The theme “Can Tho Shining Far and Wide” resonates through the songwriting and composition competition organized by Can Tho City to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its status as a centrally-run city (January 1, 2004 – January 1, 2024).
Illustration – Source: Internet
The competition aims to call, encourage, and inspire composers, authors, artists, and those with a talent for composing traditional folk songs. It invites both professional and amateur musicians from within and beyond Can Tho to create works for the competition, with the goal of enriching the repertoire of folk songs and producing high-quality compositions about Can Tho.
The submitted works in the songwriting and folk song composition competition focus on praising the heroic traditions of the Can Tho region in the revolutionary struggle. They highlight the achievements made over the 20-year journey of development in various fields such as economy, culture, society, and national security. The objective is to instill a sense of national pride and love for the homeland, leveraging the strength of national unity. This, in turn, fosters unwavering trust in the leadership of the Party and the State. The works deeply reflect the process of innovation, the promotion of industrialization, modernization, the building of new rural areas, and the development of a clean, beautiful, and cultured city of Can Tho. The city is envisioned as a central hub and driving force of the Mekong Delta region, in line with the spirit of Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW dated August 5, 2021, by the Politburo on building and developing Can Tho City until 2030, with a vision to 2045. Additionally, it aligns with Resolution No. 45/2022/QH15 dated January 11, 2022, by the National Assembly regarding the piloting of specific mechanisms for the development of Can Tho City. The competition aims to construct a new, exemplary image of a Can Tho citizen: “Intellectual – Dynamic – Compassionate – Heroic – Elegant.” It praises the beauty of Can Tho’s people in their labor and creativity, exemplifying those who are progressive in the patriotic movement, educational activities, and adherence to the ideology, ethics, and style of Ho Chi Minh.
Illustration – Source: Internet
The general requirement for works participating in both competitions is that they must be new creations, not previously used or disseminated in any form, and free from any copyright disputes. Each author is allowed to submit a maximum of 03 works and must use only one pen name.
Entries for the competitions must be submitted in a sealed small envelope, including a personal information form (according to the attached form) that clearly states the author’s real name and pen name, date of birth, phone number; citizen identity card number, date and place of issue; permanent address, contact address; account holder, account number, bank, and branch. This envelope is securely handled by the Security and Organization Committee, only to be opened for the purpose of identifying the author and necessary information after the judging process is completed.
For the Traditional Folk Song Composition competition, the requirement for entries is that they must belong to the Folk Song category (four-line folk song, 32 beats, with the option to incorporate rhythmic patterns and concise lyrics), and no entries in the contemporary love song category will be accepted. Entries will be computer-typed on A4 paper, using the New Roman font; the author’s real name and pen name should not be included in the submitted work. The Organizing Committee accepts entries through two methods: postal mail and email (if the author sends both postal mail and email, the email should include a note stating “sent by postal mail” for easy tracking).
For the songwriting competition, entries must include both lyrics and music (using Encore software) in Times New Roman font or neatly handwritten on A4 paper. It is encouraged to include an audio recording of the song on USB or CD (either complete or as a demo); the author’s real name and pen name should not be mentioned in the submitted work. The Organizing Committee accepts entries via postal mail.
Illustration – Source: Internet
Authors participating in the two competitions should submit their entries to the Alliance of Arts and Literature Associations in Can Tho City, located at 170 Ly Tu Trong Street, An Cu Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City. Contact number: 0292.3830 403. Clearly indicate on the envelope your participation in the Songwriting Competition or the Traditional Folk Song Composition Competition, both dedicated to celebrating the 20th anniversary of Can Tho City as a centrally-run city. For the Traditional Folk Song Composition Competition, authors should submit their entries via email to baivongcoct20nam@gmail.com. The deadline for receiving competition entries is the end of September 29, 2023 (based on the postmark date and email sending time).
According to the plan, the preliminary judging for both competitions will take place in October 2023; the semifinal judging is scheduled for November 2023, with the final evaluation and award ceremony expected to occur in December 2023.
The prize structure for each competition will include: 01 First Prize; 02 Second Prizes; 03 Third Prizes, and 10 Consolation Prizes.
Reporter