This year’s festival marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and China (1950–2025) and officially launches the "Viet Nam–China Cultural Exchange Year." The initiative aims to celebrate innovation in music composition, performance, and education while deepening bilateral cooperation in the arts, with music serving as a powerful bridge between cultures.
The festival will be held at the Army Theatre and the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, showcasing 185 performances across seven competitive programmes, featuring works that reflect national pride, cultural heritage, and international friendship.
The performances will praise the Party, President Ho Chi Minh, the nation’s development and defence, and the evolving identity of the Vietnamese people.
The festival will comprise two main categories, with the Music Composition Fest open to newly composed works from 2024–2025 by members of the Viet Nam Composers Association. Eligible entries include songs, instrumental ensembles, and solo pieces, each no longer than seven minutes.
Meanwhile, the Viet Nam Voice and Instrumental Solo Fest will feature Vietnamese vocal and instrumental works performed by both members or non-members of the Association.
In a highlight of the closing night on November 2 at the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, the Viet Nam Composers Association will collaborate with Guangxi Arts Institute (China) to present a special Viet Nam–China symphonic music programme.
Co-created by composers from both countries, the programme will feature eight symphonic pieces and two songs, symbolising the spirit of cultural exchange and artistic unity.
