The Saigon Choir's concert took place on the evenings of 9/10 and 10/10 at the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music, bringing together 120 choir members and guest artists such as Trong Nhan and Viet Thu.

Choir members perform "Tieng Viet" (Nguyen Le Tam, arranged by Quang Thai). Photo: Kieng Can studio

The concert was structured to mirror a person's journey through life. It began with childhood memories, featuring folk songs and traditional melodies linked to labor, such as "Nguoi o dung ve" (Bac Ninh quan ho folk song, arranged by Brent Wells) and "Da co hoai lang" (Cao Van Lau, arranged by Truong Chi). The musical narrative then expanded to depict images of the homeland, with rivers and boats, through pieces like "Con co" (Luu Ha An, arranged by Franco Prinsloo) and "Ngau hung Song Hong" (Tran Tien, arranged by Truong Chi). These early emotions blossomed into patriotism, expressed in "Con gi dep hon" (Nguyen Hung, arranged by Cao Van Binh). The program concluded with a vibrant cultural tapestry of various regions.

Excerpt from "Da co hoai lang" performed in a choral arrangement. Video: Hoang Dung

The organizers aimed to break from traditional choral conventions. Eschewing electronic amplification, the team positioned performers in various unexpected locations throughout the auditorium, creating a multi-dimensional sound experience. The piece "Mua roi" (Xa folk song, arranged by Cao Van Binh) made a visual and auditory impact, with artists using body movements to mimic thunder, lightning, and falling raindrops. "Da co hoai lang" (Cao Van Lau, arranged by Truong Tri) was presented with a novel approach, featuring complex harmonies and a solo performance by young artist Trong Nhan. Each performance was met with applause and enthusiasm from the audience.

Cai luong artist Ly Kieu Hanh stated, "I was surprised to hear the classic vong co piece reinterpreted with raw vocals, without instrumental accompaniment, yet it retained its full narrative depth."

The audience enjoys the program at the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music auditorium. Photo: Kieng Can studio

Despite these innovations, with 24 technically complex pieces and layered harmonies, the latter half of the concert felt somewhat drawn out to some attendees. Music editor and MC Minh Duc suggested that a more condensed program would have maintained the audience's emotional engagement more effectively.

According to choir conductor Huynh Quang Thai, the "Tieng Viet" choral night originated from a suggestion by People's Artist Ta Minh Tam. The artist had repeatedly encouraged the group to arrange and perform more Vietnamese works, believing that music in one's mother tongue fosters a natural, deep connection with the domestic audience. In preparation for the two performances, the choir underwent six months of rehearsals, including over 50 joint sessions and separate section practices, to master complex sound layering techniques.

Hoang Dung