“Asian – Europe” New Music Festival 2014 set to get underway

Vietnam Composers’ Association Chairman, Do Hong Quan, who is also Head of the Festival’s organizing board, shared his thoughts on the festival with a VOV reporter.

Reporter: The festival was held 11 times in Europe over the past two decades. What prompted Vietnam’s selection to host such a significant event?

Do Hong Quan (left) and Russian composer Rashid Kalimullin at 2011 Festival

Do Hong Quan: This is a prestigious music event in the world first initiated by composers in Russia and Tatarstan in 1993. The festival is organized biennially, drawing the participation of 45 countries in Asia and Europe and receiving great applause from audience.

The last festival took place in Kazan city, Tatarstan, in April 2013, where delegates suggested the two continents take turn to host the event. As a result, Vietnam has been chosen as the first venue in Asia to arrange the world-class music stage.

Vietnamese performances at the 2013 festival left deep impressions on music-lovers. Many delegates highlight strong development of Vietnam’s music sector. Moreover, Vietnam has many musical talents recognized both domestically and overseas, such as Nguyen Van Nam, Nguyen Thien Dao and Ca Le Thuan.

Reporter: The coming festival is expected to attract a large number of composers and instrumental works. What do you think of Vietnam’s preparation for the event?

Do Hong Quan: It’s possible to say Vietnam has enormous capacity to successfully host the event. We have strong support from the Government for organizational work. We believe our talented artists such as famous violinist Bui Cong Duy, conductor Le Phi Phi can coordinate with foreign colleagues.

At present, around 200 composers from 30 countries have registered to participate in the festival. Most entries include temporary works created in the 21^st century. Therefore, the crux of the matter is how to compile programmes and arrange them in a good order.

Reporter: Do you think the approaching festival presents a rare opportunity for Vietnamese composers to go on stage?

2011 Festival in Kazan city, Tatarstan

Do Hong Quan: Definitely, it’s an excellent change for local artists to have a better view on Vietnam’s professional music, promote exchange, learn experience and get update on new music trends.

In additional to traditional works by famous composers, we also welcome more contemporary pieces by young artists like Trong Dai, Dang Huu Phuc and Duc Trinh. The festival provides local composers a good forum to show their talent and showcase Vietnam’s music sector.

Reporter: Musical instruments have not yet receive due attention of local audience. Do you think the Festival in Vietnam will change their attitude?

Do Hong Quan: Instrumental works create a foundation and establish a basic structure for the composition. World-renowned composers like Beethoven, Tchaikovski and Mozart were keen on creating instrumental works, with a focus on instrument, not singer.

Apart from Symphony and Chamber, visitors to the 2014 festival in Vietnam will enjoy many other programmes performed by folk music groups and pop music bands.

We hope to keep balance between instrumental music and modern-style music in order to help audience fully aware of the importance of instrumental music.

Reporter: Thank you.