Nearly 100 artists to gather for "Jazz & Friends X" in experiment for Vietnamese jazz
VOV.VN - The Jazz Department under he Vietnam National Academy of Music is set to launch a string of artistic, academic, and international exchange events under the theme "Jazz & Friends-Convergence and Spread " to mark the academy's 70th anniversary.
Announcing the program at a press conference on October 7, Dr. Nguyen Tien Manh, Head of the Jazz Department, stated that the series comprises the Jazz & Friends IX – Youth concert performed by department students, the international seminar "Jazz Music and Music Technology," the publication of the book "Authors and Works of Vietnamese Jazz 2026," and the centerpiece Jazz & Friends X concert.
Scheduled for 8:00 PM on November 6 at the Academy, Jazz & Friends X will bring together nearly 100 Vietnamese and international artists from the United States, Sweden, Norway, and the United Kingdom.
The program marks a new artistic exploration as jazz pieces composed by Vietnamese artists are performed alongside a chamber symphony orchestra for the first time. Traditional Vietnamese musical elements are woven into the works through harmony, rhythm, and improvisation, combined with music technology and Live Electronics presented by experts from Norway and Sweden, aiming to shape a distinct Vietnamese jazz vocabulary.
The international seminar on November 5 will cover composition, performance, studio technology, and pedagogical applications, accompanied by specialized workshops for artists, lecturers, and students.
Reviewing the Department's growth since its founding in 2013, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huy Phuong, Director of the Vietnam National Academy of Music, noted that annual student enrollment has risen sharply and young jazz artists regularly take part in major national events, particularly the country's foreign affairs activities.
He cited these milestones as clear proof of the Department's steady progress and elevated standing, while expressing hope that the unit will expand to add additional specializations such as Vocal, Brass, and related fields in the future.
Hanoi inspires new Jazz sounds through its culture and heritage
VOV.VN - An international seminar themed Hanoi and Jazz was held in the capital city on September 18 as part of the Hanoi International Jazz Festival 2026 (Hanoi Jazztival 2026), exploring the interplay between Jazz and the capital’s cultural landscape.
