The public performance event at Ho Guom Theater, titled "Sounds Under the Sun", marked the debut of the Military Symphony Orchestra (MSO) after its establishment by a decision of the Ministry of National Defense in 10/2025.

The program was attended by General Secretary To Lam, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, leaders and former leaders of the Party and State, the Ministry of National Defense, central departments, ministries, agencies, and the Vietnam Fatherland Front.

According to the organizers, the event not only marked the debut of a professional art force within the Vietnam People's Army but also affirmed the role of artist-soldiers on the cultural front in a new context.

The orchestra comprises 101 musicians, along with its leadership, conductors, assistants, and staff, operating under the management of the Military University of Culture and Arts. The MSO's mission is to perform professional symphonic music, train and foster symphony musicians for the military and the nation. The orchestra also serves as a bridge for cultural and artistic exchange between the military, the people, and international friends.

After 20h, the evening performance opened with the suite "Overture - Praise to the Fatherland". The chorus "Praise to the Fatherland" by musician Ho Bac, created in 1960, combined with "Overture" (Do Bao), was arranged and orchestrated by musician Nguyen Xuan Thuy, conveying a spirited, solemn, yet deeply poignant essence.

"Sounds Under the Sun" guided listeners through three acts. In the first act, "Sunlight Illuminates the Path", the audience relived historical memories. The music expressed gratitude to the Party and President Ho Chi Minh, while also conveying belief in a nation on the rise. The second act, "The Star on the Hat - The Flag in the Heart", honored the image of "Bo doi cu Ho" (Uncle Ho's soldiers, a revered term for Vietnamese soldiers) with their qualities of loyalty, patriotism, and dedication to the people.

Conductor Le Phi Phi (center) took on the main conducting role for the overall performance, alongside Colonel, People's Artist Nguyen Xuan Bac. He led the orchestra and choir in harmony. During some segments, he signaled the audience to clap along with the melodies, which was met with enthusiasm.

The atmosphere of mountains and forests was recreated through the singing of artist Do To Hoa and the sounds of the Military Symphony Orchestra. She performed the song "Uncle Ho Lives Forever with Tay Nguyen", impressing with her high, clear voice.

In the final act, "Sounds of a New Day", the concert's theme expanded to love. The artists and musicians presented melodies ranging from vibrant to lyrical, combining contemporary Vietnamese works with international classics.

The Ho Guom Theater auditorium seemed to fall silent as flutist Thu Huong performed "Flute Concerto: Love of the Sea". She expressed her honor and pride in participating for the first time with a professional, large-scale military orchestra. The piece she performed brought a lyrical, gentle color, like a breath of fresh air to the program.

A group of singers performed "Our Fatherland, Flag Flying" (composed by Nguyen Cuong, arranged and orchestrated by Cao Xuan Dung), conveying youthful energy and a spirit of development in the new era.

Dao To Loan received applause from the audience as she showcased her high, emotional soprano voice through the work "Cinema Paradiso" by Italian composer Ennio Morricone.

Musician Do Bao, the music director, could not hide his emotion witnessing the program unfold perfectly, cheered on by the audience. For the performances, the team focused on delivering melodies close to contemporary life, without losing traditional symphonic techniques.

The program was directed by the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defense, with content oversight from the General Department of Politics of the Vietnam People's Army. It was organized by the Propaganda Department of the General Department of Politics of the Vietnam People's Army and the Military University of Culture and Arts.

Giang Huy - Phuong Linh