Vietnamese runner-up in guitar contest

Vietnamese musician Đặng Ngọc Long was head judge. Contestants had to perform Rain by Đặng Ngọc Long and musician Nguyễn Thịnh and a 10-minute free style performance in the first round. While in the second round contestants were required to perform Mountains of the Central Highlands and a 15-minute free style performance.

“Asian ways of playing music are very different from Europe. Therefore, besides practicing, contestants have to explore the origin of the songs to reflect its spirit in the performances,” said Dang Ngoc Long who is Rector of  Berlin-Gesundbrunnen Music School.

The judges awarded first prize to Niklas Johansen from Denmark., while Peruvian contestant Francesco Scelzo won the third prize.

The Berlin International Guitar Competition & Festival received many compliments, especially in the mandatory tests, using a new school of art combining the East and the West elements by musician Đặng Ngọc Long. Đặng Ngọc Long is currently the principal of the Berlin-Gesundbrunnen Music School. He is the composer of many tunes, with Mountains of the Central Highlands one of the most well-known works.