Hanoi – the heart of the nation, where history intertwines with modernity, and where the country’s traditional cultural values blend with the flourishing development. Every street, courtyard, and craft village has its own memories and stories, all of which create a unique and charming Hanoi. "The Song of Hanoi" is a special program featuring many artistic creations inspired by Hanoi. It is an opportunity for everyone to immerse themselves in the melodies, soul, and beauty of the thousand-year-old capital. The program is divided into four parts: Part I - Resilient Hanoi; Part II - Elegant Hanoi; Part III - Hanoi, the Land of Heritage; and Part IV - Hanoi, the Connector. The program will highlight and honor the thousand-year-old tradition of the heroic and culturally rich capital, where the spirit of Thang Long resides, embodying the essence of the nation’s soul and the intellect of Vietnam.
The program has been meticulously crafted to help the audience immerse themselves in the melodies, the soul, and the beauty of Hanoi through meaningful stories, interviews, reports, and musical performances. "The Song of Hanoi" will include a performance from the play "Hen Ngay Tro Lai" (Promise of Return) by the Hanoi Drama Theater which recreates a Hanoi from half a century ago. The Hanoi portrayed in the play not only consists of brave soldiers but also ordinary citizens who love their homeland, sacrifice personal interests and overcome difficulties with solidarity and determination. Through this excerpt, viewers will feel the heroic, steadfast, and pioneering spirit of Hanoi, particularly in the winter of 1946, when the city accepted challenges and sacrifices to embark on a prolonged war for national liberation.
The program also includes engaging conversations with special guests. These include discussions with People’s Artists Trung Hieu and Thu Ha, screenwriter Trinh Thanh Nha, Meritorious Artist Quoc Tuan, music critic Thuy Kha, singer Khanh Linh, poet Nguyen Quang Thieu, and painter Pham Binh Chuong.
Reports will also provide a deeper insight into Hanoi’s past and present, creating an emotional and engaging experience for the audience. One of the reports highlights the resilience of Hanoians through cinematic works such as "Em Be Ha Noi" (1974), "Sao Thang Tam" (1976), "Ha Noi Mua Chim Lam To" (1981), "Dien Bien Phu" (1992), "Mua Oi" (2000), "Ha Noi 12 Ngay Dem" (2002), "Ha Noi - Ha Noi" (2006), "Hoa Nhai" (2022), and "Dao, Pho va Piano" (2024). Other reports focus on Hanoians' elegance, refinement, and sophistication in their everyday lives. In the early days of Vietnamese modern music in the 1930s, the charming and elegant qualities of Hanoians became an endless source of inspiration for renowned musicians such as Duong Trieu Tuoc, Doan Chuan–Tu Linh, Van Cao, Hoang Giac, and Nguyen Van Thuong, resulting in timeless compositions like "Cung Dan Xua," "Mo Hoa," "Gui Gio Cho May Ngan Bay," "Biet Ly," and "Dem Dong."
After the ups and downs of history, Hanoi returns to its inherent peaceful beauty, with its people exuding pride, patriotism, and romance. A variety of works by authors such as Nguyen Duc Toan, Hong Dang, Vu Thanh, Van Ky, Huy Du, Pho Duc Phuong, Trong Dai, Tran Tien, Phu Quang, and others have left unforgettable impressions on the hearts of audiences. Another fascinating report offers a view of today’s Hanoi through the eyes of international friends, featuring American art curator and collector Suzanne Lecht. She shares her thoughts and experiences as a foreigner who has lived in Vietnam for many years and has grown to love Hanoi.
Suzanne Lecht—A veteran curator and American art collector is featured in the "Song of Hanoi" report.
Music, with meticulously staged performances, serves as the emotional thread connecting the program. The grand opening features the song "Ha Noi Mot Trai Tim Hong" performed by People’s Artist Quang Tho and singer Khanh Ngoc, accompanied by nearly 50 other artists. Additionally, many other famous songs about Hanoi will be performed, including a mashup of "Bai Ca Ha Noi" and "Troi Ha Noi Xanh" (People’s Artist Tan Minh and Khanh Linh); "Mot Thoang Tay Ho" (Tung Duong, along with traditional musicians playing the dan day, phach, senh pair, and trong chau drum); and a medley of Hanoi songs: "Goi Toi Ha Noi," "Nong Nan Ha Noi," and "Ha Noi Tra Da Via He" (Lam Bao Ngoc, Nguyen Duc Cuong, Dinh Manh Ninh, Rapper Dr. Peem, and dance group FED).
Throughout "The Song of Hanoi," viewers will be able to feel the message the program seeks to convey: that Hanoi – the land of a thousand years of culture – is not only the home of many generations of Vietnamese people but also a symbol that connects the past, present, and future; that blends tradition and modernity; that links generations and people from all over the country and the world who love and are connected to Hanoi, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of the city’s history, culture, and people.
Stay tuned to "The Song of Hanoi" on VTV1 at 8 PM on October 6.
