HCM CITY (VNS)— A free new music programme at universities and colleges in HCM City will be held regularly to entertain cash-strapped university students, who do not have the funds to pay for tickets to live concerts.

Young musician Nguyen Van Chung and his sponsor, Minh Chung Media, have created the event, called Nguyen Van Chung and Friends. It will feature popular young singers and pop bands in the city, includings Hien Thuc, Bao Thy, Vy Le and the 365 pop band.

Pop stars Thanh Thao and Nguyen Vu will also perform.

The programme will be held for the first time th? weekend at the HCM City Medicine and Pharmacy University in District 5.

The organisers will also hand out 20 scholarships worth VND1 million (US$50) each to poor students who have good marks.

"We will tour four universities this year," said the 29-year-old Chung, who is well-known for his music that blends traditional and pop styles.

"Our programme will be performed for students who lack facilities but love music," he added.

Songs in praise of love, friendship, family and country, written and composed by Chung, will be performed.

"We also hope to encourage love for traditional music," he said.

According to Minh Chung, owner of Minh Chung Media, the programme's producer, his company will also work with other musicians and singers to organise quality shows for free.

Tran Minh Tu, a third-year student at HCM City Polytechnic University, said: "After our hard hours of study, I hope this will make us happier."

The programme will visit Thang's school next month before travelling to Ton Duc Thang University and the Agriculture and Forestry University. — VNS