27 students win gold at Hanoi's largest instrument competition

27 students won gold medals in the first instrument festival held at the general education level.

The Hanoi Department of Education and Training held the closing ceremony for the Student Instrument Talent Festival on the afternoon of 16/1. The organizing committee awarded 27 gold medals, 33 silver medals, and 49 bronze medals across various competition categories.

This city-level festival, featuring 161 performances, took place from 12/1 to 14/1. It marked the first time the competition was organized for general education students, who had previously advanced through school and commune-level rounds.

Students performing with a dan bau (Vietnamese monochord), on the afternoon of 16/1. Photo: Le Cuong

Several schools had students who secured gold medals, including Van Bao, Tran Quoc Toan, and Mai Dich (primary school category); Phu La and Khuong Thuong (junior high school); Viet Duc and Yen Hoa (high school). Private school systems like Nguyen Binh Khiem, Archimedes, Brighton College, and Lomonoxop Tay Ha Noi also had gold medalists.

Judges highly praised many performances for their technique, emotion, and performance style. Notable acts included "Trong dan" by Vu Thien Nhan (Doan Ket High School), Nguyen Minh Viet's piano rendition of "Trong com" (Khuong Thuong Junior High School), Do Bao Minh Khanh's dan bau "Lien khuc Giai dieu Viet Nam" (Mai Dich Primary School), and Dang Khanh Nhat Anh's saxophone "Yardbird Suite" (Wellspring School).

The organizing committee noted the diverse range of genres and instruments, harmoniously blending traditional and modern pieces. Some students showcased their versatility by playing multiple instruments, performing works rich in Vietnamese cultural identity alongside famous international musical pieces.

The competition also featured moving performances by visually impaired students. They displayed confidence, passion, and a spirit of overcoming adversity, receiving strong applause from the audience.