Colombia’s Vallenato music band performs in Hanoi
The Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations and the Colombian Embassy in Vietnam jointly organised a music exchange in Hanoi on July 18 with the participation of visiting well-known Colombian accordion player Álvaro Meza and a Vallennato band.
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Speaking at the event, Colombian Chargé d’affaires Camila Munoz Ucros said the exchange is part of activities to promote the land of Colombia abroad, aiming to help Vietnamese people get insight into Colombian culture and music, thus further boosting relations between the two nations.
At the exchange, young artists from the traditional instrument faculty of the Vietnam National Academy of Music performed pieces of music by monochord (dan bau), zither (dan tam thap luc), and bamboo flute.
Meanwhile, the band and Álvaro Meza brought audiences with folk rhythms of Vallenato – a popular folk music of Colombia.
Both countries’ artists were also interested in learning about traditional instruments of each nation.
Vallennato is one of key pillars forming the cultural character of Colombia’s Caribbean region. It tells stories in remote villages, love and adventures. The music is peformed along with Europe’ guitar and accordion, Caja drum from Africa and Guacharaca – a percussion instrument of Colombian natives.
Álvaro Meza won the championships for mamateur accordion players in Vallenato festivals in 1981 and 1991. He was nominated as the King of Vallenato Kings in 2001.
As scheduled, he will perform a concert of Vallenato in Hanoi in the evening on July 19.
