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An exhibition titled “The Return” showcasing the Vietnamese community in Germany will be held at the Manzi Exhibition Space in Hanoi from January 8th to January 28th. The themes of “Separation and Reunion” have become integral to the works of the Le Brothers. Through art, they delve into individual histories, memories, and the enigmatic layers of the past.   The Le Brothers, Thanh Le Ngoc and Hai Le Duc, are celebrated for their performances and video creations that eloquently depict the metaphor of resemblance. Photo: Goethe Institut   During their two-month residency in Germany last year, the Le Brothers engaged in conversations and interactions with members of the Vietnamese expatriate community in cities such as Halle, Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, and Leipzig. These individuals come from diverse backgrounds and historical periods: international students, guest workers hailing from the 70s and 80s, post-Doi Moi migrant workers from the 1990s, second-gene...

The Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association in Hanoi organized a conference on December 22 in Dan Phuong District to evaluate its tasks and cultural exchange program. Delegates at the conference reviewed the association’s achievements over the past year and recognized individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to promoting cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand. Tran Duc Hai, Chairman of the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association, speaks at the event. Photo: Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association In 2023, led by the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations, the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association in Hanoi focused on enhancing communication on diplomatic affairs, peace and friendship activities, and other significant political events of the two countries. Additionally, the association launched a website featuring in-depth cultural stories to improve the effectiveness of its tasks. Outstanding individuals are recognized at the ...

With only a few days left until Halloween (on October 31) season 2023, Hanoi’s downtown toy streets are filled with colorful playthings and masks, hats, mannequins, skeletons, and scythes, providing selfie photo opportunities for many young people. Hang Ma Street Hang Ma Street is a street in Hanoi that is the go-to spot during the Halloween season. A month ahead of the festival, Hang Ma Street is brightly and magically decorated with a series of mannequins, masks, clothes, colorful lanterns, and scary toys. These days, it is packed with people shopping, taking selfies, and savoring the lively environment. Hang Ma Street is an ideal backdrop for photography on this occasion. Ho Guom Pedestrian Street Every Halloween, young people often turn the wide pedestrian street into a fashion runway where they show off their bizarre costumes and unique makeup. There are also many interesting activities such as dressing up, mask painting, exciting magic shows, or street performances. Don’t w...

GU Bistronomy partnered with the WMF brand to successfully host an event celebrating the incredible 170-year journey of Germany’s leading household brand – WMF in Hanoi. Chef Stephan and his companions prepared for the commemorative party. Photo: GU Bistronomy The event saw an enthusiastic turnout of numerous guests, food connoisseurs, and enthusiasts of premium household products. Chef Stephan’s six-course menu presented an unparalleled culinary experience, expertly blending the exquisite flavors of the freshest ingredients with his culinary expertise. The beautifully presented dishes reflected European culinary finesse while still carrying Chef Stephan’s distinctive personal touch from his renowned Chef’s Table by Stephan Zoisl in Singapore. Accompanied by a meticulously curated selection of premium Italian wines, each dish reached new heights of taste and sophistication. “The menu launched in Hanoi is completely novel, prepared, and presented entirely by WMF’s high...

Artemis Danza, a renowned dance company led by acclaimed Italian choreographer Monica Casadei, presents an exciting and innovative rendition of the ballet “The Barber of Seville” (Il Barbiere di Siviglia) to the vibrant audience in Hanoi.  Italian Il Barbiere di Siviglia is on Hanoi’s stage tonight. Photo: Artemis Danza Dance Company  “The Barber of Seville” is a compelling story that revolves around the character of Rosina. Count Almaviva has fallen in love with her, and she reciprocates his feelings. However, Rosina’s guardian Bartolo has ulterior motives to marry her, driven by his desire to acquire her substantial dowry. Through a series of comedic complications, the libretto skillfully brings the lovers together with the assistance of the clever Figaro. With a history dating back approximately 200 years, ballet has emerged as one of the world’s most beloved art forms, maintaining its place at the forefront of the global ballet scene. First perfo...

