On the evening of December 22, the symphony and art performance Unforgettable Anthem took place on Nguyen Hue Walking Street in Ho Chi Minh City. This momentous event was part of the activities to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army (December 22, 1944 - December 22, 2024) and the 35th anniversary of the All People's National Defense Day (December 22, 1989 - December 22, 2024). Under the theme "For the People We Sacrifice", the program was not only a grand artistic "banquet" but also a vivid and meaningful recreation of the proud history of the Vietnamese nation and the Vietnam People's Army in their 80-year journey of building, fighting, and maturing.
The event was organized under the direction of the Central Military Commission, the Ministry of National Defense, and the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, in cooperation with the Army Radio-Television Center and several other units.
A delegation of Party and State leaders commemorates the event with a group photo.
Visitors and residents were treated to timeless, iconic songs reimagined through symphonic arrangements performed by renowned singers, artists, and musicians from across the country. Additionally, the audience experienced powerful visual effects depicting the resilience of the armed forces from its earliest days. The performance reflected the nation’s proud journey of renewal and integration, highlighting its steadfast efforts to defend the homeland through variousdifferent historical periods.
A Historical Symphony of Resilience and Glory
The program was divided into three acts: The Homeland in Our Hearts, Unforgettable Anthem, and For the People We Sacrifice. Each act featured immortal songs from Vietnam's musical heritage, capturing significant historical milestones. They also served as a heartfelt tribute to the heroes and martyrs who gave their youth and lives for the nation’s freedom and peace.
A series of exceptional artistic performances, delivered by talented artists, vividly portrayed Vietnam's historical and revolutionary spirit. Opening with The Oath to the Nation, conductor Le Ha My led the symphony orchestra and choir in a rendition that traced Vietnam’s history from 1858 to 1941. The program continued with Vietnamese Soldiers and March of the Liberation Army, performed by the 135 Male Vocal Group, Meritorious Artist Pham The Vi, SG Choir, and dance groups, evoking the heroic atmosphere of the early days of the resistance.
Conductor Le Ha My orchestrates the performance.
The MTV band left a lasting impression with songs such as Southern Resistance and Steps on the Truong Son Range, while singer Pham Trang gave a moving rendition of We Will Return to the Capital. The choir performed classic ballads like Dien Bien Victory and Advancing Toward Hanoi, and Meritorious Artist Pham Khanh Ngoc showed off her skills with the orchestra. Melody of the Homeland, sung by the powerful voice of Viet Danh, brought a wave of emotion and a longing for peace.
Singer Duc Tuan shines with his interpretations of Voluntary and Sacred Vietnam.
Singer Cam Van touched the audience’s hearts with The Legend Mother, while Phan Manh Quynh delivered an emotional performance of Take Him Home. Singer Duc Tuan captivated the crowd with Voluntary and Sacred Vietnam, while a heartfelt duet of Unforgettable Anthem by Ho Trung Dung and Meritorious Artist Phuong Anh added another layer of poignancy. The program also featured rising stars like Hoang Hong Ngoc, who performed Love for the Soldier with hip-hop-infused choreography, blending the traditional with the modern. The finale, a medley of Marching Under the Army Banner and For the People We Sacrifice, brought together artists, performers, and the orchestra in a spectacular conclusion to an unforgettable night.
Phan Manh Quynh delivers an emotional performance of Take Him Home.
Classic revolutionary melodies were creatively adapted for piano, violin, cello, percussion, wind instruments, and choir, featuring over 100 artists. The echoing sounds from the stage struck a deep emotional chord, fostering a profound connection between the past and the present and igniting pride and responsibility for the homeland in every heart.
The highlight was the grand finale, where the medley of Marching Under the Army Banner and For the People We Sacrifice, combined with dazzling lighting effects and the participation of hundreds of professional artists and soldiers, created a truly remarkable performance.
A Decade of Preserving Historical Values - Bridging Generations
Over the past decade, Unforgettable Anthem has become a cherished cultural treasure, transcending conventional artistic performances to embody the spirit of revolutionary music. Through meticulous orchestration, arrangement, and live performance, the program has rekindled heroic memories while underscoring the sacred significance of revolutionary music in modern life.
