President Truong Tan Sang received a delegation of international artists on October 8, who will perform in the Asia-Europe New Music Festival, the first of its kind in Vietnam.

The festival will be held in Hanoi and the northern province of Quang Ninh from October 8-13, featuring a number of concerts of all kinds of musical genres, ranging from symphony, orchestra, folk music and opera to choir and contemporary music.

Artists from Laos , Russia , France and the Philippines told the President their performances showcase the quintessence of contemporary music in each nation, its traditions and culture, thereby fostering global friendships.

The host said in full confidence that the festival would offer a deeper insight into Vietnamese traditional music, such as ceremonial and love duet songs, and Central Highlands gongs, all of which are recognised as world intangible cultural heritages, he added.

Starting in 1993, the festival was the product of the Russian Ministry of Culture, the Union of Composers of Russia and the Union of Composers of Tatarstan. Now in its tenth rendition, it has earned an international reputation and is highly praised by the music world.

The festival is a melting pot for hundreds of musical pieces by leading composers and performing artists, and a place for them to exchange professional experiences.

This year’s event, with artists from more than 30 countries spanning the two continents, is co-hosted by the Vietnam Association of Musicians; the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; and the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Popularisation and Education.-VNA