The Hanoi Tourism Ao Dai 2023 (Vietnamese traditional long dress for women) Festival, directed by Dang Huong Giang, the Director of the Hanoi Tourism Department, is scheduled to take place from October 27 to 29. The festival will be held in the pedestrian area surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake.  Hanoi Tourism Ao Dai is an annual event held to foster the promotion of Hanoi tourism and Vietnamese traditional cultural values. Photo: Bao Tin Minh Chau The festival will kick off with an exciting opening program centered around the theme “Discovering the Beauty of Hanoi”. This captivating event will take place at the Ba Kieu Temple area at 8 pm on October 27th. The highlight of the evening will be a visually stunning stage, designed to resemble a train that symbolizes the connection between the past and present. Additionally, attendees can look forward to an exquisite fashion show, showcasing the latest collections from renowned local Ao Dai designers. The program will also inclu...

The exhibition titled “Hanoi Craft Villages” and “The Beauty of Vietnam’s Regions” is currently being held until October 14th at Exhibition Hall 45 Trang Tien. This exhibition is organized to commemorate the 69th anniversary of Capital Liberation Day, which occurred on October 10, 1954.  The Hang Trong Folk Painting’s Soul Keeper by Vu Ngoc Bao won first prize in the “Hanoi Craft Village” photo contest. The Hanoi Artistic Photography Association hosted a photo contest, and the captivating images on display at the exhibition are the outcome of this competition. After a duration of over two months, the Organizing Committee has successfully received a grand total of 1,712 remarkable submissions, originating from 227 highly talented authors. These submissions have been diligently categorized into two distinct themes, resulting in a comprehensive collection. Fifty-two exceptional photos showcasing the captivating craftsmanship of Hanoi’s Craft Village were carefully cho...

An exhibition called “Relic Sites, Festivals, and Imperial Rituals of Ba Dinh District” is currently taking place at Le Truc Flower Garden in Dien Bien Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi. The exhibition is being held to commemorate the 69th anniversary of the Capital Liberation Day, which occurred on October 10, 1954.  The photo exhibition runs until October 12 at Le Truc Flower Garden, Ba Dinh District. Photo: VNA The exhibition showcases a collection of 40 captivating images capturing the essence of Ba Dinh, a sacred and iconic district in the heart of the capital city. These images showcase the district’s rich history, showcasing its historic sites and lively festivals that bring the area to life. The webpage showcases various festivals celebrated at the historic Thang Long Imperial Citadel. These festivals include the traditional Tet (Lunar New Year) rituals observed during the reign of the Le Trung Hung Dynasty (1533 – 1789), as well as the Mid-Autumn Festival, Luna...

Singer Thi Phuong has recently unveiled the music video (MV) titled Quang Binh Que Ta Oi (Quang Binh, My Hometown) to commemorate the 420th anniversary of the establishment of the central province of Quang Binh (1604-2024). The purpose of this release is to showcase and showcase the beauty and charm of her homeland. The music video launch event took place in Hanoi, the birthplace of the composer Hoang Van, in order to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the song’s initial debut. Hoang Van (1930-2018) was a highly acclaimed musician and composer who was awarded the prestigious Ho Chi Minh Prize in 2000. He had a remarkable career that included fighting in the historic battle of Dien Bien Phu and later being sent to China to pursue further studies in music. Singer Thi Phuong is featured in her music video dedicated to Quang Binh Province. Upon his return to Vietnam, he assumed the role of conductor for the orchestra of Radio Voice of Vietnam and took up a position as a lec...

