On the afternoon of 29/12, the department announced it had summoned representatives of Ngoc Viet Education Company Limited, the show's producer, for a meeting. The department demanded the company promptly resolve all issues arising from the program's postponement, take legal responsibility, and ensure the rights of ticket holders. The agency will coordinate with relevant parties to review and handle the matter according to legal regulations.

Earlier, at 5 PM on 28/12, the department received information about a potential postponement and met with the organizers. Nguyen Thi Thu Ha, a representative of Ngoc Viet Education, assured authorities that disputes with artists were being resolved and the program would proceed. However, the show was ultimately not held as discussed.

At 8:30 PM on 28/12, contrary to their commitment to the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, the organizers announced the show's postponement just before curtain call. Thousands of audience members were already seated in the hall, awaiting the concert. A producer representative stated that a new announcement would be made in about 10 days. Many frustrated attendees rushed onto the stage, seeking dialogue with the producer, but were unsuccessful.

According to authorities, postponing a program immediately before its scheduled performance without notifying regulatory bodies violates the Government's Decree No. 144 on performing arts activities.

Following the cancellation announcement, Ms. Thu Ha apologized to the artists and partners involved. She stated, "It is very sad and heartbreaking that the producer only announced the postponement after the audience had gathered. We could not manage the process at that moment. For all audience members requesting ticket refunds without waiting for a new show, we will process full refunds within the next 10 days."

Poster for "Ve day bon canh chim troi", honoring musicians Van Cao, Pham Duy, Trinh Cong Son, Tran Tien. Photo: Ngoc Viet

Many artists expressed dissatisfaction with the organizer's conduct. At 12 PM on 28/12, singer Hong Nhung's manager contacted Nguyen Thi Thu Ha, director of Ngoc Viet Education, and was informed of the show's cancellation. However, by 3:30 PM, another company employee tried to persuade the singer to perform. Subsequently, conflicting announcements were made repeatedly, leaving the artists unprepared.

Similarly, artist Tran Manh Tuan received inconsistent requests from the organizers. In the early afternoon, they negotiated, asking him to reduce his performance fee by 50%. The artist agreed, but then the producer announced the postponement. Close to showtime, some artists, including Tan Minh and Vu Thang Loi, were still unsure if the program would proceed.

Singer Hong Nhung stated that while show postponements for various reasons are not new in her many years of performing, informing the audience only after they have entered the venue is rare. The artist expressed sorrow and disbelief that attendees of a program celebrating Vietnam's cultural heritage faced such a situation. She and the participating artists spent a sleepless night over the incident. The artists discussed independently reorganizing the program at a professional theater. "We want to give back to our audience what they deserved to enjoy," Hong Nhung said.

The program also faced copyright issues. Trinh Vinh Trinh, sister of musician Trinh Cong Son, stated that the organizer had not paid royalties to the family or the Vietnam Center for Protection of Music Copyright, which is authorized by the family. The producer responded that they were in negotiations with the center.

"Ve day bon canh chim troi" is a program honoring musicians Tran Tien, Van Cao, Pham Duy, and Trinh Cong Son, produced by Ngoc Viet Education Company Limited. The company has 10 years of experience in organizing entertainment and art events, collaborating with many renowned artists for concerts, live shows, and festivals, including: Duong Thu's "Bai hat thu ve" in November, Phuong Thanh's "Doa hong gai" (2024), Duc Huy's "Nhung gi den tu nhien" (2024), musician Tran Tien's 50-year career anniversary live show (2023), and Duc Tri's "Tua nhu gio phieu du" (2023).

Ha Thu