On the evening of September 22, the Southern Compassion art program took place in Ho Chi Minh City, broadcast live on VTV9, Vietnam Television, and online on VTV Online. Southern Compassion shared and called upon on kind-hearted people to turn their attention to the beloved North. Each melody that played was not just a musical note but a bridge connecting hearts, with each heart symbolizing a brick in rebuilding the lives of those affected by the storm. All proceedsfrom this meaningful concert were donated to Vietnam Television's Tam Long Viet Fund (Vietnamese Loving Heart Fund) to support disaster relief efforts in the northern mountainous regions impacted by the storm.
Southern Compassion touched the hearts of many through documentaries reflecting on the recent historic storm and flood. The spirit of solidarity among fellow citizens was more evident than ever. Acts of kindness and noble gestures have always been present, supporting and sharing with those who have suffered great loss.
Comrade Nguyen Van Nen, Politburo member and Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee contributes support for the people of the North during the program. (Photo: Sai Gon Giai Phong Online)
The audience fill all 1,200 seats in the auditorium to follow the program. (Photo: Xuan Trung)
Many artists, with their kind hearts, always demonstrate a sense of community through meaningful charitable activities, supporting those facing difficulties in life. Many of them did not hesitate to change their prior plans to participate in Southern Compassion. With open hearts and loving voices, they came together to shine a light of hope. Every melody from the evening was a prayer for peace, the heartbeat of millions wishing to help others overcome hardship and to join together to support and share with those in need.
Singer Le Quyen performes during the program. (Photo: Nhan Dan Newspaper)
Nearly 30 singers and artists brought deeply emotional melodies to the program, spreading messages of love and sharing with the community. Their contributions were not just their voices but also a source of great moral support, helping people stay strong in the face of adversity.
In the first part of the program, singers Jack Long, Tuyet Nhung, Hien Thuc, Luong Bich Huu, Quach Tuan Du, and Lam Hung, with their emotional voices, brought moments of reflection. Following them, Giang Hong Ngoc, Elvis Phuong, Quoc Thien, and Hong Nhung then took the audience into a romantic and sweet musical space with love songs like Distant Rainy Roads, Crystal Sunshine, Tears, and Loving Each Other on Rainy Days...
On stage, singer Hong Nhung, who was born in Hanoi, spoke emotionally: “The sorrow of the people in the north because of Typhoon Yagi is not just the sorrow of those in Hanoi, or Ho Chi Minh City, or any other city, but it is the shared sorrow of all Vietnamese people”.
During the program, Singer Hong Nhung performes Remembering Hanoi’s Autumn (composed by Trinh Cong Son). (Photo: Nhan Dan Newspaper)
The program continued with heartfelt performances from singers Quang Ha, Quang Dung, Le Quyen, Quang Linh, Phuong Uyen, and Thanh Ha, who delivered melodies filled with love and conveying messages of empathy and sharing through songs like Unexpected, Alone, Mother of Compassion, At Both Ends of Longing, Childhood Homeland, and I Love...
The event was more than just a concert; it became a symbol of love and compassion. The melodies and voices warmed the audience' hearts and served as a thread connecting our hearts to those who are suffering the hardships of natural disasters.
Not only did the concert provide moments of exceptional artistry but, in its mission to foster love and sharing, Southern Compassion raised a significant sum of money.
In addition to contributions made to donation boxes, Mr. Johnathan Hanh Nguyen directly donates 1 billion VND on stage.
Mr. Johnathan Hanh Nguyen also auctions a gift he received on his 70th birthday. Mr. Tu Luong (left), Director of the Vietnam Television Center in Ho Chi Minh City, represents the event organizers in handing over the auctioned item. (Photo: Xuan Trung)
By the end of the live broadcast, the organizers had raised over VND3.625 billion. Additionally, after the broadcast, the organizers continued to provide updates and concluded the event with generous individuals auctioning off donated items.
The program was co-organized by VTV9, Khong Ten Tea Room, and LaLaLand. All participating artists waived their fees and donated to the fund. Mr. Johnathan Hanh Nguyen donated VND 1 billion in cash directly on stage. Two auctioned items from two celebrities raised 850 million VND.
The program was broadcast live on VTV9, VTV Can Tho, and VTV’s digital platforms, receiving many supportive comments from viewers. Notably, one individual viewer contributed an additional VND250 million to the auction.
The total amount raised from all fundraising activities during the Southern Compassion concert on the evening of September 22, 2024, was VND 5,266,000,000 (five billion two hundred sixtysix million VND).
All funds raised from the concert and the auction will be donated to Vietnam Television's Tam Long Viet Fund (Vietnamese Loving Heart Fund) of Vietnam Television to help rebuild residential areas and assist people in the northern mountainous provinces rebuild their lives quickly after the disaster.