The Monsoon Music Festival 2023 is scheduled to take place from October 14th to 22nd at the prestigious Thang Long Imperial Citadel, as well as various other venues within the captivating Hoan Kiem District of Hanoi. Musician Quoc Trung, who is heading the organizing committee and serving as the general director of the program, has announced that the theme for the Monsoon Music Festival 2023 will be “Hang Nhac Street” (Street of Music). This concept draws inspiration from the historic Hang streets in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, which were known for their diverse trades. Each Hang represents a different trade, contributing to the cultural richness of the area. Musician Quoc Trung presents the highlights of the Monsoon Music Festival 2023 at a press conference. Photo: Ngo Minh/The Hanoi Times “We are dedicated to bringing music to every corner of Hanoi’s streets, providing a truly fulfilling experience for our community to enjoy the arts,” stated Trung. The Monsoon Music Festiv...

The film Tro Tan Ruc Ro (Glorious Ashes) has been selected to represent Vietnamese cinema in the preliminary round of the 2024 Oscars category for international film. The invitation was extended by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences based in the US. If the film qualifies for the official competition round, it will be competing in the Best Non-English Film category. This film marks the return of director Bui Thac Chuyen after a 10-year absence since his last film, Loi Nguyen Huyet Ngai (The Curse of the Blood Wormwood). Phuong Anh Dao, playing Nhan, in a scene of “Glorious Ashes”. Glorious Ashes is an adaptation of two short stories by novelist Nguyen Ngoc Tu: Tro Tan Ruc Ro and Cui Muc Troi Ve (Rotten Firewood Returns). The film tells the story of the devastated people of Thom Rom hamlet, a poignant fishing village in Ca Mau province. Glorious Ashes revolves around the unusual love lives of three women, presenting a contrast between their tumultuou...

Several major  music festivals  are to be held in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in the last three months of 2023, to build cultural brands and lure domestic and international tourists.  The golden girls of the Korean BlackPink Band successfully held a two-night performance in Hanoi last month. Photo: Some Where In Hanoi Organizing annual music events and contributing to the growth of the cultural industry requires substantial and innovative efforts. Building Cultural Brands There are numerous cultural events and music festivals held in major cities worldwide each year, serving as a gathering place and cultivating the reputation of these cities. Hanoi is no exception to this global trend. In line with this, we are excited to announce the lineup for the HAY Glamping Music Festival 2023. Taking place in Hanoi on September 29 and 30, this festival promises to provide an exceptional experience for music lovers and festival-goers alike. The festival will sh...

The “K-pop Songs I Love” singing contest, hosted by the Korea Creative Content Agency Vietnam Office (KOCCA Vietnam), concluded with a spectacular final show at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square in the vibrant city of Hanoi on September 23rd. Young music lovers throng Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square for the concert. Hong Jeong Yong, the Chief Representative of KOCCA Vietnam and head of the organizing committee, expressed his optimism for the program. KOCCA Vietnam aims to provide a platform for Vietnamese youth to showcase their passion for K-pop. According to him, the program is expected to perpetually reaffirm Vietnamese people’s preference for K-pop and Korean culture in general. Moreover, it aims to further encourage Vietnamese-Korean cultural exchanges. Hundreds of thousands of K-pop enthusiasts in Vietnam have embraced the captivating melodies of South Korean popular music. The streets of Vietnam resonate with the sounds of renowned Korean music groups like BTS, Blackpink,...

The fourth edition of the VietNam Design Week 2023 will take place from September 23 to September 29 at the prestigious Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam, also known as the Temple of Literature, in Hanoi.  The DU II design was created by designer Vu Khanh Linh. Photo courtesy of the organizer The opening ceremony of the event will take place at Thai Hoc Yard, accompanied by the exhibition of the prestigious Designed by VietNam Contest at Tien Duong House and the enchanting Design Fair Vietnam hosted in front of the revered Giam Garden, within the serene grounds of the internationally renowned Temple of Literature. This grand occasion is scheduled for the evening of Saturday, September 23. The week of activities will culminate with the Closing Ceremony and Awards Ceremony on September 19th. Vietnam Design Week is pleased to announce the introduction of the prestigious Design of the Year 2023 Award, which aims to honor the exceptional product designs in Vietnam. This year...

