Timeless tunes: Music programmes on television like Tinh Ca Viet (Vietnamese Love Songs) meet the demands of audiences from different generations. — VNS Photo Chau Quoc Hung

VINH LONG (VNS) — Romantic songs continue to be loved by different generations as shown through a new music programme on Vinh Long Radio and Television Station (VLRT).

Tinh Ca Viet (Vietnamese Love Songs) features romantic and folk works in praise of people, life and love. Many of the songs are written and composed by veterans and young talents.

Broadcast weekly in the studios of VLRT, the programme's first show last Monday left a strong impression on audiences nationwide.

The 60-minute show, Tinh Hoai Huong (Love and Nostalgia), featured pop stars Bao Yen and Hong Hanh, and folk singers Ai Xuan, Dinh Van and Quang Linh.

Vietnamese-American singers Giao Linh, Ngoc Anh and Phi Nhung were also included.

The artists performed with the support of dancers from traditional art troupes in the region.

They sang famous songs based on folk tunes composed by veteran musicians such as Pho Duc Phuong, Thanh Tung and Hong Dang.

The second show will feature young pop singers including Cao Thai Son, Uyen Trang and Phan Dinh Tung.

Music has long been young people's favourite form of entertainment. But many students and workers find ticket prices for live music shows expensive and have turned to radio or television.

In a move to win larger audiences share amid fierce competition among local music producers, VLRT and other TV stations have devoted facilities and human resources to produce quality music programmes.

The Viet Nam Television (VTV) now broadcasts 20 music shows every month, including shows like Ca KhucVuot Thoi Gian (Forever Songs) and Tuoi Tre Va Uoc Mo (Youth and Dream) and Bai Hat Viet (Vietnamese Songs).

Ho Chi Minh City Television (HTV) has also produced shows aimed young people.

"We hope to reach youth through music shows," Nguyen Quy Hoa, general director of the HTV, said.

Two of the station's regular music shows Nhip Cau Am Nhac (Music Bridge) and Giot Nang Phu Sa (The Sunlight) are popular with urban and rural audiences.

While Nhip Cau Am Nhac offers contemporary music, Giot Nang Phu Sa features traditional songs. Both shows broadcast monthly and have attracted many veteran and young singers and music players. — VNS