HA NOI — Sao Mai (Morning Star) singing contest is calling for registrations from Vietnamese people and foreigners who are interested in singing, Tran Hong Ha, representing the organising board said at the press conference held yesterday in Ha Noi.

The winner of the contest will represent Viet Nam in the ABU Television Song Contest, held annually by the Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU).

The song contest, first conceived as the National Television Singing Festival, has been held by Viet Nam Television (VTV) every two years since 1997.

It aims to boost the singing movement among people nationwide and communities of overseas Vietnamese.

Well-known Vietnamese singers of chamber music, folk music and pop have emerged from the contest.

This year it is also open to foreigners living in Viet Nam. The contestants must be aged 17-27.

The contest will take place in three regions. The final round of the south will be held from January 16-20, the central and Central Highlands region from January 24-27, and the north from January 18-22. The regional rounds will select 15 finalists to enter the national final round in March and April of next year.

Musician Duong Cam will serve as music director of the contest. Cam is a famous musician who has judged many singing contests. Early this year, he received the titles of Producer of the Year and Musician of the Year at the prestigious Devotion Music Awards, held annually by Vietnam News Agency’s The Thao Van Hoa (Sport & Culture) daily.

Judges for the Morning Star contest will include noble musicians, singers and musical experts.

“Morning Star is the only singing contest with three categories: chamber music, folk music and pop,” said Ha. “With strict criteria, the contest promises to find musical talents who are serious about pursuing performing arts.”

“The contest has helped promote singers who have talent in singing and responsibility in their profession.” — VNS