Foreign singer-songwriters residing in Vietnam will be given the opportunity to exhibit their musical composition and singing skills at the esteemed Tinh Ting Tinh Music Composition and Performance Competition. The competition is jointly organized by VTV8 channel of Vietnam Television and MCM Online, a Joint Stock Company focused on Online Music Copyright. We are pleased to announce that winners of this competition will receive significant cash prizes. The first prize is valued at nearly US$21,000, while the prize for potential foreign contestants is over US$4,000. According to Le Minh Son, a musician who is also the creative director and producer of MCM Online, the competition provides a platform for young and talented musicians. It allows them to showcase their performance skills and promote their unpublished musical works. The competition is a platform for young composers to become professional singer-songwriters. Photo: Ngo Minh/The Hanoi Times MCM Online offers c...

The talented Vietnamese singer, Hoang Quyen, has recently unveiled her latest music production entitled “A Diary of Melody.” This creative endeavor brings together a team of esteemed professionals, including Thanh Bui, a renowned Vietnamese-Australian singer-songwriter, Benjamin James, who contributed to the chord setting, and Tim Van Der Kuil, an esteemed music producer known for his work with Adele and Taylor Swift. Hoang Quyen’s fourth studio album in ten years is a significant milestone in her career as a singer-songwriter. Featuring eight self-written and produced songs, this album represents a new chapter for Hoang Quyen, transitioning from a pop performer to a more authentic and expressive artist. Singer Hoang Quyen evolves from a pop singer to a singer-songwriter. Photo courtesy of Hoang Quyen Quyen expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with renowned record producers of the world’s top divas, a dream she never thought would come true. Th...

The award-winning film Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell (Ben Trong Vo Ken Vang) by director Pham Thien An is set to release in Vietnam on August 11th. The film won the prestigious “Camera d’Or” award at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, and this release comes three months after its victory. An Exploration of Cinema The story follows Thien as she returns her sister-in-law’s body to their hometown for burial after a car accident. Her son, Dao, miraculously survives the crash. In order to reunite the boy with his missing father, Thien embarks on a journey that leads her to confront her past and contemplate life’s deeper questions of faith and purpose. The film also showcases the stunning landscapes of Vietnam. Director Pham Thien An explains that the title “Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell” symbolizes the cover people put on in society – a cycle of money and fame – while the capsule inside represents a person’s soul. The film is deeply personal for Thien An, who drew inspiration from his o...

The Hanoi Tourism Department has announced that over 170,000 individuals visited Hanoi during the two-day BlackPink concert, generating a total revenue of VND630 billion (US$27.4 million) for the city. The benefits of hosting the group’s performance in Vietnam are evident. However, have we fully capitalized on these opportunities to promote our country’s image and generate income? Associate Professor, PhD. Bui Hoai Son, a member of the National Assembly’s Committee on Culture and Education, discussed this phenomenon with The Hanoi Times. The potential of Vietnam’s entertainment market With the recent BlackPink effect, what are your comments on the needs of the Vietnamese audience? The BlackPink event in Hanoi displayed the immense appeal of this girl band. Despite the relatively high ticket prices, a portion of the audience still willingly paid for a high-quality and memorable musical experience. This demand also demonstrates the potential of Vietnam’s entertainment market. With ...

An exclusive art program is scheduled to honor the 100th birthday anniversary of the renowned musician Van Cao (1923-1995). This remarkable occasion will be held at the iconic Hanoi Opera House on August 20. The General Director, Pham Hoang Nam, has asserted that the show will be held concurrently both inside and outside the prestigious Hanoi Opera House, allowing for the involvement of artists and audiences alike. Children’s choir performed the national anthem, composed by Van Cao, at the press briefing to introduce the music night. Photo: Ngo Minh/The Hanoi Times Nam anticipates that the August Revolution Square, located in front of the esteemed Hanoi Opera House, will be replete with an awe-inspiring multitude of individuals for the forthcoming event. This grand spectacle aims to faithfully recreate the historic moment of the August Revolution in 1945, where the symbolic red flag adorned with a gleaming yellow star was triumphantly raised, ultimately heralding the lo...