam Son Square, District 1.
Painting contest for Asian teenagers kicks off
HA NOI — The Mitsubishi-Enikki Arts Festival for Asian Teenagers was launched yesterday in Ha Noi.
The contest was jointly held by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's Department of Arts, Photography and Exhibition and UNESCO's Unions in Japan.
Teenagers aged from six to12 nationwide can join the contest which aims to encourage their understanding of daily life.
Under the main theme, Here Is Your Life, contestants can describe any aspects of daily life, such as their family, school, their entertainment, local traditional customs, city and people.
Entries should be sent to the Department of Arts, Photography and Exhibition, 36 Cao Ba Quat, Ha Noi, by November 15-18.
A grand prize will be provided by the Japanese organising board.
Four special prizes will be given to each country or each region and many other prizes will be given to groups and individuals by Viet Nam. — VNS