At 8:10 pm on 26/8, the show began at the Vietnam Exhibition Center (VEC) in Dong Anh amidst heavy rain and lightning. Despite the weather, the stands erupted when the music started with the opening performance of "Toi nguoi Viet Nam" by singers Duong Hoang Yen and Anh Tu. Duong Hoang Yen continuously energized the stage, asking, "The rain makes for a memorable experience, right everyone? Even the heaviest rain can't drown out everyone's energy, right?".
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Many audience members wear raincoats while watching the "Viet Nam trong toi" concert. Photo provided by the organizers. |
Many audience members wear raincoats while watching the "Viet Nam trong toi" concert. Photo provided by the organizers.
The program evoked memories of home and country, from childhood to adulthood. Targeting a young audience, the organizers primarily selected contemporary patriotic songs by young composers. Many songs, such as "Nguoi oi nguoi o dung ve" and "Anh trai nuoc Viet", were remixed to appeal to Gen Z fans.
Interspersed with patriotic songs, the artists performed upbeat pop songs that resonated with the audience, including "Nho mai chuyen di nay" (Duong Hoang Yen, Anh Tu), "Di giua troi ruc ro" (Erik), and "Cau vong lap lanh" (Duong Hoang Yen).
Due to the persistent downpour, the atmosphere among the audience was initially subdued, with only a few people in the standing area cheering along with the singers. Around 9:15 pm, the rain subsided, and the energy picked up as Erik and Quan AP took the stage. Quan AP was met with enthusiastic applause for his new song, "Nguyen kiep sau van la nguoi Viet Nam".
At 9:53 pm, the crowd roared as the melody of "Bac Bling" began. Hoa Minzy appeared with a dragon dance troupe and dancers in traditional costumes, electrifying the stage. After her performance, the audience chanted her name.
For the song "Se chien thang" by composer Nguyen Hai Phong, Hoa Minzy wore a red flag with a yellow star along with her dancers. She engaged the audience, leading them in chants of "Viet Nam" and "I love Viet Nam".
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Hoa Minzy wears a red flag with a yellow star while performing "Se chien thang" by composer Nguyen Hai Phong. She engaged the audience, leading them in chants of "Viet Nam" and "I love Viet Nam." Photo provided by the organizers. |
Hoa Minzy wears a red flag with a yellow star while performing "Se chien thang" by composer Nguyen Hai Phong. She engaged the audience, leading them in chants of "Viet Nam" and "I love Viet Nam." Photo provided by the organizers.
After 10 pm, the audience erupted when the final artist, Soobin, appeared. He thanked the audience for staying until the end of the show. Before singing "Tro ve" (by Duong Thu), he introduced it as a special piece, reflecting his feelings upon returning to his hometown of Hanoi to perform. Although scheduled to perform another song, he explained that due to health reasons, he would have to postpone it to another occasion.
The show impressed with its modern sound, lighting, and stage design, featuring large LED screens with stunning graphics. During Anh Tu's performance of "Dan ta hat dan ca", the LED screens displayed Dong Ho paintings and images of goddesses. During Hoa Minzy's "Bac Bling" performance, visuals such as Quan Ho village girls and the One Pillar Pagoda were projected, creating an emotional impact.
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Vivid LED graphics during the performance of "Di giua troi ruc ro." Photo provided by the organizers. |
Vivid LED graphics during the performance of "Di giua troi ruc ro." Photo provided by the organizers.
A QR code was displayed on the LED screens for audience members to donate to those in central Vietnam affected by floods. At the end of the concert, the organizers announced a donation of 600 million VND, including 150 million VND contributed by singer Duc Phuc.
The "Viet Nam trong toi" concert, directed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and organized by the Hanoi Opera House in collaboration with related units, commemorates 80 years of history, inspiring pride and love for the homeland, especially among the younger generation.
On 20/8 and 21/8, tens of thousands of fans braved the weather, queuing for hours to receive free tickets. The organizers distributed 9,000 tickets, with thousands more sent to army units, veterans, police, and schools.
On social media, some of the first ticket holders resold them for around 1.5 million VND each. Some fans who were unsuccessful in queuing decided to spend millions of VND to attend the "national concert."
Ha Thu - Van Loc
