Vietnamese Art Festival in Europe: Connecting the national soul

According to VNA correspondent in Prague, in the cozy and solemn space of the Imperial City Event Center - the cultural heart of Sapa Trade Center, Prague, on August 30, the second European-wide Vietnamese Traditional Arts Festival portrayed a brilliant picture of the national cultural identity.

Once again, the flame of traditional art is lit up in Europe, connecting Vietnamese souls living abroad in love with music , customs and roots. The event is hosted by the Vietnamese Culture and Arts Association in the Czech Republic, in coordination with the Associations of Vietnamese compatriots; sponsored by the Embassy of Vietnam in the Czech Republic, the Union of Vietnamese Associations in Europe and the Union of Vietnamese Associations in the Czech Republic.

The opening act of the night was the performance of “Song Lam Tinh Me” (Mother’s River) with the Vi, Giam Nghe Tinh tune performed by Diana Ngoc Anh (UK). With her clear, emotional voice, she made the whole audience fall silent in nostalgia.

The festival brings together 30 unique performances, representing 7 traditional folk art forms: Quan Ho; Vi, Giam; Xoan singing; Cheo; Then singing, Tinh lute; Don ca tai tu and Royal court music.

These beloved melodies are selected from Vietnamese folk song clubs in many European countries, demonstrating the enduring vitality of Vietnamese culture in foreign lands.

The judges are veteran names of traditional art such as People's Artist Thanh Ngoan, People's Artist Hong Luu, People's Artist Dieu Huong, People's Artist Viet Huong, People's Artist Nguyen An Ninh and journalist - playwright Mai Van Lang. Their presence not only guarantees the quality of art but also inspires the value of folk culture.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Mr. Hoang Dinh Thang, Chairman of the Union of Vietnamese Associations in Europe emphasized: “We not only enjoy a night of art together, but also pass on the flame of culture to the younger generation - those who will continue to preserve the national soul in a foreign land”. The event is also a meaningful activity towards the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day (September 2, 1945 - September 2, 2025) and the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Czech Republic.

Counselor of the Vietnamese Embassy in the Czech Republic, Ms. Nguyen Dieu Linh, affirmed: “The event is a bridge connecting the community, while spreading the delicate beauty of traditional Vietnamese art from Then songs of the highlands, Cheo rhythms of the plains, to the elegance of royal court music or the rustic lyricism of Vi and Giam.”

A special highlight was the performance of the song “Khuc hat song que” by Czech opera artist Jana Ryklova. With her deep soprano voice, she made the whole audience burst into long applause. After the program, the artist shared: “I love Vietnam and your culture. It is the natural beauty of Vietnam that inspired me to choose and practice this song.”

At the end of the festival, Gold Medals were awarded to the performances: Ai thuoi ve Kinh Bac (Quan ho Bac Ninh Club), Phu tu tinh tham (singer Mai Hoa, Slovakia) and the Cheo singing performance “Hat ve To quoc” (Ngo Trang Yen, Germany). In addition, the Organizing Committee also awarded 6 Silver Medals, 9 Bronze Medals, along with many collective awards, encouragement awards and young talent awards.

What’s new this year is the focus on the second and third generations of the Vietnamese community in Europe, the young buds growing up between two cultures. Through this, traditional art not only lives in memory but continues to be nurtured and sublimated in the future.

As planned, on February 12, 2026, the Vietnam Culture and Arts Association in the Czech Republic will continue to organize the Vietnam and European Traditional Arts Festival right in its homeland.

The award-winning performances will have the opportunity to shine on the Vietnamese stage, as a touching homecoming of the Vietnamese soul in the heart of the world./.

(Vietnam News Agency/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/hoi-dien-nghe-thuat-viet-tai-chau-au-ket-noi-hon-dan-toc-post1059037.vnp