In their memory: Noted composers Phan Huynh Dieu (left) and Phan Nhan, who both passed away in HCM City late last month, will be commemorated at a free concert at the HCM City Music Conservatory. — File Photos

HCM CITY  (VNS) — Dozens of famous singers will take part tonight in a free music programme in memory of veteran composers Phan Huynh Dieu and Phan Nhan, who both passed away in HCM City late last month, at the HCM City Music Conservatory.

Opera singers Anh Bang and Anh Tuyet will perform Bong Cay Konia (Shadow of Konia Tree) and Cuoc Doi Van Dep Sao (What a Beautiful Life!), both composed by Dieu in 1971 based on poems written by Ngoc Anh and Duong Huong Ly.

Pop stars Bao Yen, Cam Van, Thanh Thuy and Khanh Linh will sing Nhan's popular songs such as Ha Noi- Niem Tin va Hy Vong (Ha Noi- Belief and Hope), Tinh Ca Dat Nuoc (Love Song for Country) and Cay Dan Guitar cua Victor Hara (Victor Hara's Guitar).

Revolutionary songs by both composers will also be featured by veteran singers Cao Minh, Dinh Van and Lan Ngoc.

"Through our performance, we want to highlight the life and work of Dieu and Nhan, who played a role in the country's music industry," said Meritorious Artist Thanh Thuy of the Military Zone 7 Art Troupe.

Born in 1924 in Da Nang, Dieu, who was known as the "golden bird of Vietnamese music", worked for 70 years as a composer. He created more than 100 songs, most of which have been set to music from popular poems.

In 2000, he was awarded the Ho Chi Minh Prize in Literature and Arts the highest prize of its kind in the country.

Nhan was born in 1930 in An Giang Province. He joined the army in the French resistance war.

He worked for leading art troupes during the war. After 1975, he worked at the Radio Voice of Viet Nam's branch office in HCM City till his retirement.

He was awarded the State's Prize for Literature and Arts in 2001.

Both Dieu and Nhan died in HCM City following a long illness.

The concert will take two nights at 8pm tonight and tomorrow at the conservatory in Nguyen Du Street, District 1. — VNS