Delegates attending the final night – Photo: TTDD
Distinguished guests at the contest’s finale included: Dinh Thi Mai, Deputy Head of the Central Propaganda Department; Ta Quang Dong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Vu Thu Ha, Vice Chairwoman of Hanoi People’s Committee; and Do Dinh Hong, Director of Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, among others.
The “Voice of Hanoi 2024” competition, organized by Hanoi’s Department of Culture and Sports, commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Capital’s Liberation Day (October 10, 1954 – October 10, 2024) and 1014 years of Thang Long – Hanoi.
Opening performance by 12 finalists – Photo: TTDD
Under the theme “Hanoi – A Pink Heart,” the contest attracted over 400 contestants. After preliminary and semifinal rounds, 12 outstanding contestants were selected to compete in the finals across three categories: pop, folk, and chamber music.
The finale opened with all 12 finalists performing together in “Hanoi’s 12 Seasons of Flowers” by composer Giang Son. Subsequently, each contestant presented their chosen piece.
Ms. Dinh Thi Mai, Deputy Head of the Central Propaganda Department, and Mr. Ta Quang Dong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, presenting First Prizes to outstanding contestants – Photo: TTDD
True to the competition’s theme, many contestants chose beloved songs about Hanoi for their final performances, including: “Hanoi My Love” (Doan Ngoc Linh – No. 01), “West Lake Evening Eyes” (Nguyen Minh Phuong – No. 06), “Legend of Sword Lake” (Nguyen Tran Hieu – No. 08), “October Emotions” (Phan Trung Kien – No. 10), and a medley of “People of Hanoi – Hanoi Faith and Hope” (Luu Thi Huong Thao – No. 12).
Other contemporary selections included: “Water God” (Mac Hoang Luong – No. 03), “The Girl We Love” (Le Thanh Tung – No. 05), “Vietnamese Bamboo” (Dinh Xuan Dat – No. 07), “Mother of Gac Ma” (Duong Ngoc Anh – No. 09), and “Self-Lullaby” (performed by Bui Huyen Trang).
Ms. Vu Thu Ha – Vice Chairwoman of Hanoi People’s Committee and Mr. Do Dinh Hong – Director of Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports presenting Second Prizes to outstanding contestants – Photo: TTDD
The contestants’ thorough preparation in both vocals and stage performance delivered emotionally resonant musical performances. The organizing committee awarded two First Prizes, three Second Prizes, four Third Prizes, and three Special Awards across pop, folk, and chamber music categories. Specifically, two First Prizes (worth 100 million VND each) were awarded to Nguyen Thi Thuy Linh (pop) and Bui Huyen Trang (chamber music). No First Prize was awarded in the folk category. Three Second Prizes (worth 30 million VND each) went to Mai Nguyen Anh (pop), Dinh Xuan Dat (folk), and Phan Trung Kien (pop). Five Third Prizes (worth 10 million VND each) were presented to Doan Ngoc Linh, Mac Hoang Luong, Le Thanh Tung, Nguyen Minh Phuong, and Nguyen Tran Hieu.
Mr. Nguyen Huy Cuong – Deputy Head of Hanoi Party Committee’s Propaganda Department and journalist Nguyen Manh Hung – Editor-in-Chief of Capital Youth newspaper presenting Third Prizes to outstanding contestants – Photo: TTDD
Additionally, three Special Awards (worth 10 million VND each) were presented to: Luu Thi Huong Thao – Best Hanoi Song Performance; Mai Nguyen Anh – Audience Favorite; and Duong Ngoc Anh – Judges’ Favorite.
The organizing committee presenting Special Awards to contestants – Photo: TTDD
The finale also featured guest performances by renowned artists: People’s Artist Thanh Lam performing “Red River Improvisation,” Merited Artist Dang Duong with “Will Return to the Capital,” and singer Tung Duong performing “Oh Dear, Hanoi Streets.” These explosive and impressive guest performances contributed to a spectacular finale marked by diverse musical colors and resounding success.
Reporter