Titled 'Proud to be Vietnamese', the concert embraces the theme 'Joining Hands for a Greater Cause', celebrating the nation's resilience forged through its independence struggles and development.

Thai Nguyen was selected as the venue due to its historical significance, linked to the Viet Bac base and the Safe Zone (ATK) during the resistance against French colonialism. Following the national resistance in December 1946, Viet Bac served as a crucial long-term base. It was in ATK Dinh Hoa that President Ho Chi Minh, alongside the Party Central Committee and the Government, spearheaded the resistance.

Drawing from this historical context, the concert highlights the spirit of solidarity exemplified by the protection and contributions of ethnic communities to the revolution. It also connects this historical unity to the importance of collective effort in contemporary society.

Singer Tung Duong is among the vocalists performing at the concert. *Photo: Organizers*

The concert will be held at Thai Nguyen Stadium, directed by the Central Propaganda Department. The Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial People's Committee are coordinating with various agencies to organize the event. Free tickets will be offered, with organizers providing an online portal for audience registration.

This event is an annual fixture in the 'Proud to be Vietnamese' series, leading up to the National Great Unity Festival on 18/11 and Vietnam Culture Day on 24/11.

The artist lineup features Dang Duong, Tung Duong, Noo Phuoc Thinh, Hoa Minzy, Vo Ha Tram, Lam Bao Ngoc, and Pham Anh Khoa. Conductor Dong Quang Vinh will lead the orchestra, while Le Anh and My Lan will host the event. Last year's program, held at My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi, also drew 30,000 attendees.

Since 2025, national concerts have seen significant growth, particularly during celebrations for the 50th anniversary of national reunification and the 80th anniversary of National Day. Nearly 20 large-scale events have been held in Hanoi and TP HCM, drawing hundreds of thousands of attendees. Notably, the 'Homeland in My Heart' concert, held at My Dinh Stadium in 2025 and in TP HCM this year, co-organized by Nhan Dan newspaper and the People's Committees of both cities, welcomed over 100,000 people. These concerts have sparked a wave of youth interest in revolutionary and patriotic music.

Programs such as 'Vietnam in Me', 'Under the Glorious Flag', and '80 Years Journey of Independence - Freedom - Happiness' combine revolutionary songs with new arrangements, advanced stage technology, and large-scale productions, captivating numerous audiences.

According to music researcher Nguyen Quang Long, the impact of these concert series has helped bring politically themed art programs closer to the public. The iconic image of audiences wearing red-and-yellow-star flag shirts and singing familiar patriotic songs has become a defining feature of the national music scene.

Ha Thu